Fox River National Wildlife Refuge

Across from the John Muir Memorial Park in Marquette County is this little known national wildlife refuge along the Fox River.  Why is it unknown? —because there is no public access, save for licensed deer hunters in the fall.  Nonetheless, this 1,000-acre site is worth a roadside visit, as migratory waterfowl, sandhill cranes and grassland birds can be spotted from the roadside and parking areas on County Highway F.  In late fall this is a good location to see hundreds of congregating sandhill cranes before their migration southward.  The refuge is comprised of diverse habitats, including upland grasslands and oak woodlands, as well as extensive wetlands associated with the Fox River floodplain.  The Fox River is accessible by kayak or canoe from Co. Hwy. O.  The river flows northwesterly from that access.

While there, take a hike around Ennis Lake at the John Muir Memorial Park across the road.

The refuge is managed by staff at the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Mayville.