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 alerts and local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, all visitors (age 2 and older), who are fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.. All visitors 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

  • 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.

Public Use Information

Facilities Updates

December 1 through March 15th the entire refuge is open to hiking/bicycling/cross country skiing/snowshoeing. December 1 through March 15 the entire refuge is open for ice fishing (no motorized access). Refuge auto tour off Hwy 49 is currently closed to vehicles but open for hiking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Visitor Center: Temporarily closed. America the Beautiful passes will not be available until April 1 2022. Discovery Trail open for hiking and porta potty available. Main Dike Rd: currently closed to vehicles. Open to hiking and bicycling year-round. Old Marsh Rd: currently open for hiking, bicycling, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. 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 safe and enjoy! For more information email horicon@fws.gov or call 920-387-2658.

Refuge Map

Public Programs and Events

*PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE OFFERING LIMITED EVENTS AND PROGRAMS DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. CANCELLED: 5K RUN/WALK FOR WILDLIFE - OCTOBER 9TH, 2021.

Birding Information

Mixed Ducks Taking Off From a Wetland

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Fall 2021 Migration Report 12/8/2021 This is week twelve of waterbird surveys at the refuge for the fall migration. This will be the last fall migration survey update for 2021. The marsh was completely frozen on this week’s survey with ice thickness between 3-5 inches. The marsh and surrounding area had around 1” of snow. More snow is expected in the next several days followed by unseasonal warmth next week. Canada geese: Around 2,000 geese were counted on the refuge this week. Dabbling ducks: No dabbling ducks were counted on the survey. Flocks of mallards had been seen in the area prior to freeze-up. Diving ducks: No diving ducks were counted on the survey. Other sightings to note: · More than 3,500 sandhill cranes are in the area right now. You can watch their daily flights in and out of the marsh. Flocks of 200+ can be seen feeding in fields close to the marsh during the day. Sunrise and one hour before sunset are the best times to see large flocks’ transition between the roosting and feeding grounds – especially along the east side of the marsh. They will likely be here in numbers until we have snow preventing easy feeding in upland fields. · Snowy owls and rough-legged hawks have been seen around the marsh. Most of the remaining birds can be viewed from W Point Road – on the viewing platform at the Bud Cook Hiking Trail. The birds have been roosting and standing on ice west of Point Road. Also driving Ledge Road (the west section of road that enters the marsh) may afford a view of birds loafing on the ice.

Trapping Information

Unit maps and auction information.

Visitor Activities
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 - Temporarily closed. 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

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