About
The Ridges Sanctuary Youth & Family Programs include options for families to hike together, join guided snowshoe hikes, and go cross-country skiing. Kids hike for free as part of these programs. The Trackchair, an all-terrain wheelchair, is available by reservation for use on the trails, and snowshoes are available for rent at the Nature Center for $5 to be used at the Sanctuary.
• Schedule: Nature Center open 9 am–3 pm Sunday–Monday and 9 am–4 pm Tuesday–Saturday; trails open from dawn until dusk
• Price: A day pass helps keep the trails maintained and supports The Ridges’ operating budget.
The Ridges Sanctuary is a private, not-for-profit, membership-funded organization. The staff at The Ridges Sanctuary are highly motivated, collaborative, and committed to mission focus areas of preservation, education, and research. The Sanctuary includes more than 1,700 acres preserved, 2,600 feet of boardwalk, 30 ridges and swales, and 29 unique orchid species, and is described as one of the Midwest’s most biologically diverse ecosystems. Service dogs are welcome and must be identified to Nature Center staff when entering, while dogs other than service dogs, as well as bikes, scooters, and segways, are not allowed on the trails. Smoking and tobacco use, including smokeless cigarettes, are prohibited anywhere on Sanctuary and other Ridges properties. An EV charging station is available for visitor use and is kept free to the public through donations.
Last updated June 22, 2026.
• Schedule: Nature Center open 9 am–3 pm Sunday–Monday and 9 am–4 pm Tuesday–Saturday; trails open from dawn until dusk
• Price: A day pass helps keep the trails maintained and supports The Ridges’ operating budget.
The Ridges Sanctuary is a private, not-for-profit, membership-funded organization. The staff at The Ridges Sanctuary are highly motivated, collaborative, and committed to mission focus areas of preservation, education, and research. The Sanctuary includes more than 1,700 acres preserved, 2,600 feet of boardwalk, 30 ridges and swales, and 29 unique orchid species, and is described as one of the Midwest’s most biologically diverse ecosystems. Service dogs are welcome and must be identified to Nature Center staff when entering, while dogs other than service dogs, as well as bikes, scooters, and segways, are not allowed on the trails. Smoking and tobacco use, including smokeless cigarettes, are prohibited anywhere on Sanctuary and other Ridges properties. An EV charging station is available for visitor use and is kept free to the public through donations.
Last updated June 22, 2026.
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