Ridges Loop

The Ridges Loop winds through one of the most ecologically significant places in the Midwest: The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor, on the Lake Michigan side of Wisconsin's Door County peninsula. Founded in 1937 as Wisconsin's first land trust, this 1,600-acre National Natural Landmark is home to a rare boreal forest ecosystem, a network of ancient sand ridges, and 25+ species of native orchids — one of the richest orchid habitats in North America.

It's a short, easy, family-friendly loop with extraordinary biological depth — the kind of trail where every step reveals something a botanist would happily spend a day on.

The Trail

• Distance: 1.45-mile loop
• Elevation gain: ~62 ft (essentially flat)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Route type: Loop
• Surface: Wooden boardwalks and packed dirt paths

The loop traces a route through the sanctuary's signature ridge-and-swale terrain — a series of parallel sand ridges separated by wetland depressions (swales), each ridge representing an ancient Lake Michigan shoreline as the water level retreated over thousands of years. Boardwalks carry you over the wettest sections, making the experience comfortable while protecting the fragile habitat below.

The loop is easily completed in 30 minutes to an hour depending on how often you stop to inspect orchids, birds, and interpretive signs.

Why It's Special

25+ Native Orchid Species The Ridges Sanctuary is one of the most prolific orchid habitats in the United States. Depending on the season, you may spot:

• Showy Lady's Slipper (the state's most iconic native orchid) — typically blooms late June
• Yellow Lady's Slipper — blooms in May/early June
• Ram's Head Lady's Slipper (rare)
• Calypso Orchid (rare, fairy slipper)
• Various rein orchids, ladies' tresses, and bog orchids

Boreal Forest Ecosystem The sanctuary preserves a true boreal forest community unusual at this latitude — white cedar, balsam fir, white spruce, and tamarack — typically found much further north. The combination of cool Lake Michigan winds and the sand ridge geography creates microclimates that support northern species.

National Natural Landmark Designated by the National Park Service in 1967 in recognition of its exceptional ecological value.

The Range Lights Two historic 1869 lighthouses — the Upper and Lower Range Lights — sit at the edge of the sanctuary, originally built to guide ships into Baileys Harbor. They're now restored historical landmarks and one of the unique photo stops on the trail.

Wildlife & Birding

The Ridges Sanctuary is one of Door County's premier birding destinations. Watch for:

• Warblers during spring and fall migrations — particularly impressive numbers
• Sandhill cranes in the wetland areas
• Pileated woodpeckers in the older forest sections
• Great blue herons along the swales
• White-tailed deer throughout
• Frogs, snakes, and salamanders in the swale wetlands

Bring binoculars.

Important Rules

The Ridges Sanctuary is a strictly protected preserve with rules that differ from typical hiking spots:

• No dogs — even on leash. This is non-negotiable; the ecosystem is too sensitive.
• No bikes
• No picnicking on trails — designated areas only
• Stay on the boardwalks and marked trails — the orchids and swales are extremely fragile
• No collecting — flowers, plants, or anything else
• Drones prohibited

Admission

The Ridges Sanctuary is a nonprofit and charges an admission fee to support conservation and trail maintenance:

• Daily admission: typically $10–$15 per adult; kids often free or discounted
• Members: free
• Open hours: Vary seasonally — usually 8 AM to 5 PM in summer; check current hours
• Buy tickets at the Cook-Albert Fuller Center (the visitor center)

Seasonal Guide

• Spring (May–early June): Yellow Lady's Slippers, ephemeral wildflowers, warbler migration — outstanding birding
• Early summer (June–July): Peak orchid season — Showy Lady's Slipper bloom is the headline event. Also peak mosquito and biting fly season — bring DEET-strength bug spray.
• Late summer (August): Bog orchids, dragonflies, quieter trails
• Fall (September–October): Excellent color, fall migration, fewer biting bugs
• Winter: Snowshoeing on some trails; check ahead. The Cook-Albert Fuller Center is open for educational programming.

What to Bring

• Strong bug spray — the swale wetlands breed mosquitoes and biting flies, especially in June and July
• Binoculars — for birds and orchid details
• Camera with macro lens if you're into orchid photography
• Water and snacks — none available on trail
• A field guide to wildflowers/orchids or use the Merlin Bird ID app
• Comfortable walking shoes — even though it's flat, the boardwalks can be slick when wet
• Sun protection for the open sections

Practical Info

• Land manager: The Ridges Sanctuary (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit)
• Visitor center: Cook-Albert Fuller Center, 8166 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI
• Website: ridgessanctuary.org
• Coordinates: 45.07263, -87.12125
• Parking: Free, on-site lot
• Restrooms: At the visitor center
• Dogs: Not allowed
• From Door County town centers: Baileys Harbor is centrally located on the Lake Michigan side; ~30–45 min from Sturgeon Bay
• From Green Bay: ~1.5 hours
• Pair with: A Door County day trip — Cana Island Lighthouse, Newport State Park (great for stargazing — a Dark Sky Park), and the Baileys Harbor town center for fish boils, cherry pie, and local breweries

Supporting the Sanctuary

The Ridges Sanctuary is maintained entirely through admissions, donations, and memberships — a paid admission, annual membership, or contribution helps protect Wisconsin's most ecologically important native plant communities for the next generation. Visit ridgessanctuary.org to support the mission.