All about the Horicon Marsh

Horicon Marsh, a 33,000-acre wetland in northern Dodge County, is one of Wisconsin’s most stunning natural areas, home to incredible opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, paddling, and much more.

Planning a visit to this ecological wonder? Here’s what you need to know.

What is the Horicon Marsh?

The Horicon Marsh is a 33,000-acre wetland, one of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States, and an ecological treasure in central Wisconsin. It’s the site of both a state and a national wildlife refuge, and it’s a popular destination for recreation throughout the year, from paddling to hunting to birdwatching.

Where is the Horicon Marsh?

The Horicon Marsh is located in northern Dodge County (with a small portion in southern Fond du Lac County) between the communities of Waupun and Horicon. The marsh is fed by the Rock River, which flows through the area on its way through southern Wisconsin.

The northern two-thirds of the marsh is a National Wildlife Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The southern third of the marsh is a State Wildlife Area that is overseen by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

There are three visitor centers at Horicon Marsh:

• The Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (W4279 Headquarters Road, Mayville) is open year-round

• The Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center (N77528 Highway 28) west of Mayville is home to the Explorium, which teaches visitors about the history of the marsh and its ecological importance through interactive displays and educational exhibits
• Marsh Haven Nature Center (W10145 Highway 49, Waupun) features interactive exhibits about Horicon Marsh, hiking trails, and birdwatching opportunities.

More resources:

• Horicon National Wildlife Refuge
• Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area
• Friends of Horicon Marsh

When was Horicon Marsh established?

Well, if you’re talking in a geological sense, the Horicon Marsh was established thousands of years ago, as glaciers scraped over Wisconsin to carve the wetlands. The marsh was inhabited by nomadic hunters and other prehistoric Indigenous cultures as far back as 12,000 years ago and was once home to hundreds of effigy mounds built between 700 and 1200 AD.

The first modern settlement on the marsh was the town of Horicon in 1846. In the coming years, the marsh was dammed, dredged, and drained by local settlers, destroying the natural environment and turning the area into a virtual wasteland.

In the 1920s, local conservationists began efforts to bring the marsh back from the brink and succeeded. The Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area was created in the 1930’s and in the 1940s, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service purchased the northern portion of the marsh and turned it into a national wildlife refuge. After decades of hard work, the marsh was designated as a Wetland of International Importance in the 1990s, and today it is also recognized as a State and Globally Important Bird Area.

What types of recreation are available at Horicon Marsh?

The incredible natural surroundings at Horicon Marsh provide lots of space for outdoor recreation, including:

• Birdwatching and wildlife viewing: Management efforts at Horicon Marsh are mainly aimed at improving habitats for migratory waterfowl and waterbirds, so the spring and fall migrations are a great time to see hundreds of thousands of ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, and other birds at the marsh.
• Paddling: A 6-mile paddle trail along the Rock River goes through the core of the marsh and is a great way to enjoy the scenery and observe wildlife.
• Hiking: Horicon Marsh is home to approximately 5 miles of hiking trails that pass through forest, prairie, and wetland habitats, offering scenic views throughout the year. Dogs are allowed on trails but must be on a leash.
• Hunting: The marsh is a popular destination for hunters targeting waterfowl, deer, and other animals. Note that the State Wildlife Area and the National Wildlife Refuge have different hunting regulations and hunting season dates; find more information here.
• Fishing: Fishing piers and roadside fishing opportunities can be found on Peachy Road, Ledge Road, and Main Dike Road.
• Winter recreation: The Horicon Marsh is open year-round, and trails are open to winter hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing (though there are no dedicated trails for skiing and snowshoeing).

Is there an admission fee to Horicon Marsh?

Admission to the marsh is free. There is an admission fee to the Explorium at the Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center.