Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you Recreate Responsibly.

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information.
  • Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, people who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.


Features

  • Hiking trail 2

    Refuge Auto Tour and Hiking Trails

    3 mile driving loop and hiking trails.

    Horicon Refuge Trail Maps

  • 4thgrade

    Federal Recreation Passes

    Refuge is unable to issue at this time.

    Permits

  • Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

    Horicon Marsh Visitor Centers

    Horicon Marsh has three visitor centers, one federal, one state and one non-profit.

    Three Centers and Friends

  • monarch_caterpillar

    Have Monarchs Arrived at Your House?

    Keep your eyes peeled. A great citizen science project tracks monarchs moving north. Report when you see the first butterfly, egg or larva.

    Track their progress.

  • American woodcock by Peter Rea.

    New Hunting Opportunities

    The Horicon National Wildlife Refuge is expanding their hunt program.

    Learn more.

Public Use Information

Facilities Updates

Refuge auto tour off Hwy 49 is open to vehicles. Visitor Center: currently closed to the public. Discovery Trail open for hiking and porta potty available. Main Dike Rd: now open to vehicles as well as hiking and bicycling (bicycling conditions are currently rough due to recent roadwork) Old Marsh Rd: currently open for hiking and bicycling. Refuge open for fishing at bank fishing locations (Main Dike Road, Ledge Road, and Peachy Road). See maps for more information. Please remember to practice social distancing and avoid trails and parking areas that may be experiencing higher visitor use. Stay local, stay safe and enjoy! For more information email horicon@fws.gov or call 920-387-2658.

Refuge Map

Public Programs and Events

On refuge and marsh-wide. *PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ALL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED OR POSTPONED.

Birding Information

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Spring 2021 Migration Report 5/12/2021 This is week nine of waterbird surveys at the refuge for the spring migration. Dabbling ducks were the most numerous waterfowl group this week. Their numbers total about 1,500 on this week’s survey. Two species, mallards and blue-winged teal, had numbers in the hundreds. These mallards and blue-winged teal are local nesting species. There are still a few gadwall, Northern shoveler, green-winged teal and American wigeon hanging around - less than 100 of each. Diving duck numbers dropped to 350 this week. Five different species were seen this week. Redheads were the most numerous at just over 200. There were around 125 ruddy ducks. Only a couple ring-necked ducks, hooded mergansers, and scaup remain in the area. Canada goose numbers remain around to 2,000. This includes the new broods being seen out and about. Other sightings to note: •Shorebird viewing continues to be best around the auto tour loop. Dowitchers were seen this week. •Black terns and Forster’s terns can be seen all around the marsh in feeding flights. •Several pair of common gallinules were spotted around the auto tour route. •The first duck broods were spotted this week. Mallards were seen with young along the auto tour. •Sandhill cranes have hatched. Adults can be seen defending and feeding the young colts. Happy birding!

Location / Hours

Location & Hours

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters/Visitor Center W4279 Headquarters Rd. Mayville, WI 53050. Phone: 920-387-2658 Refuge public use areas are open daily from dawn to dusk. Visitor Center - CURRENTLY CLOSED to the public due to COVID. Please note that America the Beautiful Passes(annual,senior,access etc. are unable to be issued at our facility at this time. Please visit https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes to purchase or call ahead to federal sites you plan to visit.

Plan Your Visit

About the Complex

Horicon Leopold Complex

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Horicon Leopold Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

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The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
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