Once the water receded, vegetation grew up quickly on the new land surface. Front view at The Inn at Kristofer's. The restaurant holds cooking classes in Sister Bay. Between the ridges are wetlands called swales. The wetlands are characterized by cattails, lily pads and typical pond plant and animal life.
Trails are narrow and travel along the natural ridges.
Bridges have been built over the swales to link the trails together. Many of Wisconsin's threatened and endangered plant species live in the sanctuary. Even a federally endangered dragonfly has its natural habitat at the Ridges and may soon be the subject of a federal study. The trails are open from sunrise to sunset year-round. Organized groups must call the sanctuary before visiting.