The skies above Door County are busy this time of year. While monarch butterflies and migratory birds often capture our attention, dragonflies are also making seasonal journeys through the region. Did you know that dragonflies are among the most ancient winged insects on Earth? They have been around for more than 300 million years, long before the dinosaurs. Today, dragonflies can be found on every continent except Antarctica, and some species undertake impressive migrations each fall.
According to Interpretive Naturalist Jess Poppie, many people are surprised to learn that dragonflies migrate.
“Most people think of bird migration or monarch migration, but some dragonflies are travelers too,” said Poppie. “This time of year, Door County can be a wonderful place to observe them moving along the Lake Michigan shoreline.”
In late summer and early fall, large groups of dragonflies, particularly Common Green Darners, begin heading south. Some individuals can travel hundreds, and in some cases more than a thousand miles during their migrations. Like birds and butterflies, dragonflies take advantage of favorable weather conditions and abundant food sources as they journey. Door County’s position along the Lake Michigan shoreline makes it an excellent place to spot these ancient insects on the move.
Dragonflies are not only fascinating travelers, they are also important predators. Their aerial hunting skills allow them to catch mosquitoes, gnats, and other flying insects, helping keep insect populations in balance.
Not every dragonfly leaves Wisconsin for the winter, however. Many species spend the colder months underwater as nymphs, hiding among mud and aquatic vegetation at the bottom of ponds and lakes. Because they are cold-blooded, their activity slows dramatically during winter. When water temperatures warm in spring, they become active again and eventually emerge as the winged adults we see flying through summer skies.
One of the best ways to experience the changing season firsthand is by joining Crossroads’ popular Wandering Wednesday naturalist-led hike on Wednesday, September 30, at 1:30 p.m. Participants will enjoy an easy, naturalist-led walk through the preserve, discovering signs of fall and observing the plants and animals active during this seasonal transition.
The natural world will also take center stage indoors on Monday, October 5, at 1:30 p.m. during a free screening of “Secrets of the Bees.” Filmed over three years, the documentary explores both the intimate life inside a single hive and the global importance of the world’s more than 20,000 bee species, offering viewers a deeper appreciation for pollinators and the ecosystems that depend on them.
Crossroads’ youngest naturalists can begin their own outdoor adventures on Tuesday, October 6, at 1 p.m. when Junior Nature Club launches its free six-week fall session. Designed for preschool-aged children and their families, the program encourages exploration, discovery, and connection with nature through hands-on outdoor experiences.
Families can continue their adventures throughout October as Crossroads serves as a community partner in “Winnie-Pooh-Looza,” a month-long celebration presented by the Friends of Door County Libraries and created in honor of the 100th anniversary of A.A. Milne’s beloved “Winnie-the-Pooh.” Throughout the month, portions of the Crossroads nature preserve along the Meadow Trail will be focused on various passages and activities inspired by the Hundred Acre Wood, inviting children and families to step into Pooh’s world while exploring the outdoors. Visitors can also look forward to special activities including a honey workshop, crafts, and hands-on science experiences designed to engage learners of all ages. The countywide celebration features activities at organizations across Door County, encouraging residents and visitors alike to rediscover the timeless stories and themes of friendship, curiosity, and adventure.
Visitors can also enjoy the changing season at their own pace along Crossroads’ trails. Early fall colors are beginning to appear, migratory birds continue moving through the area, and dragonflies can often be seen patrolling wetlands, fields, and shorelines.
The dragonfly featured in the accompanying photograph recently earned top honors in Crossroads’ Summer Photo Contest, receiving the most votes from community members. Captured by Linda Rappel, the winning image showcases the beauty and remarkable detail of these ancient insects that are now making their seasonal movements through Door County. Visitors can view past contest entries and learn more about Crossroads’ Seasonal Photo Contest at https://crossroadsatbigcreek.org/news/seasonal-photo-contest/.
As migration season progresses, Crossroads encourages visitors to slow down and look closely. Whether you’re watching a dragonfly zip overhead, spotting a gathering of monarchs, listening for migrating birds, or noticing the first hints of color in the trees, autumn offers countless opportunities to connect with nature.
So, the next time you see a dragonfly darting through the air, take a moment to appreciate it. You may be watching one of nature’s great travelers on an extraordinary journey south, or perhaps one of the aquatic predators that will spend the winter patiently waiting beneath the ice for spring.
All programs are held at the Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay, unless otherwise noted. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Crossroads is able to offer free programming for all ages. If you cannot attend a program, remember that the trails are open all day, every day, free of charge. Fall is arriving, and there is always something new to discover outside.
ALL CONTENT © 2026 BY DOOR GUIDE PUBLISHING
