The Refuge Log Home - Door County WI

06/13/2024

This enchanting photograph captures a young fawn nestled in the serene landscape of The Ridges Sanctuary. The gentle sunlight filters through the trees, casting a soft glow on its speckled coat, embodying the untouched beauty and peacefulness of this protected haven. This serene moment encapsulates the beauty and tranquility of nature, inviting viewers to pause and appreciate the tender simplicity of wildlife.

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06/06/2024

The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin, features the historic Baileys Harbor Range Lights, which have been guiding mariners since 1869. This pair of lighthouses consists of the Upper Range Light and the Lower Range Light, strategically positioned to mark a safe passage into the harbor. The Lower Range Light, located near the shoreline, has a white range light. The Upper Range Light with a red light, is set 950′ inland on a slight elevation and is taller, providing a higher focal plane for alignment with its counterpart.

When ships enter Baileys Harbor, they line up the two lights vertically to ensure they are on the correct course to avoid the reefs and shallows, a method known as range lighting. These lighthouses not only serve a crucial navigational role but also stand as historical beacons, representing the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes. Nestled within the ecologically rich and scenic Ridges Sanctuary, the lighthouses offer a glimpse into the past while being surrounded by diverse habitats and rare plant species, making them a unique attraction for visitors.

04/26/2024

Hike The Ridges Sanctuary

The Ridges Sanctuary is named for a series of 30 ridges and swales formed by the movement of Lake Michigan over the past 1400 years. This topography provides a wide range of environmental conditions that host nearly 500 species of plants and 60 species of birds. The Ridges was founded in 1937 with an original 30 acre parcel. Over the years additional land was added and today it protects more than 1600 acres.

We enjoyed our hike out to the Solitude swale, sat a while and enjoyed the quite beauty. We were not the only ones enjoyed the sun, four turtles had crawled up on a log to enjoy it too!

04/05/2024

Looking for a last minute getaway? The Refuge is available in April and has limited openings in May and June. Plus we have reduced prices.

April - 1/3 off rent for a stay of 3 days or more.
May - 1/3 off rent for a stay of 3 days or more
June - 10% off rent for the week of June 8th - 15th

To see details and book a stay: https://woodswatergetaway.com/specials/

02/20/2024

It's Almost Spring! (OK, so call me an optimist.)

To celebrate we are offering 33% off on all stays of 3 nights or longer. And Easter weekend is now 25% off for 2 night stays.

Use code AlmostSpring for 3 night stays and Easter24 for a 2 night Easter weekend stay.

02/08/2024

Easter Special

Book a stay of 3 or more nights for Easter weekend and receive a discount of 25%. Use coupon code of Easter24 at checkout.

01/31/2024

Winter is a great time to visit Door County! Experience the quiet natural beauty of the area

Of course, there are still plenty of activities and events:

Every Weekend - Guided Winter Hikes at the Ridges Sanctuary
Join the Naturalist for an exploration of the Sanctuary in the winter! We will head out on the trails to learn all about the Sanctuary, and explore some winter adaptations, search for animal tracks and more.

Every Weekend - Winter Wine Tour & Sleigh Ride
Aboard the Winter Wine Tour & Sleigh Ride, trolley guests will experience a cozy, horse drawn sleigh ride through "The Door’s" most wintry landscapes.

Saturday, Feb 10 - Door County Pond Hockey
Watch teams from all over the country compete on over a dozen rinks as they face off for the Championship Stanley Thermos Trophy. Food and drinks available.

Saturday, Febuary 17th - Winter Trails Day - Potawatomi State Park
Explore the park on your own, then stop by the Picnic Shelter to warm up by a fire and enjoy refreshments provided by the Friends of Potawatomi State Park

Looking for something else? Check out https://www.doorcounty.com/ for more events and activities.

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With outdoor adventure, family fun, fascinating culture sites, and world-class dining and shopping, Door County, Wisconsin is one of the top travel destinations in the US.

01/11/2024

Valentines Day Special!

It's already special and make it even better

Book a Valentines Day stay of 2 days (or more) including the night of February 14th and receive a $100 Door County Gift Certificate.

Enjoy dinner on us and and a cozy evening enjoying fire in the fireplace.

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01/10/2024

It's been winter for a while and hasn't looked like it until recently. Come enjoy the winter beauty and solitude, take a sleigh ride, or a guided hike at the Ridges Sanctuary. Check out our winter specials at www.therefugeloghome.com

12/28/2023

Winter Getaway! 25% off a 2-day or longer stay over the weekend of January 19th and 20th. Use code WinterGetaway at checkout.

And it is also Free Ice Fishing weekend in all of Door County!

All day residents and nonresidents of all ages can fish without a license in all the waters of Wisconsin (except for spring trout ponds). All other fishing regulations still apply throughout.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) is hosting Free Fishing Weekend Jan. 21-22 to share the fun and excitement of winter fishing. No fishing license or trout and salmon stamps are required, and anglers may fish state waters where there is an open season. All other fishing regulation...

11/12/2023

Christkindlmarkt Door County!

Save 25% off rent on stays during Christkindlmarkt, Door County's European style Christmas market. Christkindlmarkt is held on three weekends starting Nov 24th. Use coupon code CKmarkt when booking.

11/12/2023

Do you have flexible travel options? 33% off rent for stays of 2 nights or more between Thursday, Nov 16th and Tuesday November 20th. Use Coupon code 33OFF.

10/24/2023

The off-season offers a chance to truly savor the authentic essence of Door County, away from the summer crowds. If the idea of a tranquil escape speaks to you, we invite you to stay at The Refuge and take advantage of our specials.

SPECIALS Check out the deals SPECIALS & LIMITED TIME OFFERS Only one discount may be applied to a single rental. $355 - 375 /night $25/Night Discount November Special Save $25 per night on stays of 3 nights or longer. Use coupon code NOVSPECIAL when booking. Standard rates are $280 - $400 / night. T...

10/13/2023

Experience The Scenic Beauty Of The Niagara Escarpment

We relaxed and enjoyed the view at Porte des Morts park at the north end of Door County. The cliff comprises a part of the Niagara Escarpment. The escarpment stretches over 430 miles from Wisconsin, through Ontario, and into New York. Unequal erosion of rocks with varying hardness shaped this geological formation over millions of years, giving it its distinctive features of steep cliffs, rugged terrain, and unique rock formations. One of its most renowned features is the Niagara Falls, where the river plunges over the escarpment, creating a spectacular natural wonder.

The Niagara Escarpment is a prominent geological feature in Door County. In Wisconsin, it supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species. The vegetation and ecosystems along the escarpment contribute significantly to the area’s biodiversity.

You can enjoy the view from a bench and/or take the stairs down to the water.

10/05/2023

Stay for 3 or more nights over the last weekend of October and get a free night! Able to stay for more than 3 nights? Additional nights are also discounted by 33%. Use discount Code "Jack O Lantern".

Book Direct and Save!

The Refuge Log Home is nestled in a beautiful, wooded 5 acres across the street from Lake Michigan and is 4 miles east of Sister Bay in Northern Door County, WI. You can listen to the waves from the home or take a few steps down the road to our private property with 100ft of shoreline. Here, you can truly enjoy the water, whether it's from the comfort of an Adirondack chair, a canoe or kayak, or by simply wading right in!

09/03/2023

Fall and Winter Specials

Reduced rates for weekday getaways in September and October. Winter stays come with a $50 Door County Gift Certificate.

Check out the details at https://woodswatergetaway.com/specials/

09/03/2023

Cana Island Light house was built in 1869, You can walk or ride a haywagon to the the island and visit the home of the lighthouse keeper and his family. This time the tower was open and we, gandparents, parents and grandchildren (including the 4-year old), climbed the 97 steps of the spiral staircase to the gallery deck.

Here us a photo of the working Fresnel lens, which gather light from a series of prisms to create an continuous beam of light. If my memory is correct, it weighs around 2000 lbs.

And following is the view from from 86 feet above ground

07/27/2023

Are you interested in staying at The Refuge the last week of September, but not sure what to do? Here are a few suggestions:

Door County Fall Lighthouse Tour - Reserve your spot early.

Farmers Markets - Fish Creek, Egg Harbor, Jacksonport, Sister Bay, Sturgeon Bay, and Washington Island

Northern Sky Theater - When Pigs Fly!

Live Music - Stone Harbor Restaurant, Peach Barn Farmhouse & Brewery, Door Community Auditorium, Alpine Resort

Francis Hardy Center for The Art – Contemporary Photograph Works

Stay up to date on events in Sister Bay, festivals in Fish Creek, upcoming events in Egg Harbor, and other attractions and activities around Door County.

07/27/2023

Looking for a Fall weekday getaway. The Refuge Log Home is available Monday, Sept 25th - Friday, Sept 29th. Book direct for 10% off (plus no fees from VRBO)!

The Refuge Log Home is nestled in a beautiful, wooded 5 acres across the street from Lake Michigan and is 4 miles east of Sister Bay in Northern Door County, WI. Listen to the waves from the home or take a few steps down the road to our private property with 100ft of shoreline. Enjoy the water from an Adirondack chair, a canoe or kayak, or wade right in!

The Refuge Log Home is nestled in a beautiful, wooded 5 acres across the street from Lake Michigan and is 4 miles east of Sister Bay in Northern Door County, WI. Listen to the waves from the home or take a few steps down the road to our private property with 100ft of shoreline. Enjoy the water from....

07/09/2023

Butterflies and Blooms

Almost 100 species of butterflies can be found in Door county. A couple of species were flying around The Refuge last week; the Red Admiral and the Northern Crescent. Red Admirals are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, gardens, parks, and meadows. They have a preference for feeding on nectar from flowers such as thistles, daisies, and asters. Additionally, the caterpillars of Red Admirals feed on various nettle species.

The Northern Crescent butterfly is a small to medium-sized butterfly species found in North America. It is known for its distinctive wing patterns and its ability to adapt to a wide range of habitats.

A number of different plants were blooming, some native and not. The slipper orchids bloom was ending. Mid June is a great time for viewing native orchids in Door county. This one is a darker form of the Yellow Slipper Orchid.

Thimbleberry common in the area.The fruit of the Thimbleberry is a prominent feature and is highly appreciated by both wildlife and humans. The berries are large, red, and raspberry-like in appearance. They are soft, juicy, and have a delicate, sweet-tart flavor. Thimbleberries are often enjoyed fresh or used in jams, jellies, and desserts.

The flowers of Danes Blood or clustered bellflower are its main highlight. They appear in dense clusters at the top of sturdy stems, hence the name "clustered" bellflower. The blossoms are bell-shaped, ranging in color from shades of violet-blue to deep purple. Occasionally, one may find white or pink varieties as well. The petals of each flower are fused together, forming a distinctive cup-like shape.

Sweet Williams blooms from late spring to summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies with its delightful fragrance and nectar-rich flowers. The plant's foliage consists of slender, lance-shaped leaves that are typically a deep green color. The petals come in a wide range of vibrant hues, including shades of pink, red, white, and purple. Some varieties even exhibit bicolored or striped patterns, adding further visual interest.

05/31/2023

Spring WildFlowers

Throughout May and June wildflowers may be found along many park trails.

On our last trip we found forget me nots, trillium and wild strawberry. Yellow slipper orchids are abundant at The Refuge. And make sure to check out the Ridges Sanctuary, which is home to 25 of Wisconsin’s 40 native orchid species.

04/13/2023

The Refuge is 4 miles as the crow flies from Newport State Park, which is an International Dark Sky Park, one of just 48 parks in the world to earn the distinction. The park is one of the darkest spots in the state of Wisconsin. Come and see what a real dark sky looks like!

These photos are my first attempt at night photography using a Google Pixel. They were taken at The Refuge, not at the park. It's still a good night sky, almost as dark as at Newport park.

Astonomy.net identified the constellations.

If you don't have time to visit the park, come hang out at our waterfront property (100 yards from the house) and star gaze. Sit in the adriondack chairs, enjoy some drinks and campfire if you want.

02/16/2023

Winter Sunrise at The Refuge

Winter is beautiful too! Recently a guest created a time lapse video and took pictures of a sunrise from our waterfront. We hope you enjoy these images. Consider visiting Door County in the Winter or Spring to relax, rewind and enjoy the natural beauty

01/27/2023

t's winter, come and enjoy the outdoors in Door County!

Guided Winter Hikes at the Ridges Sanctuary.
Join a naturalist for an exploration of the sanctuary. Head out on the trails to learn all about the sanctuary, and explore some winter adaptations, search for animal tracks and more.
https://www.ridgessanctuary.org/

Winterfest
Saturday, Feb 4, 2023
• Clark Park
• Fish Creek, WI 54212
Fish Creek’s longest-standing tradition and Door County’s quirkiest winter event features live music, games, delicious food, the not-so-serious “Fruit Loop Fun Run,” an entertaining Stumpf Fiddle Contest, and a spectacular fireworks display.
https://visitfishcreek.com/

Candlelight Ski/Hike/Snowshoe
Saturday, Feb 11, 2023
• Newport State Park
• Ellison Bay, 54210
Experience winter beauty at Newport State Park! Ski, hike or snowshoe a 1.2-mile wooded trail lit with glowing candlelight. The trail starts at the Picnic Area parking lot. As the end of the trail, participants will find the shelter building complete with an outdoor bonfire, fireplace to warm up by, and refreshments. Grills will be available for anyone who wishes to bring along the makings for a picnic supper or marshmallow roast.?
Winter Wine Tour & Sleigh Ride
Saturday, Feb 18, 2023

• Door County Trolley Station
• Egg Harbor, WI 54209
Aboard the Winter Wine Tour & Sleigh Ride, trolley guests will experience a cozy, horse drawn sleigh ride through "The Door’s" most wintry landscapes. Enjoy a wine tasting at an award winning Door County winery and a Bonus Stop! Top it off with a fireside lunch at the romantic English Inn.
https://doorcountytrolley.com/

We specialize in scenic and wine tours and offer 16 experiences for guests to chose from to truly explore the best of Door County. Book your trolley tour!

11/11/2022

Come enjoy Door County during the holiday season!

In Sister Bay enjoy Christkindlmarkt, Door County's first ever European-style Christmas market, on three pre-holiday shopping weekends.

An outdoor event featuring Nordic foods, fine artisan goods, holiday music. Nearby parking with trolley to event grounds. Located at Corner of the Past, a historical re-creation with renovated buildings from Door County's Pioneer past.

https://doorcountychristmasmarket.com/

Visit the Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor and hike the trails, stroll down the boardwalk, participate in crafts and enjoy warm cider and treats.

https://www.ridgessanctuary.org/events/

For a complete list of things to do, please visit https://www.doorcounty.com/events

Stay up to date on events in Sister Bay, festivals in Fish Creek, upcoming events in Egg Harbor, and other attractions and activities around Door County.

10/19/2022

Peninsula State Park

Peninsula State Park is located on the bay side of Door County near Fish Creek. It offers numerous recreational opportunities including camping, swimming, biking, hiking and more. For more information, go to Peninsula State Park Recreation.

The park has about 20 miles of trails, most of which are easy or moderate levels of difficulty. Weborg Point is a major migration stopover for warblers in mid-May. Peninsula's 8-mile shore often yields views of bufflehead ducks, mergansers and bald eagles. Ask for a bird checklist at park headquarters or the nature center.

These pictures were taken during our recent fall hike. Be sure to visit the Eagle Tower and take in the magnificent views. Trails connect to one another and you can combine a hike in the woods with one along the water.

08/26/2022

Door County Fall Lighthouse Festival - Friday, Sep 30, 2022 through October 2

See all 11 historic lighthouses surrounded by fall colors! Take a tour by air, boat or self-guided driving. This event gives visitors access to lighthouses not typically oepn to the public, including Chambers island and Plum Island. Make your reservations early - most tours sell out.

For more information visit

See Door County's 11 lighthouses by air, land-based, boat, or adventure tours, during these annual fundraising weekends.

08/26/2022

Autumnfest Classic Auto Show - Saturday, Sept 24

Live music, fireworks, food and drinks, arts & crafts, and a Classic Auto & Motorcycle Show. For more information, visit

Autumnfest Pin Ups & Pistons Auto Show Baileys Harbor Events AutumnFest Saturday, September 24 2022 Autumnfest will be Saturday September 24th! Are you a car buff? Do you have a car, truck or motorcycle that you’d like to show off? We’d love to have you attend our Classic Car Show September 25, ...

08/26/2022

Peninsula Century Bike Ride - Saturday, Sept 17th

The Peninsula Century features routes of 25, 50, 62, and 100 miles through the rolling hills and past the incredible water views of Northern Door County. With a grand roll-out start in Sister Bay from the village’s Waterfront Park, riders will start within walking distance of the area’s best lodging.

For more information, or to register, visit

The Peninsula Century Fall Challenge is Sister Bay's own Door County century ride. Routes of 25, 50, 62, 100 miles all finish on the shore.

08/16/2022

Europe Bay Beach

The sand beach at Europe Bay Beach stretches over a mile on Lake Michigan. Located in the northern peninsula, it is less busy and a great place for a stroll on the beach, swimming, or kayaking. The water drops off slowly and kids can go out a good distance.
The beach is next to Ferdinand Hotz Park. Picnic tables and grills are in a wooded setting and toilet facilities are available.