The Ridges Sanctuary
The Ridges Sanctuary
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
Features animals
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11 within 3 miles
Attractions
14 within 6 miles
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- Sara S3 contributionsBeautiful in any seasonThe trails at the Ridges are designed so that you can tailor your walk to whatever distance works for you. In the summer there will be mosquitos, so be prepared. After our second hike there we paid for a membership because we knew we'd be back often and we wanted to support them.Visited December 2022Written December 29, 2022
- MomRoccoChicago, Illinois540 contributionsAn oasis of peace and quiet. Definitely stop by and enjoy.This was our second visit to The Ridges and this time we had good weather and dry trails. The trail to the lighthouses is a great walk on a wooden plank walkway. Trails leading off the walkway are well maintained and well marked. I love that there are so many places to just sit, breath, and enjoy nature. Gift shop has a variety of items, but I love the nature-themed greeting cards by Sarah Angst.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 12, 2023
- TiffanyjimMarion, Iowa1,122 contributionsNice way to spend the morning!My husband and I trekked across the peninsula from Ephraim to check this out and go on a short walk. $10 total for us to go in, and we followed the map we were given. We saw the range lights which history was very interesting. The area is clean and a lot to see and read along the way! Nice way to spend a morning in Door County!Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 28, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
265 reviews
Excellent
199
Very good
49
Average
12
Poor
3
Terrible
2
AndrewFromMadison
Madison, WI3,292 contributions
Aug 2020
Those who come to Door County seldom leave without seeing The Ridges. The place is well known and advertised everywhere, so I am sure you will not miss it. However, no disrespect to the sanctuary, I would also recommend browsing around - The Ridges is sandwiched and is adjacent to other, similar properties, like Toft Point, or Moonlight Bay, and some smaller properties - all parts of the awesome constellation of preserves and protected areas.
Written January 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason
Palatine, IL17 contributions
Jul 2020
Good educational area on different eco systems of the area.
Trails are rather flat and easy.
Definently recommend for those with young kids and those who want to hike but do not want a strenuous work out.
Check out the Harbor lights here
Trails are rather flat and easy.
Definently recommend for those with young kids and those who want to hike but do not want a strenuous work out.
Check out the Harbor lights here
Written July 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill B
Charleston, SC31 contributions
Jul 2021
Great place to explore early in the AM when the town is still quiet and not many people are out. A lot of wildlife to be seen if you are quiet and take your time. Unique series of dune ridges and swales.
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sara S
3 contributions
Dec 2022
The trails at the Ridges are designed so that you can tailor your walk to whatever distance works for you. In the summer there will be mosquitos, so be prepared. After our second hike there we paid for a membership because we knew we'd be back often and we wanted to support them.
Written December 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TJboard56
Indiana38 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
We decided to go to Ridges Sanctuary on our last day in Door County. We could not go into the nature center due to Covid restrictions. Our first stop on our trail was the Lilly Pads and the LOUD frogs! The Boardwalk was so nice making for an enjoyable easy walk. The dirt paths, once you left the Boardwalk, are clear making the walk nice as well. Just so peaceful to be in the woods enjoying nature. The trails are very well marked and you can hike as much or as little as you like. Range Lights Lighthouse is operational and you can go inside. Also you can cross the street to a small public beach with nice clean restrooms. We saw a mama deer then a short ways later 2 babies. Some flowers were in bloom. Such a well maintained park and we will visit again when we return next year!
Written July 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristin G
Bozeman, MT158 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
Very exciting that they had an electric vehicle charger (make a donation) for use so we could charge our car while we took a walk. It was a rainy day and the wood was fairly slick. They did have netting in parts to increase the coefficient of friction. If I had children that like to run and frolic I would have been a nervous mess. I would not suggest it during damp times for them. I only had to make sure I didn’t fall on my butt. I was wearing trail shoes and did pretty good. The walk took you through some interesting beach/forest mixes. You can meander and probably put together some decent mileage. We went on a Sunday so we did NOT get to visit the nature center.
Written June 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ProMomof2
Chicago, IL8 contributions
May 2021 • Family
I would not have guessed this nature walk would have clicked all the requirements for a great day for my teens and my mate…plenty of baritone things to see. Would have been great to go to the beach for a picnic if it were hot but it was cold. We walked a lot… covered only about half the trails and took lots of pretty photos. The story of the ridge lights is really neat to learn
Written May 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cobble
Door County, WI151 contributions
Jan 2020
Living a mile from here I visit often. The boardwalk makes it easy for nearly everyone to enjoy it. There are special events year-round and always reasonably priced, or even free. I've enjoyed it day and night, walking and snowshoeing. Kids love it, (and their summer camps for kids are great).
The Upper Range Light is often open and you'll learn a lot in a tour. I highly recommend this for anyone of any age!
The Upper Range Light is often open and you'll learn a lot in a tour. I highly recommend this for anyone of any age!
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steffi H
Findlay, OH141 contributions
Jul 2020
This was my 3rd time to the Ridges, but the 1st time I took a guided hike with a naturalist. I was so impressed. It was led by a retired teacher turned volunteer, Bill I think was his name. And he gave us a great tour. It was interesting and I learned so much from this experience.
It was an extra special treat to be able to go into the rear range lighthouse and look around and we even went up to see the lantern room.
If you have never been to the Ridges, don't miss it. It is beautiful. So much diversity in the trees and plants, plus lots of dragonflies, butterflies, frogs, etc. in the swales.
It was an extra special treat to be able to go into the rear range lighthouse and look around and we even went up to see the lantern room.
If you have never been to the Ridges, don't miss it. It is beautiful. So much diversity in the trees and plants, plus lots of dragonflies, butterflies, frogs, etc. in the swales.
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tina
Blair, NE6 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
The boardwalk and trails are a hidden gem. Unexpected pleasant surprise! Nature center was closed due to Covid, but trails alone are worth the stop. You can also see 2 range lighthouses on the boardwalk as well as walk to the waterfront. Our visit was about 45 min for approx 1 mile of exploring.
Written July 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I need specific directions on how to get to the parking lot East of the Upper Range light. I would like to walk the Red Loop Trail, and the rest of our group would do fine on the boardwalk (2 in wheel chairs).
We will be coming North on Hwy. 57 Can you help?
James M. Lurquin
sidoswego
Oswego, IL28 contributions
Here is your answer to the Red Loop....You have to check in at the visitor's center in Bailey's Harbor first .. then get back into your car and drive north about a mile to Road Q .. I think you can only turn right but turn R and after about 1/2 mile you will see the Ridges parking lot on your right.The Red Loop features an observation deck and a long pier that will take you to Solitude Swale.
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Claim your listingThe Ridges Sanctuary - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Ridges Sanctuary
- Hotels near The Ridges Sanctuary:
- (0.07 mi) Blacksmith Inn On the Shore
- (0.07 mi) Century Old Door County in-Town Farmhouse
- (0.25 mi) Baileys Harbor Schoolhouse Inn
- (0.17 mi) Nelson Lakeview Suites & Motel
- (0.21 mi) Beautiful Home in Baileys Harbor
- Restaurants near The Ridges Sanctuary:
- (0.16 mi) Baileys Harbor Cornerstone Pub and Restaurant
- (0.17 mi) Heirloom Cafe & Provisions
- (0.21 mi) Bearded Heart Coffee
- (0.29 mi) Harbor Fish Market & Grille
- (0.18 mi) The Candy Bar Door County
The Ridges Sanctuary Information
Excellent Reviews | 199 |
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Very Good Reviews | 49 |
The Ridges Sanctuary Photos | 148 |