Spring Staycation: Bike the “Tour de Marsh” at Horicon, Wisc.

On Saturday, June 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. join bicyclists, hikers, motorcyclists and autos touring around and through famous Horicon Marsh. Named one of the “seven wonders of Wisconsin” and a “Wetland of International Importance”, seeing and experiencing Horicon Marsh is a great opportunity to enjoy one of nature’s treasures.

Imagine an area Covering 33,000 acres, it is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States. Eight communities, Dodge County Parks and two non-profit organizations are partnering for this event. There is no entry fee and it is open to everyone. A free drawing is available also for participants that visit all five stops around the tour. Maps are available too.

Participating neighbors of the marsh will have maps available at designated spots as well as have refreshments available along the route. The map is a suggested route for a self-guided tour around and into the famous Horicon Marsh as well as into the neighboring communities. Participants can start at one of these designated community stands and then proceed on their tour. Each starting/rest stop will have parking, refreshments, maps, information cards and restrooms available.

The starting/rest points for the “Tour De Marsh” event are as follows:

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge hiking trail parking lot off of Rt. 49
Federal Refuge Office and Visitor Center off Hwy. Z (W4279 Headquarters Rd.)
Horicon Marsh Int’l Education Center off Hwy. 28 between Horicon and Mayville (N7725 Hwy 28)
Chances Bar & Grill” in Burnett on Rt. 26 (N8592 Front St.)
Kekoskee Park located on Hwy TW in Kekoskee

There will also be a guided bicycle tour from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. Interested parties should meet at the main parking lot off of Hwy 49 on the north end of the marsh. Bring binoculars and cameras for viewing/photos along the tour. Total loop for this guided bicycle tour is nine miles.

“Tour De Marsh” provides participants a close view of Horicon Marsh. New routes along Dike Rd. and Old Marsh Road open two major nature areas allowing the visitor into the heart of refuge areas which allows wonderful views of nature. Bill Ehlenbeck, Manager of Dodge County Parks notes that one of the highlights of this bike route is the ability to cross right through the belly of the marsh on Dike Road. Not only does it give a unique view of the marsh, but it now provides the casual bike rider or family the ability to more easily accomplish a smaller loop ride rather than having to circle the entire marsh.

Featured stops along the route include the Horicon Marsh International Education Center where visitors can see the Horicon Marsh Story movie and at the Horicon National Wildlife Federal Refuge Office & Visitor Center to view and study marsh exhibits provide a wonderful experience. Ledge Park and Marsh Haven are also listed as attractions on the map. Prime overlooks like Palmatory St., Bayview Rd., and Bud Cook Hiking Area will insure that visitors see beautiful views of the marsh and country side.

“The bike and car tour map that was produced by people of the surrounding communities is an absolute treasure for people that are interested in what happens in and around the Horicon Marsh,” Jerry Moede, Mayor of Mayville says.

For more information regarding the “Tour De Marsh” event and printable map go to any of the participating community or Chamber of Commerce websites or to www.horiconmarsh.org. You may also call Friends of Horicon Marsh International Education Center at 920.387.7890 for questions.

“All are welcome to “Tour de Marsh” to see all that the Horicon Marsh and surrounding communities have to offer,” says, Dennis Uecker, Hustisford Council President. “We’re excited about the tour and look forward to seeing you.”

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At over 33,000 acres in size, Horicon Marsh is one of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States. The marsh provides habitat for endangered species and is a critical rest stop for thousands of migrating ducks and Canada geese It is recognized as a Wetland of International Importance, as both Globally and State Important Bird Areas and is also a unit of the Ice Age Scientific Reserve. The Friends of Horicon Marsh International Education Center provides financial and volunteer support for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources – Horicon Marsh’s efforts to educate visitors about the needs, values and uses of watersheds, wetlands and wildlife.