Birdwatching
Horicon Marsh is one of the top birding destinations in the Midwest. 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.
The list below identifies some of the best bird and wildlife viewing locations in Dodge County.
- Download birdwatching hotspot maps.
- Get a birding checklist for Horicon Marsh
- Find out about the Horicon Marsh Birdwatching Club
Horicon Marsh Birdwatching Hotspots
- Highway 49 Viewing Area—Open year-round depending on snow. Northeast part of marsh on the south side of Highway 49 at County Highway Z.
- Horicon TernPike Auto Tour Route—Open year-round to hiking, bicycling and vehicles when conditions permit. Northwest part of marsh on the south side of State Highway 49.
- Highway 49 Hiking Trails—Open daily, year-round for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Northwest part of marsh on the south side of State Highway 49. Egret Trail has a floating boardwalk and is accessible to persons with disabilities.
- Bud Cook Hiking Area—Open daily, year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Point Road west of County Highway Z.
- Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center—On Headquarters Road off County Highway Z. Open Mon–Fri 7:30am–4:00pm & weekends in fall.
- Main Dike Road—Open year-round when conditions permit.
- Ledge Road—East side of marsh. At the end of the road there is a platform accessible to people with disabilities.
- Old Marsh Road—Open Saturday and Sundays in June, July and August. Hike or bicycle through one-lane road running through the north end of marsh, south of State Highway 49.
- Burnett Ditch Road—West Side of marsh. Good boat access into the State Wildlife Area section of the marsh.
- Green Head Landing—East side of the State Wildlife area of the marsh. Good boat launch site.
- DNR Service Center—Located on Highway 28 between Horicon and Mayville. Hiking trail and views of nearby flowage.
Horicon Habitat & Quick’s Point Trails—Palmatory Street north from Highway 33 in the City of Horicon. Hiking trail, observation deck with view of marsh and Four-mile Island Heron rookery. - Marsh Haven Nature Center—W10145 Highway 49 East.
Other Dodge County
Birdwatching Hotspots
- Brushwood Island (Bird Island) on Fox Lake—An island bird sanctuary on Fox Lake.
- Shaw Marsh Wildlife Area—2 ½ miles west of Leipsig on County Highway S.
- Waterloo Wildlife Area—1 mile east of Waterloo on State Highway 19.
- Mud Lake Wildlife Area—2 miles west of Richwood on County Highway Q.
- Theresa Marsh—On Highway 28 at Highway 41.
See map of Dodge County and Horicon Marsh.
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