About Horicon National Wildlife Refuge
At more than 33,000 acres, Horicon Marsh is one of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States and is a critical rest stop for thousands of migrating ducks and Canada geese. It is recognized as a Wetland of International Importance, as both Globally and State Important Bird Areas and is also a unit of the Ice Age Scientific Reserve. Located in Dodge and Fond du Lac counties, Horicon Marsh is fed by the Rock River which flows through the refuge following a course through southern Wisconsin and eventually ending in the Mississippi River at Rock Island, Illinois.The northern two-thirds of Horicon Marsh is managed federally by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as the 22,000 acre Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge was established in 1941 to provide an undisturbed sanctuary for a number of migratory birds and waterfowl including the redhead duck as well as to provide opportunities for people to connect with nature through many wildlife dependent recreational activities such as wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, interpretation, fishing and hunting. The southern third of the marsh, 11,000 acres, is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area. It was established in 1927.
How to Get There
To reach the refuge office/visitor center from Waupun, go 7 miles east on State Highway 49 and 3.5 miles south on County Road Z. From Milwaukee, take 41 north to the Brownsville exit, go west on Highway 49 and 3.5 miles south on County Road Z. From Madison, take 151 north to Highway 49, go east to County Road Z, go south 3.5 miles. From Fond du Lac, take 151 south to Highway 49, go east to County Z, go south 3.5 miles. We strongly suggest that you consult an atlas or Dodge County map when using these directions.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Horicon National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Horicon National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Horicon National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1429) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Horicon National Wildlife Refuge?
To reach the refuge office/visitor center from Waupun, go 7 miles east on State Highway 49 and 3.5 miles south on County Road Z. From Milwaukee, take 41 north to the Brownsville exit, go west on Highway 49 and 3.5 miles south on County Road Z. From Madison, take 151 north to Highway 49, go east to County Road Z, go south 3.5 miles. From Fond du Lac, take 151 south to Highway 49, go east to County …
How do I contact Horicon National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 920-387-2658 or email: horicon@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
