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Horicon National Wildlife Refuge

The US Fish & Wildlife Service manages the northern two-thirds of Horicon Marsh, totaling 21,000 acres. The property provides critical habitat for endangered species and thousands of migrating and nesting birds, especially waterfowl. Visitors can hike a unit of the Ice Age Scientific Reserve. They can also enjoy biking, hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing. The property includes a visitor center as well as a popular auto tour route, the TernPike. Visit Main Dike, Ledge and Rockvale Roads for excellent wildlife viewing. The Bud Cook Hiking Trail is popular with its observation platform and large spotting scope. Registered groups can enjoy environmental education programming that includes bus tours of the property.

Directions: Marsh Haven Nature Center just east of Waupun on Hwy 49 is one of few access points on the west side of the marsh. On the east side, Main Dike, Ledge and Old Marsh Roads offer access. The marsh’s federal visitor center is located at W4279 Headquarters Road, about 6 miles northwest of Mayville.

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge map

Gazetteer: Page 45, D-7 (prior to 10th edition). | Page 79, E-6 (10th edition).

Phone: 920/387-2658.

Web site: USFWS Horicon National Wildlife Refuge

Signature Species: Canada Geese, Forster’s Tern and Common Moorhen.

Rare Species: Bonaparte’s Gull, American Avocet and Whooping Crane.

Parking: Parking lots.

Nearest food & lodging: Mayville, Waupun and Horicon.