Hours and Policies

Below are helpful suggestions to make your hike and hikes for others more pleasant while avoiding disruption to The Ridges environment:

• Do not pick or disturb any plants.
• For your own safety, stay on the trails at all times. Rare and fragile plants grow on the sides of the trails and are vulnerable to disturbance.
• Dogs and bikes are prohibited on Ridges Sanctuary trails.
• Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited on Ridges Sanctuary property.
• Boardwalks and bridges may be slippery when wet. Use caution.
• Do not use snowshoes on the boardwalks — Use designated snowshoe trails.
• Please report any fallen trees on the trails or any other problems you may encounter to The Ridges Sanctuary, 920-839-2802.

We invest substantial funding and effort each year to ensure the Sanctuary is preserved for many generations to come.

We welcome the opportunity to host photographers and their clients on the grounds but must ensure minimal interruption to our visitors and have zero impact on sensitive habitat areas on the property.

For this policy, a professional photographer is defined as someone who is being paid to take photographs at The Ridges Sanctuary. This includes amateur photographers acting in the role of professional photographers.

The Ridges Sanctuary aligns with the Door County Leave No Trace framework of minimum impact practices. Before venturing out onto Ridges trails, please be aware of the seven principles:

1. Know before you go
2. Stick to the trails
3. Trash your trash
4. Leave it as you found it
5. Be careful with fire
6. Keep wildlife wild
7. Share our trails, roads, and natural resources

All persons are welcome at The Ridges Sanctuary.

We are dedicated to inclusiveness and accessibility and are committed to an environment where staff, volunteers and all visitors are treated equally and with respect.