For over 75 years, The Ridges has been an integral part of the rich, natural setting of the Baileys Harbor community and the Door County Peninsula. Founded in 1937, it is Wisconsin’s first land trust and now protects 1600 acres of the most biologically diverse ecosystem in the state - home to extraordinary forests and wetlands, winding trails, large concentrations ...

The Sanctuary is named for its distinctive topography - a series of 30 ridges and swales formed by the movement of Lake Michigan over the past 1400 years. This ridge-swale complex provides a wide range of environmental conditions, from open beach to densely shaded conifer forest.

The Lands We Protect

The Sanctuary not only provides refuge for some of Door County’s rarest treasures like the Showy Lady’s-Slipper, the queen of wildflowers, but is also a respite for people. One visitor described it as “a spot of heaven on earth in the midst of the chaos going on in the outside world.”

Celebrate Door County's Unique Beauty & Diversity!

Experience the natural areas of Door County. Migrating warblers and other songbirds return to our woodlands, and shorebirds gather on our lakes and bays. Our field trip leaders will guide you through some of the most pristine and unique natural areas in the county, some of which are not typically open to the public. Registration is open now.