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 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.
Refuge Visitor Center Winter Hours - (November 1 - March 31)

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

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

  *Visitor Center closed on federal holidays

Winter Access

  • The entire refuge is open to hiking/snowshoeing/cross country skiing December 1- March 15 during daylight hours. 
  • Auto Tour Route & Main Dike Road are currently closed to vehicles for the winter.
  • Main parking lot at auto tour and hiking area off Hwy 49 (across from Marsh Haven Nature Center) is plowed for parking access and pit toilets are open year-round. 

 

Refuge Visitor Center Spring Hours - (April 1- May 31)

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

  *Visitor Center closed on federal holidays

Spring Access

  • Portions of refuge close for spring migration March 16th. Regular public use areas remain open to hiking/snowshoeing/cross country skiing/bicycling during daylight hours.
  • Auto Tour Route reopens to vehicles March 16th * weather conditions permitting
  • Main Dike Road reopens to vehicles May 10th * weather conditions permitting

 

Coot’s Corner Gift Shop Hours: April 1 - May 31

  • Thur – 10-2
  • Fri –   10-2
  • Sat –   10-2

For more information contact the Friends of Horicon National Wildlife Refuge at fohnwr@yahoo.com .

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Wildlife Management
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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...
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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.