Ephraim Nature Preserve at Anderson Pond

In the heart of a busy village, the Ephraim Preserve at Anderson Pond is a quiet refuge of wetlands, old fields, forest, and escarpment. But its history runs deeper than most nature preserves — this land is inseparable from the founding of Ephraim itself.

In 1853, the Norwegian missionary Rev. Andreas Iverson arrived at Eagle Harbor with a small congregation, drawn by the beauty of the forested wilderness. They established a tiny village and named it Ephraim. Among those who joined them was a hard-working Norwegian named Aslag Anderson. In 1858, Iverson and Anderson struck a deal: Anderson would build a deep-water pier for the village, and in exchange, Iverson sold him 110 acres of land at its original cost — $1.15 per acre.

Anderson completed the pier the following year, along with a house, barn, and general store. He cleared land around a pond for farming. That pond and its surroundings are now the Ephraim Preserve at Anderson Pond — a historic farm returned to nature, retaining the Anderson family name and its connection to the village’s origins.

Trails

A 1-mile loop circles Anderson Pond on fairly level terrain, passing through wetland forest, old fields, and along the base of the Niagara Escarpment. Look for interpretive signs explaining the wetland ecology and the land’s history.

Terrain

Fairly level throughout, with some boardwalk sections through the wetland edges. Accessible for most abilities.

Wildlife & Flora

What was once a farm now shelters migrating and nesting birds, with impressive waterfowl diversity particularly in spring. Wildflowers bloom across the open fields, and magnificent hemlock, white cedar, and hardwood trees stand on portions of land that were never cleared.

Natural Features

An ancient cobblestone beach ridge traces a former shoreline of Lake Michigan through the preserve. The craggy Niagara Escarpment cuts across the eastern edge, creating the same dramatic geology found throughout Door County’s spine. Remnants of the Anderson family farmstead are still visible on the land — a tangible thread connecting this place to the village it helped build.