My New Favorite Door County Spot
Jul
19
Written by:
7/19/2012 10:25 AM
Door County is full of little hidden spots that each have their own unique character. Many of them are on the main highways but there are also a lot tucked away on the side roads. People don't like to talk about them too much for fear of flocks of people going to "their" spot.
While this new place was a secret to me until last year (this given that I've been up here for 12 years), many people do know about it. I am talking about the Ridges Beach in Bailey's Harbor. Bailey's Harbor has two beach areas: their main public beach and the Ridges Beach (that I know of). To get to the beach, you turn at the Ridge's (where Sandpiper used to be) in Bailey's Harbor on Hwy 57.
So, you may be wondering, "What is the big deal with this place?" Well, there are a few answers for that. First, the beach is dog friendly. It's only 1 of 2 beaches I know of in Northern Door County where I can bring my dog.
Second, the water is shallow a long ways out so this makes it kid-friendly and also warmer.
Third, it feels like more of a beach than others. It is a long, sandy beach that you can walk along. This is not that common in Door County. While the beaches in Sister Bay, Ephraim, Egg Harbor, etc. are nice, they are a shorter strip of land. The Ridge's beach is longer and sandier than most.
The Ridge's Beach can be quite busy when its warm. My favorite time of day to go is about 5 pm. Many summer days, the weather is still quite warm in the evening. (I think the same would be true to go early in the morning for those early risers.) The beach is not as busy as during the day. I also like it for my 1 1/2 year old because the sun is not so direct so I don't have to apply a lot of sunscreen before we go. Another plus about going later is that you can actually get a parking spot in the lot and don't have to park on the road. Please be careful if parking on the road. I parked in a sandy spot and had to use my 4-wheel-drive to get out of my spot. (A situation that Shane laughs about whenever it comes up.)
So, if your looking for a new spot to swim, or if you just want to walk on a sandy beach, check out this beach in Bailey's Harbor. Tell your friends about it (just not everyone you meet). We want to keep it looking nice and a great place to enjoy time in Door County.