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A Time to Experience Nature

Summer is a very important season for Wisconsinites. After months of seemingly endless snow, ice and cold, the sunshine and blue skies of the season are welcome sights. Here are a few activities that will allow you to get out and enjoy the summer sun while taking in the natural beauty of Door County.

For those with an interest in the flora and fauna of the area, the Ridges Sanctuary provides guided hikes through mid-October. The hikes start at the Ridges Nature Center, located at 8288 Highway Q in Baileys Harbor. The hikes are educational and informative, addressing the subjects of botany, entomology and environmental issues. After a brief orientation about the environmental history of the area, hikers are taken on a tour of the beautiful forests, swales and ridges in the sanctuary. Participants are given the opportunity to see regional plant and animal life in an almost completely natural state since the employees and volunteers who work at Ridges Sanctuary follow a strict policy of minimal-interference with the natural processes that occur in the sanctuary. The hikes – which last approximately an hour to an hour and a half – are interesting and scenic. If you go, however, be sure to bring heavy insect repellant, as the mosquitoes in the sanctuary are particularly voracious.

If you’re looking for something a little more active, Whitefish Dunes State Park, located at 3275 Clark Lake Rd. (also County WD) in Sturgeon Bay offers several attractions including trails, a picnic area and of course, sand dunes. One of the biggest attractions, however, is the stretch of beach in the park. With fine sand, blue water and a lack of algae, the beach is a very pleasant place to spend an afternoon. Swimmers, sunbathers, families and friends dot the shore line, some playing Frisbee or flying kites, others just relaxing. For those who like a little more structure, the park offers family-friendly activities that combine nature, education and fun. The park issues passes for an hour, day or year, with prices varying for in-state and out-of-state license plates. There is a discount for seniors as well.

Whether you like being active or just relaxing, there is a myriad of outdoor events going on this summer. As you enjoy the long-awaited sunshine, be sure to check a few out.