Our Story
- In 1937, The Ridges Sanctuary became Wisconsin’s first land trust. For 80 years it has been an integral part of the rich, natural setting of the Baileys Harbor community and the Door County Peninsula. Founded to preserve the original 30 acre parcel, The Ridges has grown thoughtfully and strategically to ensure the protection of the most biologically diverse ecosystem in Wisconsin.
Visit Us
- The Cook-Albert Fuller Center, Hidden Brook Boardwalk, and nature trails are open year-round. Come and explore all The Ridges has to offer. From guided hikes to tours of the Range Lights, The Ridges offers adults, families, and tour groups a wide variety of options for their visit.
Education
- The Ridges is committed to providing education programs for both children and adults. Our goal is to increase the appreciation for our rich natural landscape and to foster connections with the natural world. We provide several programs, year-round, that are great for adults, children, and families. The Ridges strives to meet its mission of education and outreach.
Land Preservation
- The Ridges is named for its distinctive topography - a series of 30 ridges and swales formed by the movement of Lake Michigan over the past 1100 years. Today, The Ridges owns 1,600 acres in and around Baileys Harbor. In recognition of its rich diversity, The Ridges Sanctuary has been designated as a Wisconsin State Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service, a National Audubon Important Bird Area and a Wisconsin Wetland Gem.
Research
- The Ridges and surrounding landscapes have been recognized as the most biologically diverse area in the State by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. To protect The Ridges, research initiatives must provide an understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics and connections to the larger landscapes or watersheds.
Publications
- The Ridges has a number of resources available to help you learn more about this amazing place.

The Ridges Sanctuary

Preservation, Education, and Research

Membership

Membership Categories:

Individual Membership:

Cost: $45 tax deductible contribution

What: Annual membership for one individual

Includes: Free, year-round admission to all Ridges trails, mailed copy of Program Guide (4) and Sanctuary (2), 10% Discount on store items (Excludes Food and Books), qualify for member rates for programs.

Family Membership (Household):

Cost: $70 tax deductible contribution

What: Annual membership for one individual and their spouse and immediate children living in the home.

Includes: Free, year-round admission to all Ridges trails, mailed copy of Program Guide (4) and Sanctuary (2), 10% Discount on store items (Excludes Food and Books), qualify for member rates for programs.

Family Plus Membership:

Cost: $100 tax deductible contribution

What: Annual membership for one individual, their spouse, and 8 hike tokens to be handed out to anyone you wish.

Includes: Free, year-round admission to all Ridges trails, mailed copy of Program Guide (4) and Sanctuary (2), 10% Discount on store items (Excludes Food and Books), qualify for member rates for programs.

Lifetime Membership:

Cost: $2,500 tax deductible contribution to The Ridges Endowment Fund

What: Lifetime membership for one individual and their spouse.

Includes: Free, lifetime admission to all Ridges trails, mailed copy of Program Guide (4) and Sanctuary (2), 10% Discount on store items (Excludes Food and Books), qualify for member rates for programs.

Gift Membership:

Cost: Based off of membership needed

What: An annual membership gifted and paid for by a separate individual.

Includes: Free, year-round admission to all Ridges trails, mailed copy of Program Guide (4) and Sanctuary (2), 10% Discount on store items (Excludes Food and Books), qualify for member rates for programs.

To become a member, simply enroll and pay online using Square or print a membership form and mail it with your payment to:

The Ridges Sanctuary

PO Box 152

Baileys Harbor, WI 54202.

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