Horicon Marsh Candlelight Hike

Description

Hiking by candlelight, a roaring bonfire, roasted marshmallows and warm refreshments await everyone at the 14th annual Horicon Marsh Candlelight Hike on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, from 5 to 9 p.m.

We are always excited and humbled by the popularity of this event! Due to parking limitations at the facility, we are again requiring a parking voucher for attendees who park at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center. Vouchers will be available on Jan. 1, 2025, on the website. Vouchers are free per vehicle that reserves an arrival time slot. Please only add one ticket per vehicle. 

Attendees can arrive anytime during the time window and can stay at the event as long as they’d like. Watch the website the week of the event, as we will put canceled vouchers back into the system for people to use. Didn’t get a voucher? Don’t worry; this year, we will also be offering a free shuttle from Theiler Park in Mayville. We are allowing people to be dropped off at the education center if a ride is available or you may walk over from the Palmatory Street trails in Horicon.

The Candlelight Hike is sponsored and hosted by the Friends of Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center and the Wisconsin DNR. Volunteers and staff will line the trails with candle-powered luminaries to welcome and guide hikers. Two trails are available: one 1.5 miles and another “Family Loop” of .36 miles.

The Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center will be open for people to warm up, visit the gift shop, participate in an education program or have the kids do a fun craft to bring home. The Horicon Marsh Explorium will also be open at a discounted rate of $3 per person (4 and under free) for people to learn about Horicon Marsh through these new interactive displays.

The Northern Cross Science Foundation astronomers will be on site to help you view the night sky through telescopes or to talk about the stars if it is cloudy. Members of the Horicon Marsh Bird Club will be on the trail conducting short owl talks and calling for owls. You can also learn about Wisconsin’s mammals on the short “Family Loop” trail. You are welcome to bring your own snowshoes if conditions permit. Leashed pets are allowed on the trails, but not in the building.

Warm beverages and a bake sale will be available outdoors at the picnic shelter, and popcorn will be inside. You can also roast your own marshmallows in a smaller firepit and then enjoy by the bonfire.

This is an admission-free, family-friendly event thanks to the Friends of Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center and the Wisconsin DNR. Multiple baskets will be raffled off to help support the Friends group and future candlelight events. Donations are always welcome and directly support events such as this and many other educational programs throughout the year. If you wish to make a donation, you can do so through the Horicon Marsh website, or in person at the event. 

We will also be conducting a food and mitten drive to donate to local schools and food pantries.