- Sun – CLOSED
- Mon – 9-4
- Tues – 9-4
- Wed – CLOSED
- Thur – 9-4
- Fri – 9-4
- Sat – CLOSED
- The refuge visitor center is closed on the following federal holidays Nov 10, Nov 23, Dec 25, Jan 1, Jan 15, Feb 19 as well as days that significant weather events occur.
- The Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, located at W4279 Headquarters Rd, is one of three visitor centers located at Horicon Marsh including Marsh Haven Nature Center on Hwy 49 and the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area Visitor Center on Hwy 28.
Refuge Public Use Areas
Auto Tour
- The three-mile auto tour is closed to vehicles for the winter and will reopen to driving March 16, 2024 weather conditions permitting. The area remains open for hiking, bicycling, snowshoeing and cross country skiing year-round. Ski trails are not groomed. The main parking lot is plowed for access and pit toilets remain open year-round. This area is open for the state-wide gun deer seasons November 18-26 and December 7-10. Blaze orange clothing is required for everyone using this area during the gun deer seasons.
Main Dike Road
- The eastern gravel portion of the road is closed to vehicles for the winter and will reopen to driving by May 15, 2024 weather conditions permitting. The entire road remains open across the marsh to the Wild Goose State Trail for hiking, bicycling, snow-shoeing and cross country skiing year-round.
Peachy Road Fishing Access
- Peachy fishing access is open year-round for fishing including over the ice. No motorized vehicles for access and parking lot is not plowed during winter months.
Refuge Winter Access
- The entire refuge is open December 1 - March 15 for hiking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Additional hunting seasons and trapping on a limited basis does occur on the refuge. For more information visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/horicon/visit-us/activities/hunting
Coot’s Corner Gift Shop Hours
- Located within the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center and operated by the non-profit volunteer group Friends of Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. The hours listed below are in effect through November 17. For more information contact fohnwr@yahoo.com
- Mon - 10-2
- Tues - 10-2
- Thur – 10-2
- Fri – 10-2
Upcoming Events
- Horicon Marsh Bird Festival - May TBA 2024
2023 Fall Migration Surveys
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.
