Free Fridays
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Check back soon for more information on Free Fridays summer of 2026!
Thank you for joining us for the 2025 summer of Free Fridays at The Ridges! We had such an amazing year!
Admission to The Sanctuary is FREE on Fridays in June, July, and August. Each week a different theme will be explored through activities on the front lawn or along Hidden Brook Boardwalk. Themes include macroinvertebrates, mammals of The Ridges, bird migration and more!
Come enjoy the Ridges Sanctuary for free, learn about aspects of Sanctuary flora and fauna, and experience fun activities for all ages!
Free Fridays is made possible in part by 100+ Women Who Care Door County and the Door County Community Foundation. The Ridges is excited to provide accessible and inclusive experiences for our community with the support of 100+ Women Who Care Door County and the Door County Community Foundation. We are committed to being a safe space, welcoming all, and encouraging collective connection to the outdoors and with each other.
2025 Free Fridays Schedule
Admission on Fridays in June, July, and August will be free from the Sanctuary opening at dawn to the Sanctuary closing at dusk. Activities will be available from 9:00 am – noon .
June 27: Trees of The Ridges
Come visit The Ridges Sanctuary and hit the trails to learn about trees found in the Sanctuary! Visitors will be able to explore the trails at no cost as part of Free Fridays.
July 11: Swales, Wetlands & more
Join us at The Ridges Sanctuary to learn about wetlands and how they act as filters!
Visitors will be able to explore the trails at no cost and find out why wetlands are so good for us and nature.
July 18: Under the Swales!
Who lives under the water in the swales? Join us at The Ridges Sanctuary to explore the little creatures found in our waterways.
Visitors will be able to explore the trails at no cost and engage in hands-on activities to learn about the macroinvertebrates that call The Ridges home.
July 25: Birds of The Ridges and where they go!
Join us at The Ridges Sanctuary to find out who is chirping and flying by!
Visitors will be able to explore the trails at no cost and find out which birds are sharing our space.
August 1: Mammals of The Ridges
Ever wondered about what an otter feels like? Or what a bird’s skull looks like? Join us at The Ridges to learn about some of the mammals that call The Ridges home.
Visitors will be able to explore the trails at no cost and engage in hands-on activities to learn about mammals of The Ridges.
August 8: Watersheds – Where Does It Go?
Come visit The Ridges Sanctuary and hit the trails to learn about how water moves!
Visitors will be able to explore the trails at no cost and engage in a hands-on game and exploration to see why water is so important to us here!
August 15: Geology of The Ridges
Rock out at The Ridges! We have some cool geology here, join us to learn a little more about it.
Visitors will be able to explore the trails at no cost and engage in hands-on activities to learn about the unique geology found at The Ridges and in the Door Peninsula.
August 22: Nature Appreciation
Come join us at The Ridges Sanctuary to take a breath and let nature surround you.
Visitors will be able to explore the trails at no cost and learn about some different ways to connect with nature and appreciate it.
August 29: Monarchs
Come join us at The Ridges Sanctuary for Free Friday during Monarch Madness! Explore and look for Monarch butterflies and caterpillars.
Visitors will be able to explore the trails at no cost and engage in hands-on activities to learn about Monarch butterflies.
If you have questions about Free Fridays, please call (920) 839-2802.
