The Horicon Marsh is a natural treasure, a vast wetland that’s visited every season by endless flocks of migratory birds. It’s a wonder worth exploring and a special floating boardwalk trail will take you into the heart of the winged action. It’s called the Egret Trail and it’s perfect for any nature lover – just don’t forget to bring your binoculars and a sense of wonder. Here’s what you need to know about this beautiful boardwalk trail in Wisconsin.
The Horicon Marsh stretches across northern Dodge and southern Fond du Lac Counties. It’s the site of both a state and national wildlife refuge and it’s an easy day trip from much of Wisconsin, including the Milwaukee area.
Alltrails / Sherry Buechner
The marsh was created thousands of years ago by the retreat of a glacier that covered Wisconsin and humans have lived here for a very long time – the area is home to effigy mounds that are 1,200 years old and arrowheads 12,000 years old have been discovered here.
Alltrails / Geri McCann
The marsh spans a huge area – about 32,000 acres. Most of the marsh is either open water, or cattail marsh.
Alltrails / Amber Corrao
Because it’s largely an expanse of water, to do some exploring you need a boat – or just visit the Egret Trail.
Alltrails / Amber Corrao
The trail is not long; it’s a 0.6-mile round-trip journey and it takes about 11 minutes to complete. But it’s simply incredible.
Alltrails / Timothy Lynch
The floating boardwalk takes you right over the water, so you can see geese, ducks, swans, terns and more. Take your time and take lots of pictures!
Alltrails / Mike Thorin
The Egret Trail can be a spectacular place for a summer stroll, but to see the largest flocks of birds, visit during the sporing or fall migration. If walking isn’t your thing, there’s also an auto tour you can take that gives you some nice views of the marsh. Learn more on the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area website. While you’re in the area, you may want to pay the charming town of Horicon a visit.
Alltrails / Sherry Buechner
Alltrails / Geri McCann
Alltrails / Amber Corrao
Alltrails / Timothy Lynch
Alltrails / Mike Thorin
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Address: Horicon Marsh, Wisconsin, USA
