Horicon Marsh Candlelight Hike

Description

Hiking by candlelight, a roaring bonfire, roasted marshmallows and warm refreshments await everyone at the 12th Annual Horicon Marsh Candlelight Hike on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023 from 5-9 p.m.

Again this year, we require a parking voucher for attendees. Vouchers are free; you only need one per vehicle that reserves a one-hour arrival time slot. Attendees can arrive anytime during the one-hour window and stay at the event as long as they’d like.  Registration is now available at https://horiconmarsh.org/event/candlelight-hike-parking-voucher-required/ or call 920-387-7893. No shuttles will be offered this year.

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. There are two trails available to enjoy. One trail is 1.5 miles, and the other “Family Loop” is only 0.36 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 $2 per person (4 and under are 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're 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. You can also roast your own marshmallows in a smaller firepit 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 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 like this and many other educational programs throughout the year. If you wish to make a donation, you can do so through our website, horiconmarsh.org, or in person at the event. We will also conduct a food and mitten drive to donate to local schools and food pantries. 

For more information, call 920-387-7893 or visit our website at horiconmarsh.org. Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center is located at N7725 Hwy 28, Horicon, WI between Horicon and Mayville.