Horicon National Wildlife Refuge (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
The northern two-thirds of Horicon Marsh is managed federally by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as the 22,000 acre Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. The 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 through many wildlife dependent recreational activities such as wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, interpretation, fishing and hunting.
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources)
The southern third of the marsh, 11,000 acres, is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area. It was established in 1927.
Three visitor centers and numerous trails and other outdoor facilities are available. Enjoy!
Refuge Visitor Center Spring Hours - (April 1- May 31)
- Sun – CLOSED
- Mon – 9-4
- Tues – 9-4
- Wed – CLOSED
- Thur – 9-4
- Fri – 9-4
- Sat – 9-4
The refuge visitor center will be closed on the following federal holidays/dates - May 26
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 opens to vehicles March 16 weather conditions permitting.
Old Marsh Road
- Visitors are able to get a sneak peak at migrating birds during a special access weekend annually in celebration of Earth Day. Check the upcoming events section below for dates.
- This gravel service road opens for hiking and bicycling from June 1 through August 31 (birds are nesting farther away from trails) as well as between December 1 and March 15 when the entire refuge is open for winter public access. It is closed to hiking and bicycling during spring and fall migrations.
Main Dike Road
- The eastern gravel portion of the road is currently open for driving to the fishing pier. The entire road, including western portion is open year-round for hiking, bicycling, snowshoeing a cross-country skiing.
Peachy Road Fishing Access
- Peachy fishing access is open year-round for fishing.
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. Spring hours are Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. through May 31. For more information contact fohnwr@yahoo.com .
Upcoming Events
- Old Marsh Road Earth Day Hiking and Bicycling Weekend April 25-28, 2025
- Horicon Marsh Bird Festival May 9-11, 2025
- Horicon Marsh Wildflowers for Wildlife May 17, 2025 (Located at Horicon Marsh Education Center on Hwy 28 for 2025)
2025 Spring 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.