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    Ridges Sanctuary Nature Center

    4.8 (18 reviews)

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    Wendy L.

    Put this on your list of top things to do if you have elderly or young kids in your party. They are wheelchair and stroller friendly. We did the boardwalk and it was a nice, easy stroll. We spotted birds, turtles, dragonflies and bunnies on our walk.

    Majestic trees along the paths at The Ridges Sanctuary and Nature Center.

    My husband and I arrived on a cool, windy morning, and were greeted by Don in the lovely welcome center. He gave us a map and told us a little about the 1700 acres, the trails, and some of the unusual things to look for. After thanking him, we walked along the outside of the building and onto a wood-paved path that wound through a lovely wooden bridge. We found the paths beyond to be well-marked and very well maintained, but not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers because tree roots dominate them when the wooden paving ends. Autumn was in full glory here, but the park has many conifers and trees that stay green most of the year. The smell of those trees was delightful, and the sight and sound of the wind rustling through them was peaceful. There are many signs that give the names of trees and plants, especially the rare native species. Several of the paths have offshoots called swales that end in wetlands full of cattails and other aquatic plants. There are benches on some that welcome tired hikers. I imagine during warmer times the sound of frogs and the sight of dragonflies add to the ambience. We saw two small odd-looking lighthouses along one trail, and read that mariners on ships once lined up the red and white lights in both historical structures to avoid shoals and other dangers in the harbor. These were in use before more modern lighthouses were built. We saw several flights of geese beginning their migrations, and spotted deer tracks. We walked about 2 1/2 miles that morning, appreciating the beauty and scents of nature, very happy we didn't miss this experience.

    Super cute gift store with unique items for sale.
    Debbie G.

    I highly recommend going here. The building and grounds are beautiful. The nature center is a perfect size to learn about the ridges and swales. There is a wonderful little gift shop with unique gifts and educational items. The staff is super friendly. The boardwalk trails are great and a walk to the little lighthouse is a must. I was there in the fall. Not much color due to the types of trees in the area but I really enjoyed stopping here. It is so nice to see nature preserves like this.

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    6 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    11 months ago

    Wonderful nature center and trails. The main Ridges Center can tell you about their other trails in Door County.

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    1 year ago

    The range lighthouses were a first for me! Cool concept and history. Walking the ridges trails were well maintained

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    2 years ago

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    11 months ago

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    8 years ago

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    12 years ago

    Extremely kind and knowledgeable staff, easy hike, gorgeous property. If you're even remotely into nature, give it a try!

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    Review Highlights - Ridges Sanctuary Nature Center

    The trails to and around the Lighthouses were short and easy and a bit of boardwalk makes it even easier.

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    Peninsula State Park - The snow and ice melting

    Peninsula State Park

    4.5(127 reviews)
    7.4 mi

    I'm adding an update since it's been 4 years since my last review of this park, but please also see…read moremy 2 earlier reviews. They have completely rebuilt the fire tower adding an accessible ramp. While we are able to climb stairs, we enjoyed the ramp a great deal. I'm not a huge fan of open stairs and found this wide ramp that is intended for both wheelchair users and walkers to be a very pleasant way to reach the viewing platform and return to ground level. The view from the top is amazing on a clear day. We also walked part of the sunset bike trail as an out and back which was lovely. We started at the beach, headed toward the lighthouse and continued on to the bluffs/cliffs before turning around. It was about 6 miles round trip and had lots of wildflowers and beaches along the way. This is a great trail for anyone who doesn't want to navigate a lot of tree roots or rocks. Other updates: The lighthouse is being refurbished and is scheduled to reopen later in June 2026. There are now food trucks near the beach if you don't feel like bringing a picnic lunch!

    This is a review of the park of someone who went there on a rainy day to see some spots but did not…read morecamp or spend a lot of time. To access the park, you have to pay a vehicle admission pass at the visitor center. Daily pass for out-of-state plates is $16. The rates are different for Wisconsin plates and senior citizens. 12-month pass is available as well. The small gift shop in the visitor center has magnets, stickers, paper weights, shirts, etc. There are also comfort rooms inside. It was raining when we visited. The rain stopped for a bit and we were able to see Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. We weren't able to go in the lighthouse because it was still early and not yet open. It was okay from the outside. We also went to see the Eagle Tower. Since it was raining and dark clouds were all over, we did not see the nice view that this spot is known for.

    Photos
    Peninsula State Park - Dog having fun!

    Dog having fun!

    Peninsula State Park
    Peninsula State Park

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    Rock Island State Park - Inside the party room above boathouse. Look at the chandelier.

    Rock Island State Park

    4.8(21 reviews)
    28.2 mi

    This island is definitely worth the ferry rides to get there. You can tour the lighthouse and hike…read morethe entire island. The lighthouse attendants are so friendly and knowledgeable. Very beautiful place to see.

    Rock Island is, well, rocky. Make sure you have sturdy soled shoes or hiking boots because hiking…read morearound without them will sincerely tire out your feet. Unless you have your own boat access, you will take two boats to get there. The first is from the tip of the Door County peninsula to Washington Island, and the second is from Washington Island to Rock Island. Now, you may take your vehicle to Washington Island, but Rock Island is pedestrian traffic only. That is because there is nothing on it....it's uninhabited forest save for birds and some ground dwelling animals, like squirrels and chipmunks. You may hike around the island (it's large, but not huge, it doesn't take all day), and primitive camp. There are a few buildings you can visit and some you can even go in. Food and beverage is allowed, but you must bring it with you, and take all trash with you when you leave. Make sure to get back to the dock at one of the scheduled departure times, especially if you need to make the ferry back to the mainland. If you miss the last boat on either island, you're stuck until the following day. 6/2025

    Photos
    Rock Island State Park - Me doing yoga on a rock in the lake.

    Me doing yoga on a rock in the lake.

    Rock Island State Park - Fireplace in the upstairs party room.

    Fireplace in the upstairs party room.

    Rock Island State Park - Boathouse and upstairs party room, which is gorgeous.

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    Boathouse and upstairs party room, which is gorgeous.

    Ridges Sanctuary Nature Center - parks - Updated September 2026

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