TRAIL NEWS:
  • A light blanket of snow covers the preserve. Open water and birds in The Cove Estuary.
mushroom-hike

EXPLOREBIG CREEK PRESERVE

Crossroads at Big Creek is a 200-acre nature preserve located within the city limits of Sturgeon Bay and comprising three separate parcels: Big Creek Preserve, the Cove Preserve, and the Ida Bay Preserve.

Big Creek Preserve
2041 Michigan Street
Sturgeon Bay, WI

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Big Creek Preserve is our main campus. It is home to the Collins Learning Center, the Workshop (which serves as headquarters for Habitat Healers and our Ski-For-Free program), the Heritage Garden, an electric car-charging station, 24-hour accessible restrooms and trailheads for our Habitat Trails system. The Heritage Village at Big Creek, shares the main campus parking area and is operated by the Door County Historical Society.

Big Creek, a 3,000-foot riparian corridor with associated wetlands is the center of the preserve; it drains a 6,200-acre watershed. Big Creek lives up to its name in spring and early summer when it overspills its banks; other times of the year, it may be completely dry.

The Field, Forest, Meadow and Creek Trails take visitors over five bridges and through numerous distinct natural communities. The four trails range from .5-mile to 1.4 miles in length. The shortest trail is crushed gravel and can accommodate strollers and mobility-assist devices.

map
DOWNLOAD TRAIL MAP

Crossroads at Big Creek nature preserves are open every day, all day. We are glad you’re here to enjoy our nature preserves. For the protection of yourself, other visitors and wildlife, please observe the following:

Welcome activities:

  • Hiking and running
  • Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and kicksledding
  • Birding and other nature study
  • Photography and videography for personal use
  • Dog-walking if dogs are kept on-leash (Note: dogs are not permitted at the Cove Preserve due to the presence of sensitive shoreline and nesting birds.)
  • Fishing at the Cove Preserve, in adherence with DNR regulations

Activities not permitted:

  • Unauthorized motorized vehicles other than mobility-assist units
  • Horseback riding
  • Camping
  • Unauthorized campfires
  • Hunting

Please respect our neighbors by remaining within Crossroads’ property boundaries. Please carry out all trash, including pet waste. Please treat all wildlife you encounter with respect. Thank you for your cooperation.

Crossroads issues an e-newsletter several times a year. You may opt out at any time.