Horicon Marsh Candlelight Hike
Description
Hiking by candlelight, a roaring bonfire, roasted marshmallows and warm refreshments await everyone at the 15th Annual Horicon Marsh Candlelight Hike on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, from 5-9 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 January 1, 2026, on the Friends of Horicon Marsh website. Vouchers are free and per vehicle for those who reserve an arrival time slot. Please only add 1 ticket per vehicle. Attendees can arrive anytime during the timed window and can stay at the event as long as they’d like.
Watch the website, Friends of Horicon Marsh, during the week of the event, as we will put cancelled 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 Wisconsin DNR. Volunteers and staff will line the trails with candle-powered luminaries to welcome and guide hikers. There are two trails available to enjoy. One trail is 1.5 miles and the “Family Loop” is only .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 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 inside. You can also roast your own marshmallows in a smaller fire pit and then enjoy them by the bonfire. This is an admission-free, family-friendly event thanks to the Friends of Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center and 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. We will also be conducting a food and mitten drive to donate to local schools and food pantries.
This event is weather-dependent.
For more information, call 920-210-9054 or visit Friends of Horicon Marsh website. Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center is located at N7725 Hwy 28, Horicon, WI, between Horicon and Mayville.