Welcome to the marsh! At more than 33,000 acres, Horicon Marsh is one of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States and is a critical rest stop for thousands of migrating ducks and Canada geese. The northern two-thirds is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as the 22,000 acre Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. The southern third of the marsh, 11,000 acres, is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area. Three visitor centers and numerous trails and other outdoor facilities are available. Enjoy!
Refuge Visitor Center Summer Hours - (June 1- August 31)

Location: (W4279 Headquarters Rd, Mayville off Cty Rd Z)

*Please note the refuge visitor center is one of three visitor centers located at Horicon Marsh

  • Sun – CLOSED
  • Mon – 9-4
  • Tues – 9-4
  • Wed – CLOSED
  • Thur – 9-4
  • Fri –   9-4
  • Sat –   CLOSED

  *Visitor Center closed on federal holidays - closed Monday June 19th 

Refuge Public Use Areas

  • Auto Tour Route off Hwy 49 is open to vehicles 
  • Old Marsh Road is open June 1- August 31 for hiking and bicycling. Adjacent dikes are closed.
  • Main Dike Road is open to vehicles. Entire road is open year-round for hiking and bicycling across the marsh to the Wild Goose State Trail.  

Coot’s Corner Gift Shop Hours 

June 1- August 31

  • Mon - 10-2
  • Tues - 10-2
  • Thur – 10-2
  •  Fri –   10-2

*located inside the refuge visitor center and operated by the volunteer non-profit Friends of Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. For more information contact fohnwr@yahoo.com 

Latest News

Large numbers of snow geese fly out at sunrise into an orange sky reflected in the water below at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico.
Wildlife Wonders
Bird Festival Planner
For a wonderful nature show, it’s hard to beat a bird festival. Some of the best bird fests occur at or near national wildlife refuges. That’s not surprising, given that these public lands are such birdy places.
A small pond surrounded by leafy green vegetation, a few standing dead trees and verdant forest
Wildlife Management
Trapping
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service carefully manages trapping activities on national wildlife refuges to ensure that safe, effective practices are used, to ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations, and to protect refuge infrastructure. Trapping may be used as a wildlife management tool...
View All News

Visit Us

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

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      The northern two-thirds of Horicon Marsh is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as the 22,000 acre Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. The southern third of the marsh, 11,000 acres, is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area. At more than 33,000 acres, Horicon Marsh is one of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States and is a critical rest stop for thousands of migrating ducks and Canada geese. It is recognized as a Wetland of International Importance, as both Globally and State Important Bird Areas and is also a unit of the Ice Age Scientific Reserve.

      Horicon National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1941 to provide an undisturbed sanctuary for a number of migratory birds and waterfowl including the redhead duck as well as to provide opportunities for people to connect with nature.

      Our Species

      At more than 33,000 acres in size, Horicon Marsh is the largest freshwater marsh in the United States. Recognized as a Wetland of International Importance, as both Globally and State Important Bird Areas and a unit of the Ice Age Scientific Reserve, the marsh provides critical habitat for more than 300 species of birds as well as muskrats, red foxes, turtles, frogs, bats, dragonflies, fish and much more. Fall migration on the refuge offers impressive numbers of Canada geese, ducks and sandhill cranes while spring migration offers a variety of unique waterbirds and songbirds.