Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area spans roughly 32,000 acres in Dodge and Fond du Lac counties. It is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States and serves as a critical habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, especially migratory birds. The marsh is divided into two sections: the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge and the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area. The refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, encompasses the northern half and focuses on preserving wetland ecosystems. The southern half is state-managed with additional recreational access. Ecologically, Horicon Marsh includes open water, cattail marshes, wet meadows, and grasslands, which provide breeding grounds for waterfowl, songbirds, and a diversity of mammals such as white-tailed deer and muskrats. Established in 1941, the marsh formed in the glacial period and was modified through historical drainage and dike construction to control water levels. Today, it is internationally recognized for its importance along the Mississippi Flyway migration route. Visitors can enjoy hiking on boardwalks and trails, canoeing or kayaking through waterways, and excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and hunting in designated areas. Notable landmarks include the Marsh Viewing Trail, several observation towers, and the Refuge Visitor Center. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn by the combination of accessible wilderness, bird diversity, and educational programs. The area has maintained strong conservation efforts to balance public use and habitat preservation, making it a premier destination for nature-focused recreation in Wisconsin.
