Never let your mind tell your heart not to wander.
Horicon Marsh
Quick! I require an excursion; to get out into the fresh air and explore somewhere new! Let’s go out wandering at the Horicon Marsh.
There were three requirements for this trip: It needed to be relatively close, there had to be photography opportunities and I wanted to hike.
As I expanded the spiral of my search on Google Maps, an enormous Marsh filled my computer screen. The shutterbug in me looked closer at the photos attached to the app and found it to be a perfect place!
A short 45-minute drive, I could go right after work on Friday, set up camp, hike a bit, catch the sunset, and get up early for what was sure to be a beautiful sunrise over the Marsh. Boom – done! The trip was planned.
The Marsh
“Connecting People & Wildlife.” What an excellent mission statement for the Horicon Marsh. Situated in northern Dodge and southern Fond du Lac counties in Wisconsin, it’s considered both a national and a state wildlife refuge.
At 33.44 square miles, the glacial lake is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States. The numerous paths, trails and boardwalks do allow this connection to occur.
Camping
There are two places to set up camp on the south side near the Marsh’s education and visitors center. The Playful Goose and Dodge County Ledge Park, both very nice, but because of it’s more wooded, rustic feel, Ledge Park is my favorite.
Reservations are required at both, so be sure to call ahead.
Hiking & Other Activities
There are many hiking, biking and areas of interest around the Marsh, but I chose to explore the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area, located along Hwy 28 just outside of Horicon, WI.
There are three hiking trails around the Marsh and a boardwalk that makes photography, fishing and sightseeing easy and fun.
What Might Be Observed
Typically, 175-250,000 geese come through Horicon Marsh during fall migration. Spring is the perfect time to wander across lots and lots of babies, as this is a favorite spot for nesting.
Over 300 different kinds of birds have been spotted at the Marsh over the years, and they are certainly the most visible to inhabit the area. Other inhabitants, however, include mammals such as muskrats, mink and river otters and even white-tailed deer.
Wildlife at the Marsh comes in all sizes and shapes too. Frogs, turtles and snakes are part of the wetland ecosystem, and all play an essential role in nature.
Even a woolly mammoth and hunter made from over 2.5 miles of rebar can be found adjacent to the parking lot.
A Return Trip
Unable to secure a camp reservation on short notice—a subsequent return trip is planned for the 2020 fall bird migration, abundant colors of turning leaves and fall camping.
I will plan to hike the Main Dike Road across the Marsh in the early morning for sunrise photos and then bike the Marsh’s perimeter during the day, exploring all of the points of interest along the way.
Update From The Marsh's Website
June 10, 2020, COVID-19 update. The Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center and Explorium on Highway 28 in Horicon are closed to the public (includes restrooms). Hiking trails will remain OPEN for you to escape to fresh air, but practicing social distancing.
Horicon Marsh is NOT a state or national park. No fees are required to enter. If you have any questions related to available activities at Horicon Marsh or wildlife updates, please call 920-387-7889.
All photos on this blog post are made by Kirsti Pope. Please shop for her images at Ripple Creative Designs.
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I am an influencer of optimism, positivity & love. By acting on my dreams, I hope to inspire others to do the same. Being where my feet are means that we live in the moment with curiosity, creativity, courage & compassion. Live your happiest, best life. You’ll find resources and stories mostly on subjects like travel, van living, exploring, yoga, and photography on this site. It’s my hope you will be inspired to do something you’ve always wanted to do too. Say YES, take that first step. |
Follow along! Kirsti’s vision is to enjoy life with passion and curiosity. Kirsti Out Wandering aspires to exemplify well-being in mind, body & spirit, giving unconditional love to self and others, and pursuing all of the wild possibilities life serves up while living full-time from a sprinter van. She offers a monthly roundup that includes stories and tips on travel & exploring, van living, self-care, photography and service.