Wild Neighbors: Discovering the Animals of Door County

By Lynn Michelsen, Business Manager, Crossroads at Big Creek

Door County is home to an amazing variety of animals, from butterflies drifting through summer meadows to mammals hidden in forests and wetlands. This week’s Summer at Crossroads theme, Animals, invites visitors to explore the creatures that share our peninsula and discover the remarkable ways they survive, thrive, and connect to the natural world around us.

The week begins with a Tale. At 2 pm on Monday, July 20, Door County Librarian Beth Lokken will read The Busy Tree, written by Jennifer Ward and illustrated by Lisa Falkenstern. Through vibrant oil paintings and rhythmic text, the story reveals the countless animals that depend on a single tree. Chipmunks nibble acorns, ants scurry along bark, spiders spin webs, and birds find shelter among the branches. Young readers will discover that even an ordinary tree is a bustling habitat filled with life. For those unable to attend Tale story time, the book will also be featured throughout the week on our Trail Tales storybook walk beginning at the West Trailhead.

At 1 pm on Tuesday, July 21, Journeys with Joan will focus on Butterflies: Masters of Transformation. Naturalist Joan Wilkie will guide participants through the fascinating life cycle of butterflies, from egg to caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult. Participants will learn about the adaptations that help butterflies survive, the native plants they depend upon, and the important role they play as pollinators in Door County ecosystems.

That same evening, at 5:30 pm, community members are invited to attend the Door County Beekeeper Club’s Hive Dive Q&A. The club promotes the study, science, and craft of beekeeping while raising awareness of the many benefits bees provide to our environment, ecology, and local economy. Whether you’re curious about pollinators, interested in starting a hive, or simply want to learn more about these remarkable insects, this free program offers an opportunity to connect with experienced local beekeepers.

On Wednesday, July 22, at 1:30 pm, participants in Wandering Wednesday will join a naturalist-led hike to search for signs of wildlife along the trails. Summer is an active time for many animals, and hikers may observe birds, insects, tracks, nests, feeding evidence, or other clues that reveal the lives of the creatures inhabiting Crossroads’ forests, fields, and wetlands.

The week concludes with a special Thursday Talk at 2 pm on July 23. Wisconsin DNR Game Warden Chris Kratcha will present Animal Adaptations, an engaging program exploring the fascinating adaptations of mammals found throughout Door County and Wisconsin. Participants will discover how animals such as deer, foxes, bears, and smaller mammals use specialized physical and behavioral traits—including thick winter coats, powerful claws, keen senses, and unique diets—to find food, avoid predators, and survive seasonal changes. The program will offer a deeper appreciation for the resilience and ingenuity of Wisconsin wildlife and the ways animals interact with people and the environment.

Throughout the week—and all summer long—visitors can also enjoy Tinkers, our self-led, hands-on activities designed for curious minds. Guests can explore animal-themed challenges and activities that encourage observation, inquiry, and a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Animals are an essential part of every ecosystem. From pollinating flowers and dispersing seeds to controlling insect populations and shaping habitats, they play important roles in maintaining healthy environments. By learning about the animals that call Door County home, we gain greater appreciation for the diverse web of life that surrounds us and a deeper understanding of our connection to nature.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we offer free programming for all ages, and our trails are open to the public all day, every day, free of charge.