Solitude Swale
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The Ridges Sanctuary
The Ridges Sanctuary is comprised of 1,600 acres of pristine natural areas located in Door County, Wisconsin. Formed in 1937, it is the oldest nonprofit nature preserve in the state. The Ridges is also designated as a State Natural Area, an Important Bird Area and a National Natural Landmark.
The Sanctuary is open to the public year-round, and features native wildflowers along its five miles of rustic trails and bridges. Education programs are also offered year-round. Naturalist-led hikes, youth and family programs, and a weekly lecture series highlight the summer season. Snowshoe hikes and family programs are featured during January, February and March. The Nature Store, featuring a wide variety of quality nature-related books and gifts, is open mid-May through mid-October.
How to Find Us
From State Highway 57, turn east on County Highway Q at the north edge of Baileys Harbor. The Ridges Sanctuary is the first driveway on the right (8288 Hwy Q) (map). Trails from the parking lot lead to the Nature Center, restrooms (open mid-May through mid-October) and the beginning of the hiking trails.
Trail Map
![]() | Trail maps are available at the Nature Center from mid-May through mid-October.
Download a trail map (300KB PDF) |
Safeguarding the Sanctuary



