National park · United States
Horicon Marsh
Visit Horicon Marsh: pay the $5 parking fee, drive to the Visitor Center, walk the 2 km (1.2 mi) boardwalk early (before 10 am) in April–May or Sep–Oct for best birding, and bring a bike for the 5 km (3.1 mi) trail loop.Visit Horicon Marsh: pay the $5 parking fee, drive to the Visitor Center, walk the 1.2 mi (2 km) boardwalk early (before 10 am) in April–May or Sep–Oct for best birding, and bring a bike for the 3.1 mi (5 km) trail loop.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
130 km² (50 sq mi)50 sq mi (130 km²)
approximate
Established
1935
Best months
Apr–May, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 130 km² (50 sq mi)50 sq mi (130 km²)
- The refuge covers about 129.5 km² (32,000 acres) of marsh, prairie and forest, as reported by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
- Established
- 1935
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- Not needed
- Base
- Milwaukee
Horicon Marsh is a 32,000‑acre wetland refuge in Wisconsin, renowned for its extensive boardwalk, diverse birdlife and seasonal water‑level changes that support a rich mix of habitats.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Ramsar wetland · 1990Wetland of International Importance.
Size and age
130 km² (50 sq mi)50 sq mi (130 km²) · national park since 1935
The refuge covers about 129.5 km² (32,000 acres) of marsh, prairie and forest, as reported by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Milwaukee.
Why go
- One of the Midwest’s premier bird‑watching sites with 300+ species recorded.
- Extensive boardwalk and trail network across 32 000 acres of water, woods and prairie.
- Kayak and canoe access to quiet water channels.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanWinter birding possible, cold.
- FebFewer visitors, cold.
- MarEarly spring migration starts.
- AprPeak spring migration, mild.
- MayContinued migration, good weather.
- JunMosquitoes rise, heat.
- JulHot, insects.
- AugHot, insects.
- SepFall migration, cooler.
- OctFall birds, comfortable temps.
- NovCool, fewer crowds.
- DecWinter, quiet.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterfowl, songbirds, raptorsAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Migratory warblersApr–May, Sep–Oct | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no |
| Beavers, muskratsMay–Oct | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Milwaukee
Drive 45 km (28 mi) north via US‑45; follow signs to Horicon Marsh Visitor Center.Drive 28 mi (45 km) north via US‑45; follow signs to Horicon Marsh Visitor Center.
45 min
Open the page →
From Madison
Take US‑151 north 30 km (19 mi); turn onto County Rd H and follow signs.Take US‑151 north 19 mi (30 km); turn onto County Rd H and follow signs.
35 min
Open the page →
From Chicago (IL)
Drive 150 km (93 mi) east on I‑94, then US‑151 north to the marsh.Drive 93 mi (150 km) east on I‑94, then US‑151 north to the marsh.
2 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Center | Parking, information desk, restrooms, map kiosk. | Open daily 8 am–6 pm (check). |
| Boardwalk Loop | 2 km (1.2 mi) wooden boardwalk over water and marsh.1.2 mi (2 km) wooden boardwalk over water and marsh. | Free with parking fee. |
| Bicycle Trail | 5 km (3.1 mi) paved loop for bikes and walkers.3.1 mi (5 km) paved loop for bikes and walkers. | Open year‑round. |
Sketch map
- 1Horicon Marsh Visitor Center · Headquarters≈43.550, -88.656Main entry point, parking and information.Map ↗
- 2Honeybee Inn · Town≈43.540, -88.650Nearby lodging in Horicon village.Map ↗
- 3Boardwalk Entrance · Viewpoint≈43.550, -88.656Start of the 2 km (1.2 mi) boardwalk loop.Start of the 1.2 mi (2 km) boardwalk loop.Map ↗
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service official site; approximate for orientation.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking fee | US$5 | vehicle | Paid at the Visitor Center entrance. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
General entry no permit
Park rules
- Pets
- Dogs must be leashed at all times; clean up after them.
- Hunting
- Not allowed within the refuge.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use designated grills only.
- Boating
- Only motor‑less vessels (kayak, canoe) permitted in the marsh channels.
- Stay on paths
- Boardwalk and trails must be used to protect sensitive habitats.
Where to stay
Near the park
Honeybee Inn Bed & Breakfast
Cozy rooms in Horicon village, 5 min drive from the marsh.
Near the park
Royal Oaks Motel
Budget rooms in Horicon, convenient parking.
Safety
Mosquitoes low
Weather changes medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Visitor Center parking and restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
- Boardwalk has smooth surface but some sections are uneven; limited wheelchair access.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on boardwalk and trails to protect wetlands.
- Pack out all trash; use provided recycling bins.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Horicon Marsh?
There is no entry fee; a $5 parking fee is charged at the Visitor Center.
What are the best hikes in Horicon Marsh?
The 2 km boardwalk loop is the most popular; the 5 km paved bicycle trail offers a longer walk.
When is the best time to visit Horicon Marsh?
April–May and September–October give the richest bird‑watching and comfortable weather.
Can I bring a bike?
Yes, the paved trail is bike‑friendly; bring your own or rent locally.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are permitted on leashes; they are not allowed on the boardwalk.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Horicon Marsh
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