Horicon Marsh , Mayville, WI

The largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States is located in Wisconsin. With more than 32,000 acres, the marsh is home to a variety of endangered species and is a stopping point for Canadian geese and ducks. The park has received recognition as a Wetland of International Importance, and as a Globally and State Important Bird Area, and is a unit for Ice Age Scientific Reserve. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service manages the north 2/3 of the park, and this is the portion of the marsh known as the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. The south third is managed by the Wisconsin DNR and is called the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area.

Visitors to the area can enjoy a variety of activities including biking, hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. This is also a popular photography destination, and there are a number of educational programs held at the marsh, as well. A number of buildings serve the public and help to make a visit to the marsh more comfortable. The entire refuge is open for people to observe wildlife in a natural habitat. During the winter, this can be done by cross country skiing and snowshoeing. When the weather is warmer, you can hike to the area of the park that showcase rare and beautiful wildlife. The marsh freezes during the winter, and there are often hunting and trapping occurring in the area, so visitors are cautioned to move throughout the refuge with care.

If you are headed out to the marsh, there are a few areas for which you will want to be aware. The Highway 49 Wildlife Viewing area is situated on 49, just west of CR-Z and is open year round. There are two hiking trails in the Bud Cook Hiking Area which is located on Point Road, just south of 49 and CR-Z. Here you will also find a spotting scope and observation platform. The Horicon TernPike Auto Tour Route is on Highway 49 east of Waupun. There are three hiking trails located there featuring a bike, hiking, and a floating boardwalk leading to the Wild Goose State Trail.

On the Main Dike Road, you will find a newly opened area that allows year round biking and hiking. The Ledge and Rockville Roads feature excellent viewing opportunities. A photography blind is located at the end of Old Marsh Road. It is available for reservation and those wishing to do so should contact the refuge office. Finally, the Horicon Refuge Visitor Center is located on CR-Z three and half miles south of 49. It is the location for Coot's Corner bookstore and is open Monday through Friday. Those wishing to bring pets to the refuge should remember to keep them on a short leash at all times.

Educational programs are offered for all grade levels and include field trips and off-site presentations. There are also a variety of education resources available for loan.

Thos with a desire to view wildlife in a natural setting, especially those with an interest in photographing the creatures, should head to the Horicon Marsh in Mayville, Wisconsin.