Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we encourage you to:

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information
  • Follow current CDC safe practices by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick


Features

  • American woodcock by Peter Rea.

    New Hunting Opportunities

    We’re proposing new hunting opportunities here at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge.

    Learn more.

  • Banking on Nature Horicon

    Banking on Nature Report

    Learn how the refuge brings money and jobs into your local community!

    Learn more

  • monarch_caterpillar

    Monarchs Getting Ready to Migrate

    As fall approaches the migratory generation of monarchs will emerge.

    Report Your Sightings

  • 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

  • water bug scooping

    Sense of Wonder Discovery Trail

    Check out the progress of our new visitor center trail and nature play area!

    Sense of Wonder Discovery Trail 2018

Public Use Information

Facilities Updates

Visitor Center: currently closed to the public. Discovery Trail open for hiking and porta potty available. Main Dike Rd: currently open to vehicles as well as bicycling and hiking. Old Marsh Rd: currently open to hiking and bicycling. Auto tour and trails off Hwy 49 open to the public, pit toilets available. Refuge remains 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 questions 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.

Horicon Marsh Public Programs and Events Spring and Summer 2020

Birding Information

Nesting season at the marsh. Birds species that can be seen currently include Canada geese, sandhill cranes, red-winged blackbirds, wood ducks, mallards, redheads, bald eagles, gulls, pied-billed grebes, coots, swans, American white pelicans, marsh wrens, Forster's terns and more. For up-to-date sightings check out:

Finding Birds with EBird

Horicon Marsh Learn to Hunt Waterfowl

Thirty novice hunters from ages 10-adult will have the unique opportunity to experience a mentored hunt at Horicon Marsh on the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge through a Learn to Hunt Waterfowl Program offered this fall. The program will be hosted by Ducks Unlimited (DU), Wisconsin Waterfowl Association (WWA), Friends of Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). Click on the link below for application and more information.

Horicon Marsh LTH Waterfowl Application and Information 2020
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 - Regular Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. April-November: Monday-Saturday, 9:00 am-4:00 pm (plus Sundays in October). Open July 4,Labor Day and Columbus Day. (Closed all other federal holidays). The visitor center will be open one Saturday per month during the winter months: Jan 11, Feb 8, and Mar 7, 2020. Coot's Corner Bookstore, located within the refuge visitor center is owned and operated by the non-profit Friends of Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. For current hours or more information, please email fohnwr@yahoo.com.

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

NWRS Logo

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
Follow NWRS Online