Horicon National Wildlife Refuge

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings.

Early American settlers described the marsh as an impenetrable wilderness which people traveled around, not through. It was a rich combination of sedge meadow and marsh with wild rice, cranberry, and blueberry. The Rock River served as a natural fire break between the deciduous forests to the east of Horicon Marsh and tallgrass prairie and oak savanna (grasslands with scattered bur oak trees) to the west.

Today, Horicon National Wildlife Refuge encompasses the northern two-thirds of the 32,000 acre Horicon Marsh (22,000 acres). Of that, about 17,000 acres is wetland habitat, 4,000 acres is upland grasslands and approximately 500 acres is woodland. Known as the largest freshwater marsh in the United States, it is home to more than 300 species of birds and a diversity of other wildlife species.

Many opportunities exist to enjoy Horicon National Wildlife Refuge including opportunities for wildlife observation, photography, hiking, fishing, educational programs, guided tours, bicycling, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, deer and upland game hunting and trapping.

Driving Directions

The office and visitor center is located on the east side of Horicon Marsh, 3.5 miles south of State Highway 49 on County Road Z.

W4279 Headquarters Road
Mayville, WI 53050

From Madison: Take U.S. 151 north to WI-49. East to County Road Z. 3.5 miles south to Headquarters Road

From Milwaukee: Take U.S. 41 north to WI-49. West to County Road Z. 3.5 miles south to Headquarters Road

From Green Bay: Take U.S. 41 south to WI-49. West to County Road Z. 3.5 miles south to Headquarters Road

From Portage: Take Hwy 33 east to County Road A. East to U.S. 151 north. 151 north to WI-49. East to County Road Z. 3.5 miles south to Headquarters Road

Fees

There is no charge to visit.

Restrooms

Restrooms are available inside the refuge visitor center. Pit toilets are open year round at the auto tour and hiking trails located off Hwy 49 near Marsh Haven Nature Center.

Points of Interest

Let our staff and volunteers at the refuge visitor center help you plan your visit! This is a great starting point for visitors to become more familiar with the refuge and the wildlife that live here. Visitors can watch a 15 minute refuge orientation video, browse exhibits and obtain maps and brochures. While there, visit the Friends of Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Coot’s Corner Bookstore for field guides, t-shirts and other educational items.

Please note there are three visitor centers located at Horicon Marsh:

• Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) located off County Road Z
• Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources), which hosts the new Explorium exhibits, located off Hwy 28
• Marsh Haven Nature Center (non-profit) located off Hwy 49

What To Do

If you have 15 minutes

• Stop in the visitor center
• Hike the visitor center trail
• Stop at the Hwy 49 viewing area and hike the trail
• Drive the 3 mile auto tour

If you have one hour

• Stop in the visitor center
• Drive the 3 mile auto tour
• Hike the Egret Trail Floating Boardwalk

If you have half a day or more

• Stop in the refuge visitor center
• Drive the 3 mile auto tour
• Hike the Egret Trail Floating Boardwalk and other trails near the auto tour
• Kayak the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area off Hwy 28

Know Before You Go

• Many amenities are available within a few miles of the refuge
• Lodging, camping, dining and other local recreation and events information may be found at Dodge County Tourism
• Garbage cans on the refuge are limited - please practice "pack it in, pack it out"