Photo by Andrew Pirrung
More than a walk in the woods
Experience one of the Midwest’s most biologically diverse ecosystems, where kids hike for free, and trails are open from dawn til dusk.
Always something to do
All Events-
Get to Know The Ridges
Mondays and Saturdays starting in May -
Sanctuary Guided Hike
June 30, 2026 -
Tiny Trekkers | July (Thurs.) | Teeny Tadpoles
July 02, 2026 -
Logan Creek Stewardship Workdays
July 02, 2026 -
Barberry Pirates Workday
July 07, 2026 -
Rocks & Ledges: Appel’s Bluff Geology Hike
July 08, 2026 -
Photography Workshop
July 10, 2026 -
Lake Lessons
July 16, 2026 -
Walk & Talk with Ridges Research Team: July
July 20, 2026 -
Woods & Water: Exploring Logan Creek
July 22, 2026 -
89th Annual Meeting of The Ridges Sanctuary
August 01, 2026 -
Tiny Trekkers
August 06, 2026
There’s magic when land preservation, education, and research come together.
What started as 30 acres has grown from a local gem to a national treasure – with international appeal and members in all 50 states.
1,700+
Acres preserved
2,600
Boardwalk feet (ft.)
30
Ridges and swales
29
Unique orchid species
News from the Ridges & Swales
Nature Notes: What Makes an Orchid an Orchid?
“What makes an orchid an orchid?” is a question we hear often at The Ridges Sanctuary. There are several ways to answer it, depending on whether you approach the question through history, biology, or the emotional response these plants seem to inspire.
In The News: The Northern Long-Eared Bat
Nature Notes: A Reflection on Dragonfly 4k
Nature Notes: Protecting Rare Ecosystems
