Dodge County: Marshland, Trails and History

Horicon Marsh gives Dodge County a distinctive natural focus: This 33,000-acre wetland was formed by a continental glacier thousands of years ago. In the 1990s, it was designated a Wetland of International Importance. In spring and fall, hundreds of thousands of ducks, along with tens of thousands of Canada geese and sandhill cranes, migrate through the marsh. Seasonal bird migration is therefore a consideration in its own right when planning your visit.

Marshland and Trails

Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area has more than five miles of designated trails through forest, prairie, and wetland habitats. Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center complements the landscape with exhibits that trace its history from the Ice Age to the present. Wisconsin DNR educators also offer educational programs and outdoor events there throughout the year.

The Gold Star Memorial Trail connects Mayville and Beaver Dam and provides access to Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area, Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center, the city of Horicon, and Wild Goose State Trail. It is intended for non-motorized use, especially biking and hiking; in winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are possible. Wild Goose State Trail follows a disused railway corridor through oak stands, fertile farmland, and prairie remnants, as well as alongside streams. It passes through rural areas of Dodge and Fond du Lac Counties and skirts the western edge of Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. The trails can thus be distinguished by their stated highlights: Gold Star Memorial Trail connects named places and destinations, while Wild Goose State Trail focuses on the landscape along the railway corridor.

Parks Among Rocks, Forest, and River

In northern Dodge County, Ledge Park sits on the Niagara Escarpment. From there, views stretch across Horicon Marsh and the surrounding landscape; trails wind through distinctive rock formations and dense forests. The park has 41 campsites, picnic areas, a group shelter, restrooms, showers, and a dump station. If you are factoring these facilities into your plans, check their current status before your visit.

At 132 acres, Harnischfeger Park is the largest park in Dodge County and is located on the Rock River in the Town of Lebanon. An 800-foot boardwalk allows visitors to fish from the shore and observe wildlife and wetlands. The park offers electric and non-electric campsites, as well as showers, restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings. While Ledge Park combines rock formations, forest, and views of the marsh, Harnischfeger Park centers on the riverfront and boardwalk.

Cultural History and Public Art

Nitschke Mounds Park preserves 37 effigy, conical, and linear mounds, believed to have been built between 800 and 1100 AD. Natural grass-surfaced trails wind around the mounds and through the park. In Mayville, Mayville Limestone School Museum presents history in a limestone school building dating to 1857: Topics include local industry, education, community life, and limestone quarrying. Also in Mayville, Hollenstein Wagon & Carriage Museum displays an extensive collection of restored antique wagons, carriages, and sleighs.

In Watertown, Octagon House is one of Wisconsin’s largest homes from the pre-Civil War era. Octagon House Museum also includes the schoolhouse of America’s First Kindergarten. Waupun offers a different kind of public cultural experience: Sculptures can be seen in landscaped parks and public spaces. They include The End of the Trail by James Earl Fraser, regarded as a tribute to Native American heritage.

Nature Centers and Seasonal Markets

Marsh Haven Nature Center combines natural history with visitor amenities: Its museum features interactive exhibits on the Horicon Marsh ecosystem, conservation efforts, and the region’s natural history. There are also opportunities for hiking and birdwatching. Exhibits at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center cover the marsh’s wildlife and ecosystems; the center also features a raptor display with hawks and owls from Wisconsin. Native gardens, an observation deck, and the Sense of Wonder Trail round out the Visitor Center’s offerings.

Farmers’ markets in Dodge County also follow a seasonal rhythm: Visitors can find fresh produce in spring, summer, and fall. Since the markets have different dates, check their individual schedules in advance.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Lomira, Horicon, Beaver Dam, Burnett, Manitowoc County, Marathon, St. Croix County, Dunn County.

For the main travel overview: Wisconsin.