The Horicon Marsh

The Horicon Marsh is one of North America’s most important wetland habitats and one of 22 “Wetlands of International Importance” recognized in the U.S. Year-round, the marsh teems with life.

Spring and fall bring massive migrations of waterfowl, with nearly 500,000 birds stopping at the marsh to feed and rest on their way to warmer climates. During the summer, many species of birds remain in the marsh to breed and raise their young. Throughout the summer, heron, egrets and other shorebirds can be seen stalking the margins of the cattails. Every corner of the marsh is home to some bird or animal. Even during the winter, when the wind howls and the landscape is blanketed in white, hawks soar over the frozen marsh and otters and muskrats swim under the ice.

The Horicon Marsh’s 32,000 acres of water, woods and prairie are currently home to one of the widest arrays of plants and wildlife in all the Midwest. But mankind nearly obliterated this natural treasure. Upon coming to the area in the mid- 1800s, white settlers commenced to alter the marsh, and in the 1900s, the marsh was even drained. The fact that the marsh exists today is a testament to the hard efforts of forward-thinking individuals and the adaptability of Mother Nature.

Through the efforts of concerned citizens, conservationists and sportsmen in the 1930s, the water levels of the marsh were restored and the marsh was slowly reborn. The old roots and seeds of the marsh plants that were dormant for decades suddenly came back to life. Flocks of birds, including some species which hadn’t been seen on the marsh for decades, returned each year in greater numbers. The marsh you see today is a result of 70 years of careful management. When you look out over the vast marsh, you aren’t just seeing the wonders of nature—you’re witnessing an ongoing success story.

Today the marsh is alive with plants and wildlife. There are many ways to enjoy this amazing natural treasure. In the City of Horicon, visitors will find a variety of ways to see the marsh by water, with everything from guided and unguided canoe and kayak tours and rentals to narrated pontoon boat tours. Trails provide access to innumerable vantage points that are excellent for bird watching. A driving tour around the marsh is also a great way to get a look at wildlife. Be sure to stop by the Horicon DNR Service Center, Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center and the Marsh Haven Nature Center.

Internationally regarded as one of the most unique wildlife areas in the country, the Horicon Marsh is truly a natural treasure. The history of the Horicon Marsh and its relationship to the area is also very interesting and gives a look into the development of Dodge County.

The Horicon Marsh Educational Program gives people of all ages a chance to learn more about the Horicon Marsh and the wildlife it attracts. The Horicon Bird Club offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about the variety of birds that migrate to the Horicon Marsh each year.

Becoming a “Friend to the Horicon Marsh” is an excellent way of preserving this wonderful resource.

Things to do:

• DNR - Horicon Marsh Activities
• Horicon Marsh Parkway
• Wild Goose State Trail
• Hiking options
• Horicon Marsh Boat Tours