Shutdown Notice
Due to the lapse in federal appropriations, this website will not be updated until further notice. Where public access to refuge lands does not require the presence of a federal employee or contractor, activities on refuge lands will be allowed to continue on the same terms as before the appropriations lapse. Any entry onto Refuge System property during this period of federal government shutdown is at the visitor's sole risk. Please read this important updated message about the closure of National Wildlife Refuge System facilities during the shutdown, and refer to alerts posted on individual refuge websites for the status of visitor facilities and previously scheduled events that may still occur during the shutdown.

For more information, please visit the Department of Interior webpage at https://www.doi.gov/shutdown

Features

  • Monarchs roosting at Minnesota Valley NWR by Mara Koenig/USFWS

    Monarchs on the Move

    The monarchs have started their annual migration to Mexico. Each day they find roosting sights along the way. Roosts help reveal their path.

    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

Roads, Trails, & Recreation Facility Updates

Main Dike Road is currently OPEN TO VEHICLES. The auto tour off Hwy 49 is currently CLOSED TO VEHICLES. The entire refuge opens Dec 1 through March 15th for hiking, bicycling, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. *Weather, maintenance, and management practices (pumping water, prescribed fire) may lead to periodic closures of facilities as needed. Please check website, facebook and or call for updates before your planned visit.

Public Programs and Events

On refuge and marsh-wide.

Horicon Marsh Public Programs and Events Fall and Winter 2018

Birding Information

Fall migration is winding down for the year as most species are heading south. A few Canada geese and sandhill cranes remain visible but icy conditions may limit viewing opportunities as over 95% of the refuge is frozen.

Waterbird Survey - Horicon NWR
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 12, Feb 9, and Mar 2, 2019. Coot's Corner Bookstore, located within the refuge visitor center is owned and operated by the non-profit Friends of Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Monday - Saturday from 11am-3pm during the fall season. For 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

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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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