Horicon Marsh

VISIT HORICON MARSH

HORICON MARSH IS THE LARGEST FRESHWATER CATTAIL MARSH IN THE CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES WITH OVER 33,000 ACRES OF WETLAND.

Get outdoors and experience the wildlife and many seasons of natural beauty at Horicon Marsh. The marsh provides habitat for endangered species and is a critical rest stop for thousands of migrating ducks and Canada geese. Because of its importance to wildlife, Horicon “Globally Important Bird Area”[ [

Marsh has been formally recognized as a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention of the United Nations, is a “Globally Important Bird Area” and is a unit of the Ice Age Scientific Reserve. It has also been designated as one the “Seven Natural Wonders of Wisconsin” and is often referred to as the “Little Everglades of the North.” Located in southeast Wisconsin, this vast wetland is only a one hour drive from Milwaukee and Madison. While the marsh in renowned for its migrant flocks of Canada geese, it is also home to more than 300 resident and migratory bird species which have been sighted returned to the refuge in 2012 and also history of the marsh or to see the new over the years. Due to its international utilized other local wetlands. “Explorium”, visitors can visit Horicon significance, scientists from around the world have traveled here for professional training to improve conservation programs in their own countries. The Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area comprises 11,000 acres of the marsh while the northern 22,000 acres is part of the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. The National Wildlife Refuge was established as a breeding habitat for the Redhead Duck. Besides the over 300 bird species, other wildlife that live on the marsh are muskrats, red foxes, coyotes, turtles, frogs, bats, fish, deer, beaver, raccoons, river otters, mink and much more. New to the marsh is the release of whooping cranes. These were reintroduced in 2011. The chicks were trained by a crane-costumed biologist and left to freely migrate on their own. They Within the marsh there are hiking and bicycling trails, driving trails, two boardwalks, fishing piers, boat launches and canoe/kayak trails. Geocaching is enjoyed on the southern end of the marsh. Of course birding, photography, hiking, hunting, site seeing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and fishing are popular activities on the marsh as well. Horicon Marsh has a unique and important story to tell. The geologic features of the area, created by our last ice age, were instrumental in providing resources for wildlife and humans alike. The human history of Horicon Marsh is rich with culture and story; however it is one of tragedy and restoration. The wildlife present today at Horicon Marsh are the result of geologic and human activities, including modern-day wildlife management. To view a movie about the “Seven Natural Wonders of Wisconsin”[ [ [ Marsh Education & Visitor Center on Highway 28 between Mayville and Horicon. Public naturalist talks and hikes are given at both Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center and Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center throughout the year and are free and open to the public. These talks focus on a variety of topics related to the geology, history, wildlife and management of Horicon Marsh. Visitors should stop at Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center or Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Office and Visitor Center for maps and information about the marsh. There are various restrictions on certain areas of the marsh so visitors should stop for information at one of the visitor centers.

“Little Everglades of the North.” [

COTTAGE RENTALS

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HORICON MARSH, WI. “Be Our Guest” 435-659-0603

MARSH EDUCATION EXPLORE IT

■ Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center

N7725 Hwy 28, Horicon As of March 2021 closed due to Covid-19. The restrooms located at the entrance to the Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center are open and cleaned daily 8am - 4pm. The Center is a state facility and requires the use of a mask or face covering to enter in accordance with the statewide mandate. Though you may not enter the center yet, Curly the Mammoth invites you to still come out and enjoy the hiking trails around the Center. Trails are open during daylight hours and waiting for you to explore while keeping safe social distance from others. Horicon Marsh is not a State or National park; therefore, no fees are required to enter or use the trails. Continue to check www.horiconmarsh.org for updates on opening and hours. The Wildlife Education Program focuses on the abundant wildlife resources of the marsh, their ecology and management. DNR educators rely on the diverse wildlife to develop a wide range of educational programs aimed at introducing and sharing our native wildlife with a broad audience. Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center serves as both a destination and gateway for visitors to Horicon Marsh as well as providing for year-round educational opportunities. More than 500,000 people visit Horicon Marsh annually to observe wildlife in a natural setting, creating a huge demand for interpretive services. The facility has an auditorium, two classrooms, the Flyway Gift Shop, public viewing area, wildlife displays, a Children’s Discovery Area and other building amenities. Visitors may borrow binoculars, field guides, educational backpacks and snowshoes at no cost when facility is open. Today, guests of Horicon Marsh’s “Explorium” can get a glimpse of life at Horicon Marsh thousands of years before European settlement and witness how the current wetland came to be. Videos and interactive displays greet guests at every turn, encouraging audiences of any age to learn more about the history and ecology of Horicon Marsh. A wooly mammoth replica that children are free to touch and climb represents wildlife that roamed the land during the Ice Age. Relics from the age of European settlement as well as modern hunting and trapping equipment illustrate the marsh’s popularity as a waterfowl hunting site. Games encourage visitors to learn about wildlife identification. An airboat simulator gives visitors a thrilling perspective on the management and conservation activities currently occurring on the marsh before heading out to enjoy it for themselves.

■ Horicon National

Wildlife Refuge Office & Visitor Center

W4279 Headquarters Rd., Mayville 920-387-2658 Hours: Weekdays 9 am - 4 pm April-November: Monday-Saturday, 9 am - 4 pm (plus Sundays in October). Open July 4, Labor Day and Columbus Day. (Closed all other federal holidays). www.fws.gov/refuge/horicon The Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Office and Visitor Center is operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is located on the east side of the marsh just off Highway Z and offers exhibits on marsh history and wildlife; shopping for nature books and clothing in the Coot's Corner Gift Shop; and views of marsh wildlife. A large multi-purpose room is available to the public to reserve for business meetings. Educational programs on various topics of natural and cultural history are offered year-round for the public. For more information call 920-387-2658 or visit www.fws.gov/refuge/horicon.

■ Marsh Haven

W10145 State Hwy 49, Waupun 920-324-5818 Hours: Weekdays Noon - 4:00 p.m. Weekends 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Visit www.marshhaven.org for updates on the 2021 opening date. Marsh Haven Nature Center is located at the north end of the Horicon Marsh, just 3.5 miles east of Waupun on Hwy. 49. Visitors often see numerous bird species, including a well-established Purple Martin colony. Wildlife may be seen while wandering through the woodland, prairie, or wetland trails on our 46-acres. It also has a bunkhouse and camping area for overnight group stays, a picnic shelter and campfire area, observation tower, a classroom, and indoor theater for presentations. Museum displays and exhibits include Glacier, Native American, Pioneer, Bird Gallery, Wetland, and Woodland.The Nature Nook Children’s Area offers our young visitors a hands-on area to learn and explore. Crawl in the wolf den or visit with our animals in the Critter Corner.

920-387-3348

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 4:30 Sunday 11-2pm Relax in Our Spacious Bar with a Wisconsin Old Fashioned Relaxing Choice for Business or Pleasure

Famous for Our Choice Cut Steaks, Prime Rib, Seafood, Broasted Chicken Enjoy a Wisconsin Fish Fry Friday Evenings Dine In and Carryout Available Banquet Seating 150

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HORICON MARSH AREA

EXPERIENCE IT

Get outdoors this year and experience the wildlife and many seasons of natural beauty at Horicon Marsh. The Horicon Marsh Parkway is a 50-mile auto tour route that follows state and county roadways around the marsh, passing through or near many local communities. There are also roads, hiking and biking trails throughout the property, and a canoe trail accessing the waters of the marsh. Spring marks the return of mallard ducks, coots, herons, egrets, sandhill cranes, purple martins, warblers, and numerous others. A “chorus” of frogs is sure to be heard throughout the marsh signaling that warmer weather is here. The Horicon Marsh Bird Festival is held annually in May and offers many opportunities to view and photograph spring migrants and resident wildlife. Summer brings nesting season and warmer weather for hiking and bicycling around the marsh to view an array of bird species with their young. American white pelicans nest abundantly on the marsh during the summer and may be seen feeding in large groups – “herding” fish into shallower water for easier dining. Several fishing piers are also available at the marsh and make great places to spend relaxing summer afternoons. Fall is well known for the mass migration of birds (and visitors!) to the marsh - Canada geese, as well as thousands of ducks of many different species – mallards, wood ducks, pintails, wigeon, redheads, bufflehead, and ruddy ducks; as well as impressive numbers of staging sandhill cranes. Opportunities also exist to view whooping cranes. Although closed for waterfowl hunting, the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge is open for deer and small game hunting seasons in the fall. However there is waterfowl hunting in the State Wildlife Area. Many educational programs and events are held marsh-wide throughout the season.

Winter is characterized as a frozen but peaceful time on the marsh and is also a good season for wildlife viewing. Eagles, owls, several species of hawks, muskrats, foxes and other wildlife, or evidence of, such as tracks or feathers, may be sighted when the entire marsh is open to snowshoeing, hiking, and cross country skiing (Dec. - Mar.). Snowy owls are a notable species to watch for during the winter months.

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214 W. Henni St • P.O. Box 127 • Theresa, WI 53091-0127 Mon-Sat 7am-5pm • Sun (June-Oct.) 10am-3pm Watch cheese being made from our store 7 am to 11 am We Ship Anywhere in the US Year Round 920-488-2503 www.widmerscheese.com

101 North Milwaukee Street ~ Theresa, WI 53091 ~ 920-488-9269 OPEN 7 Days A Week ~ Call for Hours

JUNEAU

Juneau is the county seat of Dodge County. Close proximity to larger cities provide excellent shopping and cultural opportunities, yet one can still enjoy the small community atmosphere Juneau has to offer. Only about three miles west of the Rock River and just minutes from Lake Sinnissippi and world renowned Horicon Marsh, recreation and exploration are close at hand. Many established industries, from manufacturing to restaurateurs thrive here in Juneau. The Dodge County Airport is located about 1 mile north of the city and is large enough to accommodate jet traffic. The Juneau Chamber of Commerce holds many community events throughout the year. The 2021 Juneau Chamber of Commerce Parade of Trees open house is scheduled for December 5th and will run through the end of the month. Visit juneaucitychamber.com for details and updates.

Your Bed and Breakfast Escape in the middle of nowhere, yet so much to do...

Horicon Marsh | Museums | Farmers Markets Antique Stores | Edwin Brix Vineyard | Wildlife Sanctuaries Hiking | Golf | Bike Trails | Shopping & More!

Enjoy a full breakfast with homemade cinnamon rolls. Choose a guestroom for two or a guest suite with private kitchenette, bathroom and entrance. Bring the whole family. We’re pet-friendly, too. Life just doesn’t get any better than this! N4589 Primrose Lane Juneau, WI (920) 341-3004 shaneacresllc@gmail.com • shaneacrescountryinn.com

HORICON

CITY ON THE MARSH

Horicon’s largest attraction is the Horicon Marsh. The Horicon Marsh has been named a “Wetland of International Importance” by the Ramsar Convention of the United Nations. The marsh supports more than 300 species of birds and numerous other wildlife species. Friends of Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center features 5 miles of hiking trails and a 6/5 mile long canoe trail. Year-round, birdwatchers flock to the Horicon Marsh to enjoy some of the best birds in North America. In fact, Horicon has been a proud Bird City for over 9 years. Horicon Van Brunt Elementary and Horicon High School have a newly remodeled building completed this past fall. Horicon also has Mountain Top Christian Academy and St. Stephens Luthern School. Horicon has many employment opportunities with their long standing and established businesses, such as John Deere, Kwik Trip, Horicon Bank, LeRoy Meats, Hardware Hank, Ice Cream Station, The Rock River Tap, Subway and Danny Boys just to name a few. There are many community events hosted by the Horicon Chamber, Horicon Phoenix Club and Horicon Lion’s Club. An Easter Bunny Visit, Cookies & Milk with Santa, Autumn Art on the Marsh, Farmers Market and Music in the Market are just some long-standing events. Visit their

websites and facebook pages for more information!

CHAMBER of COMMERCE

2021

March 28

Easter Event @ Discher

Park May 21

Steak Fry @ LeRoy Meats

Sept 26

Autumn Art on the Marsh @ Discher Park

Dec 5

Cookies & Milk with Santa @ Horicon School

For More Details check out www.horiconchamber.com

920-485-3200 • writeus@horiconchamber.com •

LeRoy Meats & Catering

739 West State St. Fox Lake, WI 920-485-2554 ext 2 www.leroymeats.com 85 Washington St. Horicon, WI 920-485-2554 ext. 1

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