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Category: Bike, Run, Hike

  • Hike This: Mink River Estuary State Natural Area, Part 2

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    I recently wrote about a hike – the Schoenbrunn Trail – on the northern side of the estuary. This week, I’m highlighting the trails south of the estuary, which are accessible by two trailheads on Mink River Road in Ellison Bay.  This is a hiking area I had never visited before. The trailheads are rather inconspicuous, and […]

  • The Ice Age Trail: Door County’s ‘Living Museum’

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    Photography by Brett Kosmider When I first heard it, the term “National Scenic Trail” conjured up images of vast mountain ranges and sweeping sunsets. Defined as a continuous trail that is 100 miles or longer and that provides “outstanding recreational opportunity,” the distinction of being named a National Scenic Trail belongs to only 11 trails […]

  • Hike This: Sand Cove and Duck Bay

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    If you’re seeking a trail that takes you snugly along the shoreline, then the section of trail along Sand Cove and Duck Bay within Newport State Park will do nicely. Its single-track path winds among roots, trees and rocks to give you glimpses of wide-open Lake Michigan on the lake side. Every so often, the […]

  • Hike This: Mink River Estuary State Natural Area

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    Photos by Aleah Kidd If you haven’t explored the Mink River Estuary yet, then I feel obligated to tell you right off that you’re missing out. And further, you need to know that the best way to experience the Mink River is by way of canoe or kayak. It’s a magical experience that’s a must-do […]

  • Crossroads Offers Virtual Programs, Hiking

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    In response to the recent Door County Public Health emergency alert, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St. in Sturgeon Bay, is offering only virtual programs.  Until further notice, the buildings at Crossroads (crossroadsatbigcreek.org) are closed, but the restrooms, trails and kayak launch are open all day, every day. The community is encouraged to use […]

  • Get Outside with Guided Hikes at The Ridges Sanctuary

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    Join a naturalist for a relaxing and informative guided hike through The Ridges Sanctuary (RidgesSanctuary.org) Tuesday – Friday, 10 am. Hikes are $5 for members, $8 for the public and free for ages 18 and younger. Meet at the Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center. The Solitude Swale guided hike on Oct. 20, 1-3 pm; and the […]

  • Hike This: White Cliff Nature Preserve

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    Hiking into the White Cliff Nature Preserve near Egg Harbor, you get the sense that the trees have been growing there for centuries – and you wouldn’t be wrong. This preserve was once part of the acreage owned by Ferdinand Hotz, a wealthy jeweler from Chicago who owned more land than any other landowner in […]

  • Get Outside at The Ridges Sanctuary

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    Take a trip to The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor for a variety of outdoor experiences.  Ridges naturalists lead guided hikes for all ages Tuesday – Friday, 10 am, which include seeing the Upper Range Light lantern room and historical cabins.  Try a Solitude Swale guided hike Sept. 29, 1-3 pm; or a Rustic Trails guided […]

  • Hike This: Kangaroo Lake Preserve

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    The Kangaroo Lake Preserve is distinctive in that it was the first nature preserve that the Door County Land Trust purchased. Established in 1996, the preserve began with 57 acres and today comprises nearly 700 acres thanks to the efforts of The Nature Conservancy, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Kangaroo Lake Association and  […]

  • Habitat Trail Challenge at Crossroads at Big Creek

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    The Habitat Trail Challenge at Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St. in Sturgeon Bay (crossroadsatbigcreek.org), is underway with an educational theme of Habitats. Individuals, families and other COVID-safe groups are challenged to hike the four new habitat trail loops: Field, Forest, Meadow and Creek. Those who complete all four trails before Sept. 26, 3 […]

  • Hikes Galore at The Ridges Sanctuary

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    The Ridges Sanctuary is offering numerous hike opportunities. All events require advance registration at ridgessanctuary.org, and they meet at the Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 Hwy 57 in Baileys Harbor. Costs are $5 for members, $8 for the public and free for ages 18 and younger unless otherwise noted. Join a guided hike Tuesdays through […]

  • Day Hikes, Night Hike, Kids’ Program at The Ridges

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    Join a Ridges naturalist for a relaxing, informative, guided hike through The Ridges Sanctuary Tuesday – Friday, 10 am. The hike includes the Upper Range Light lantern room and historical cabins, is appropriate for all ages, is limited to six participants and requires advance registration. Try a night hike on the boardwalk Sept. 11, 8-9:30 […]

  • Hike This: Three Springs Nature Preserve

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    The Three Springs Nature Preserve is what I’d consider “hidden in plain sight.” Only two miles outside of downtown Sister Bay, this beautiful preserve is a favorite of locals and a great place to get outside for a leisurely hike. Its full name is the Harold C. Wilson Three Springs Nature Preserve, and at 515 […]

  • Hike This: Toft Point State Natural Area

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    The Toft Point Natural Area is one of my favorite hikes at any time of the year. The trail begins off Ridges Road, where there’s a small parking area, and it travels northeast through a mile of forest toward a spectacular, rocky dolomite shoreline on Moonlight Bay.  Round trip, the easy hike is about two […]

  • Volunteer for Crossroads Ecological-Restoration Project

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    Crossroads at Big Creek (crossroadsatbigcreek.org), 2041 Michigan St. in Sturgeon Bay, is looking for volunteers to work on an ecological-restoration project Sept. 5, 10 am. Social distancing will be observed, and volunteers are asked to supply their own water, sunscreen and boots. All other equipment and instruction will be provided. Meet at the workshop, 2041 […]

  • It’s a Great Time for a Hike at The Ridges

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    Join a Ridges Sanctuary naturalist for a relaxing, informative, guided hike through the sanctuary Sept. 4-11, 10 am. The walk includes the Upper Range Light lantern room and historical cabins.  Ridges naturalists will also lead a Solitude Swale guided hike Sept. 8, 1 pm; and a Rustic Trails guided hike Sept. 10, 1 pm. These […]

  • Plenty of Outdoor Activities at The Ridges Sanctuary

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    Join a Ridges naturalist for a relaxing, informative walk through the Ridges Sanctuary Tuesdays – Fridays, 10 am. Hikes include seeing the Upper Range Light lantern room and historical cabins. The walks are appropriate for all ages, limited to six participants and require advance  registration. The cost is $5 per member, $8 for the public, […]

  • Pollinator Week, Pollenpoluza at Crossroads

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    Crossroads at Big Creek (2041 Michigan St. in Sturgeon Bay, crossroadsatbigcreek.org) has declared the week of Aug. 23-29 to be Crossroads Pollinator Week. Socially distanced, outdoor activities and educational outreach will focus on wild and domestic bees, butterflies and other pollinators.  The week will culminate with POLLENPOLUZA, an Aug. 29 afternoon event featuring monarch tagging, […]

  • Explore Nature – Day and Night – at The Ridges

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    Join a Ridges Sanctuary naturalist for a relaxing, informative, two-hour walk through the sanctuary during one of its guided hikes, Tuesday through Friday, 10 am. The hikes are appropriate for all ages and include the Upper Range Light lantern room and historic cabins. Meet at the Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 Hwy 57 in Baileys […]

  • Ecological Restoration Project at Crossroads

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    Crossroads at Big Creek (crossroadsatbigcreek.org), 2041 Michigan St. in Sturgeon Bay, will continue its Nature by Appointment program Aug. 14, 15, 19 and 20, with time slots at 9, 10 and 11 am; and 5, 6 and 7 pm. Safer at Home units, individuals, or small groups of friends – wearing face masks and practicing […]