A fun fall weekend trip in eastern Dodge County
This three-day itinerary will take you through some of Dodge County’s top attractions and friendly communities like Mayville and Horicon.
Day 1: Friday
Dodge County is in central Wisconsin, so it’s a quick trip from most corners of the state. Enjoy the changing of the seasons as you travel here and start your fall adventure in the southeastern corner of the county.
Arrive in Dodge County and head to Harnischfeger Park
Dodge County’s largest park is located 20 minutes east of Watertown and is home to several miles of hiking trails, as well as mini golfing, a disc golf course, and an 800-foot boardwalk for shoreline fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.
Canoe or kayak at Harnischfeger Park
The park is located along the Rock River and canoe and kayak rentals are available in season.
Enjoy dinner and find a place to stay in Hartford, Hustisford, or Watertown
These welcoming communities in southern and southeastern Dodge County have a nice mix of restaurants and lodging properties to explore.
Day 2: Saturday
On your second day in Dodge County, you’ll explore the expansive Horicon Marsh, a natural treasure that’s a fantastic spot for outdoor recreation. Then, take in the fall colors and scenic views at Ledge Park in the northern part of the county before finding a friendly dinner spot and returning to your hotel.
Wake up and have breakfast in Hustisford, Juneau, or Horicon
These central Dodge County communities offer a wide array of cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants that are the perfect place to start your day.
Head into the Horicon Marsh
The Horicon Marsh is a sprawling 33,000-acre natural wonder in the heart of northern Dodge County. It consists of two sections, one a national wildlife refuge maintained by the federal government and the other a state wildlife area overseen by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. It’s a great place for hiking, biking, boating, paddling, and more. In the fall, hundreds of thousands of migrating birds call it home, so it’s an excellent place for birdwatching and wildlife viewing too.
Explore the shops and find a bite to eat in Horicon
The city of Horicon sits on the southern edge of the marsh and is a welcoming place to find stores and restaurants after exploring the Horicon Marsh.
Or find a fun community event to attend
Dodge County’s cities and towns offer a bevy of entertaining events throughout the year, including farmers’ markets and festivals. See our events page for more information.
Visit Ledge Park for a sunset hike
Ledge Park sits atop the Niagara Escarpment near Horicon and offers stunning views of the marsh and the surrounding countryside, especially in fall. The park is divided in half by a natural rock ledge—take in sunset views from the overlook for a truly scenic sight.
Find a welcoming dinner spot on your way back
Whether you’re staying in Horicon or heading to Mayville, Juneau, Hustisford, or even Hartford, you’ll find everything from supper clubs to grab-and-go spots.
Day 3: Sunday
Return to the Horicon Marsh for more outdoor exploration and visit the shops and restaurants in neighboring communities like Mayville and Theresa before heading home from your Dodge County adventure.
Grab a quick breakfast in Mayville, Horicon or Hustisford
Head back to the Horicon Marsh for more exploration
The Horicon Marsh is enticing enough to visit more than once on your trip. Head to the Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center to visit the Explorium, which takes visitors through the history of marsh from the Ice Age to the present day using engaging interactive exhibits. The visitor center also offers great lookouts and viewing areas to take in visiting birds and wildlife.
Browse the shops and restaurants in downtown Mayville and beyond
You’ll find fashionable treasures and tasty treats at retailers and restaurants in Mayville and the surrounding communities, which include cheese shops, gift stores, ice cream stands, and more.
