Candlelight Hike

Description

Hiking by candlelight, a roaring bonfire, roasted marshmallows and warm refreshments await everyone at the 13th annual Horicon Marsh Candlelight Hike!

We are always excited and humbled by the popularity of this event! Due to parking limitations at the facility, we again require a parking voucher for attendees.

Voucher Details

Vouchers will be available starting January 1, 2024. Vouchers are free and per vehicle that reserve 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. Watch the Friends of Horicon Marsh website the week of the event, as we will return canceled vouchers to the system for people to use.

Didn’t get a voucher? Don’t worry; we will also offer a free shuttle from Theiler Park in Mayville this year. If a ride is available, we allow people to be dropped off at the education center, or you may walk over from the Palmatory Street trails in Horicon.

Event Details

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 another “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 $2 per person (four and under free), so people can 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. Horicon Marsh Bird Club members 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 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 marshmallows in a smaller firepit and enjoy by the bonfire.

Thanks to the Friends of Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center and Wisconsin DNR, this is an admission-free, family-friendly event. Multiple baskets will be raffled off to help support the Friends group and future candlelight events. Donations are always welcome and directly support events and other educational programs throughout the year. If you want to donate, you can do so through our website, horiconmarsh.org, or in person at the event. Donate Now.

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

More Information And Location

For more information, call 920-210-9054 or visit the Friends of Horicon Marsh website.

Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center is located between Horicon and Mayville at N7725 Hwy 28, Horicon, WI 53032.