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)
ESPN Bass Destination (PDF) | Toft Point (Opens New Window) | Wineries | Lighthouses
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 |
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