Sanctuary Guided Hikes: Swales of the Sanctuary
2026-07-01 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-02 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-03 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-07 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-08 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-09 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-10 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-14 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) and 1 more date | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Sanctuary Guided Hikes: Swales of the Sanctuary

Join a naturalist for an exploration of The Ridges Sanctuary. We’ll head out on the trails to learn about the history of The Ridges, the unique features of the Sanctuary habitats, and what makes the Sanctuary the most biologically diverse area in Wisconsin!

Each month’s guided hike follows a theme focusing on unique aspects of the Sanctuary:

July: Swales of the Sanctuary

The wetlands of The Ridges are part of a RAMSAR Designated Wetland of International Importance. This hike will include opportunities to learn about critters that call these wetlands home and what makes them so special.

This 90-minute guided hike includes a tour of our Upper Range Light, which has been restored to the period of the last Range Light Keeper. Suitable for all ages.

Fee: Public $10 | Members receive 20% discount | 16 & under free

Registration Required.

Meet: Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center

Accessibility Considerations: On boardwalk and rustic trails, T-Loop system available, daytime program, accessible parking available, restrooms available prior to program starting.

Distance: About 1.5 miles

Register

Naturalist Chats
2026-07-02 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-07 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-09 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-11 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-14 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-16 11:00 - 12:00
Naturalist Chats

Have you ever wondered if a plant can be carnivorous or if there are any rare birds at The Ridges? Every week, a Ridges naturalist will be stationed along Hidden Brook Boardwalk with a mobile learning station to help you explore and learn something new about the Sanctuary. Our mobile learning stations will have cool animal and nature artifacts like bones, feathers, fur, and animal tracks. Stop by our Naturalist Chats to learn more! Suitable for all ages.

Rotating themes include:

Birds of The Ridges

Fossils and The Niagara Escarpment

Ridges and Swales

Pollinators of The Ridges

Omnivorous Mammals of The Ridges

Fee: Included with $5 trail fee. Donations appreciated!

Meet: Rotating positions along the Hidden Brook Boardwalk

Accessibility Considerations: Outdoor program, accessible parking available, daytime program, wheelchair accessible, wheelchairs available, restrooms available at Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center

Distance: < 0.5 miles

Naturalist Chats
2026-07-02 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-09 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-16 14:00 - 15:00
Naturalist Chats

Have you ever wondered if a plant can be carnivorous or if there are any rare birds at The Ridges? Every week, a Ridges naturalist will be stationed along Hidden Brook Boardwalk with a mobile learning station to help you explore and learn something new about the Sanctuary. Our mobile learning stations will have cool animal and nature artifacts like bones, feathers, fur, and animal tracks. Stop by our Naturalist Chats to learn more! Suitable for all ages.

Rotating themes include:

Birds of The Ridges

Fossils and The Niagara Escarpment

Ridges and Swales

Pollinators of The Ridges

Omnivorous Mammals of The Ridges

Fee: Included with $5 trail fee. Donations appreciated!

Meet: Rotating positions along the Hidden Brook Boardwalk

Accessibility Considerations: Outdoor program, accessible parking available, daytime program, wheelchair accessible, wheelchairs available, restrooms available at Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center

Distance: <0.5 miles

Free Fridays: Everybody Eats
2026-07-03 09:00 - 12:00
Free Fridays: Everybody Eats

Free Fridays are back! Join us every Friday in June, July, and August for FREE admission to the Sanctuary. Enjoy family-friendly activities on the boardwalk and front lawn, exploring a different theme each week.

What do the smallest bacteria and the largest black bear have in common? They are all part of a food web! Join us to discover how each member of our ecosystem relies on each other.

Each week will include a Free Fridays themed Sanctuary Story Hour at 9:30 am!

Free Fridays are suitable for all ages.

Fee: FREE Program. Donations appreciated!

Accessibility Considerations: Free program, outdoor program, daytime program, accessible parking available, some hiking and walking along the Hidden Brook Boardwalk, wheelchairs available, restrooms available, some uneven and unpaved terrain.

Distance: >1 mi.

Sanctuary Guided Hikes: Swales of the Sanctuary
2026-07-03 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-07-10 13:00 - 14:30
Sanctuary Guided Hikes: Swales of the Sanctuary

Join a naturalist for an exploration of The Ridges Sanctuary. We’ll head out on the trails to learn about the history of The Ridges, the unique features of the Sanctuary habitats, and what makes the Sanctuary the most biologically diverse area in Wisconsin!

Each month’s guided hike follows a theme focusing on unique aspects of the Sanctuary:

July: Swales of the Sanctuary

The Ridges is part of a RAMSAR Wetland of International Importance. This hike will include opportunities to learn about critters that call these wetlands home and what makes them so special.

This 90-minute guided hike includes a tour of our Upper Range Light, which has been restored to the period of the last Range Light Keeper. Suitable for all ages.

Fee: Public $10 | Members receive 20% discount | 16 & under free

Registration Required.

Meet: Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center

Accessibility Considerations: On boardwalk and rustic trails, T-Loop system available, daytime program, accessible parking available, restrooms available prior to program starting.

Distance: About 1.5 miles

Register

Get to Know The Ridges
2026-07-06 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-07-11 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-07-13 10:00 - 10:45
Get to Know The Ridges

Are you interested in learning about The Ridges, but don’t have time for a 90-minute guided hike? Get an introduction to the Sanctuary from one of our Guided Hike leaders! Get a taste of the history and ecology of the Sanctuary on a stroll down Hidden Brook Boardwalk.

Fee: Included with $5 trail fee. Donations Appreciated!

Accessibility Considerations: This hike starts on the front lawn of the Nature Center (uneven/ unpaved surfaces), then continues down Hidden Brook Boardwalk, daytime program, restrooms available prior to hike, accessible parking available.

Distance: About 0.5 miles to the Upper Range Light

Rocks & Ledges: Appel’s Bluff Geology Hike
2026-07-08 10:30 - 12:00
Rocks & Ledges: Appel’s Bluff Geology Hike

Ever wonder what Door County looked like 5,000 years ago? 10,000 years ago? What about 450 million years ago? Discover ancient shorelines of the Door Peninsula at The Ridges Appel’s Bluff property! Learn about the geology, plants, and habitats of the surrounding landscape and current Ridges research efforts on the property. Suitable for all ages.

Fee: Public $15 | Members receive 20% discount | 16 & under $7

Accessibility Considerations: On rustic trails with uneven ground. No restrooms available at Trailhead.

Distance: 1-1.5 miles

Pre-registration required.

Register

Free Fridays: The Incredible Journey of Water
2026-07-10 09:00 - 12:00
Free Fridays: The Incredible Journey of Water

Free Fridays are back! Join us every Friday in June, July, and August for FREE admission to the Sanctuary. Enjoy family-friendly activities on the boardwalk and front lawn, exploring a different theme each week.

This Week: Follow the journey of a single drop of water as it moves through the Water Cycle.

Each week will include a Free Fridays themed Sanctuary Story Hour at 9:30 am!

Free Fridays are suitable for all ages.

Fee: FREE Program. Donations appreciated!

Accessibility Considerations: Free program, outdoor program, daytime program, accessible parking available, some hiking and walking along the Hidden Brook Boardwalk, wheelchairs available, restrooms available, some uneven and unpaved terrain.

Distance: >1 mi.

*CANCELLED* Sanctuary Guided Hikes: Swales of the Sanctuary
2026-07-16 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-17 10:00 - 11:30
*CANCELLED* Sanctuary Guided Hikes: Swales of the Sanctuary

Join a naturalist for an exploration of The Ridges Sanctuary. We’ll head out on the trails to learn about the history of The Ridges, the unique features of the Sanctuary habitats, and what makes the Sanctuary the most biologically diverse area in Wisconsin!

Each month’s guided hike follows a theme focusing on unique aspects of the Sanctuary:

July: Swales of the Sanctuary

The wetlands of The Ridges are part of a RAMSAR Designated Wetland of International Importance. This hike will include opportunities to learn about critters that call these wetlands home and what makes them so special.

This 90-minute guided hike includes a tour of our Upper Range Light, which has been restored to the period of the last Range Light Keeper. Suitable for all ages.

Fee: Public $10 | Members receive 20% discount | 16 & under free

Registration Required.

Meet: Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center

Accessibility Considerations: On boardwalk and rustic trails, T-Loop system available, daytime program, accessible parking available, restrooms available prior to program starting.

Distance: About 1.5 miles

Register

Lake Lessons: Range Lights & The Ridges
2026-07-16 18:00 - 19:30
Lake Lessons: Range Lights & The Ridges

Have you ever wondered what makes a range light different from a lighthouse? Or how these iconic buildings helped create and shape The Ridges Sanctuary as it is today? Join Ed Miller for a lively discussion about the iconic Range Lights that call The Ridges home. Since the founding of Bailey’s Harbor to present day, this pair of buildings has shaped how we conserve, protect, and interact with this unique ecosystem.

The Ridges honors its history of accessible and impactful conservation education through Lake Lessons. These evening programs will highlight three different lighthouses around Door County and how their history has shaped the Peninsula.

Fee: FREE Program. Donations appreciated!

Meet: Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center

Accessibility Considerations: Indoor program, Accessible parking available, seating available, evening program, free program

Register

Free Fridays: Fly Dragons
2026-07-17 09:00 - 12:00
Free Fridays: Flying Dragons

Free Fridays are back! Join us every Friday in June, July, and August for FREE admission to the Sanctuary. Enjoy family-friendly activities on the boardwalk and front lawn, exploring a different theme each week.

This Week: Are dragonflies really one of the most accurate hunters in the animal kingdom? Learn the answer to this question, and a few other fun facts, while exploring our dragonfly themed activities through the sanctuary.

Each week will include a Free Fridays themed Sanctuary Story Hour at 9:30 am!

Free Fridays are suitable for all ages.

Fee: FREE Program. Donations appreciated!

Accessibility Considerations: Free program, outdoor program, daytime program, accessible parking available, some hiking and walking along the Hidden Brook Boardwalk, wheelchairs available, restrooms available, some uneven and unpaved terrain.

Distance: >1 mi.
