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NatureHiking

The Easy Trail That Might As Well Be The Bird Capital Of Wisconsin

Horicon Marsh in Wisconsin is a premier birdwatching destination with the easy and family-friendly Redhead Trail.

Published Sep 12, 2023

Written by 

Ben Jones

Every fall and spring, a spectacular show unfolds in Wisconsin. The state is on a major migratory bird flyway, and one of the best places to see a sky filled with beautiful birds is the Horicon Marsh. There are driving routes in and near the marsh, but you may want to get out of the car. The Redhead Trail is an easy Wisconsin trail that will take you into the heart of this beautiful preserve. Here’s what you need to know.

Horicon Marsh is located in southeastern Wisconsin, primarily in Dodge County with a portion extending into Fond du Lac County.

A serene landscape featuring a calm lake surrounded by lush greenery and colorful foliage under a blue sky.
Alltrails / Doug Holz

It is situated near the city of Horicon and covers a vast area of more than 32,000 acres.

Horicon Marsh is often referred to as the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States.

A serene wetland scene with lush greenery, tall grasses, and a bright blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds.
Alltrails / joan hynes

It is an essential wetland habitat that supports a wide range of wildlife, including waterfowl, shorebirds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.

The marsh is a globally important bird area and is recognized as one of the best birdwatching destinations in the Midwest.

A serene river scene surrounded by lush green trees and gentle ripples on the water's surface.
Alltrails / joan hynes

It serves as a critical stopover point for migratory birds during their journeys north and south. Birdwatchers flock to the area to observe hundreds of species, including sandhill cranes, herons, egrets, waterfowl, and many others.

The Redhead Trail is relatively short, measuring around 2.5 miles in length. It's considered an easy trail, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels, including families with children.

Sign for Redhead Hiking Trail with a map of the trail below, set in a grassy area under a cloudy sky.
Alltrails / Denise Lensmire

You can hike this trail in less than hour, but you may want to allow more time to pause to take in the beauty of the birds.

A black bird perched on a bush in a lush green field with trees in the background under a hazy sky.
Alltrails / Brian Hemstock

While the best time to visit the Redhead Hiking Trail and Horicon Marsh for birdwatching is during the spring and fall migrations, the marsh is beautiful year-round, as the seasons unfold.

A winding grassy path surrounded by colorful foliage under a partly cloudy sky.
Alltrails / Doug Holz

I recently hiked this trail in the summer, and it was really pretty – I plan to return in the fall. You’ll find trail reviews, advice, and downloadable maps on AllTrails Plus. Interested in some more fall fun? Here’s what to see and do in Wisconsin.

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