The Ridges Sanctuary

The Ridges Sanctuary is Wisconsin’s oldest member-based nature preserve. The 1600-acre wildflower preserve is a Door County treasure, harboring one of the largest concentrations of rare plants in the Midwest.

The Ridges is also recognized as:

  • The most biologically diverse area in Wisconsin, with over 475 plant species
  • National Natural Landmark
  • Wisconsin State Natural Area
  • Location of 25 of the 40 orchid species in Wisconsin
  • National Audubon Society Important Bird Area

 

Visit 5 miles of sanctuary trails daily, from dawn to dusk. It is a great place to hike or participate in one of their programs.

  • Self-guided or naturalist-led hikes
  • Children’s programs
  • Thursday evening programs
  • Workshops and outings

 

 

Visiting Door County

Things To Do | The Ridges Sanctuary | Seasonal Activities (PDF)

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The Ridges Sanctuary

The Ridges Sanctuary is Wisconsin’s oldest member-based nature preserve. The 1600-acre wildflower preserve is a Door County treasure, harboring one of the largest concentrations of rare plants in the Midwest.

The Ridges is also recognized as:

  • The most biologically diverse area in Wisconsin, with over 475 plant species
  • National Natural Landmark
  • Wisconsin State Natural Area
  • Location of 25 of the 40 orchid species in Wisconsin
  • National Audubon Society Important Bird Area

 

Visit 5 miles of sanctuary trails daily, from dawn to dusk. It is a great place to hike or participate in one of their programs.

  • Self-guided or naturalist-led hikes
  • Children’s programs
  • Thursday evening programs
  • Workshops and outings

 

 

 

Blooming Months Chart

The photos shown above are just a few of the wildflowers found in the Sanctuary.

Common Name Scientific Name Typical Blooming Dates
Arctic Primrose Primula mistassinica May 1 - June 19
Dwarf Lake Iris Iris lacustris May 10 - June 23
Indian Paintbrush Castilleja coccinea May 18 - August 30
Gaywings Polygala paucifolia May 18 - June 21
Bog Buckbean Menyanthes trifoliata May 24 - June 15
Pink Moccasin Flower Cypripedium acaule June 5 - June 30
Yellow Lady’s-slipper Cypripedium calceolus var. pubescens June 5 - July 1
Labrador Tea Ledum groenlandicum June 5 - June 30
Twinflower Linnaea borealis June 12 - July 12
Shrubby Potentilla Potentilla fruticosa June 12 - October 10
Pitcher Plant Sarracenia purpurea June 12 - July 5
Thimbleberry Rubus parviflorus June 15 - July 6
Lance-leaved Coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata June 15 - August 9
Wild Rose Rosa blanda June 15 - August 10
Wood Lily Lilium philadelphicum June 23 - July 20
Grass Pink Orchid Calopogon pulchellus June 23 - July 18
Showy Lady’s-slipper Cypripedium reginae June 22 - July 14
Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta June 23 - September 14
Ohio Goldenrod Solidago ohioensis July 29 - September 1
Grass of Parnassus Parnassia glauca August 5 - September 14
Dune Goldenrod Solidago simplex August 21 - September 14
Fringed Gentian Gentiana procera August 24 - October 1