Despite its relatively small population, the Wisconsin town of Horicon has carved out a reputation as a birder’s paradise. This distinction comes by virtue of the vast marshy wildlife refuge that is adjacent to the city limits.

A lesser-known tidbit is this community of just over 3.5 square miles is host to an impressive number of city-run parks. Some of the green spaces are your garden variety with playground equipment and pavilions, while others tug along some of the city’s natural attributes. River Bend Park is among the most scenic in Horicon and worth a visit.

River Bend Park is situated along the Rock River, a major waterway that feeds into the Horicon Marsh.

Dave Fidlin

It is the largest of Horicon’s municipal-run parks and is located in the south-central portion of the city.

Dave Fidlin

In terms of recreation, River Bend Park offers a little bit of everything for enthusiasts of all ages and interests. Most of the park is an open space area that features such amenities as a boat launch for canoeing, kayaking, and similar activities in the Rock River.

Dave/Flickr

Since Horicon is in such close proximity to government-protected natural habitats, all creatures great and small make appearances at River Bend Park. Canadian Geese are especially bountiful.

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge/Flickr

Turtles, which pop up above the water to sun themselves, also are a common site at River Bend Park and other locales throughout Horicon.

chumlee10/Flickr

River Bend, which is one of Horicon’s nine parks, also offers picnic and playground areas, tennis courts, and softball fields. More recently, a nine-hole disc golf course has been added to the park space as well.

Royalbroil/Wikipedia

For information on all of Horicon’s parks, visit the Horicon Parks and Recreation Department website. To learn more about the nearby Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource’s website.

Dave Fidlin

Dave/Flickr

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge/Flickr

chumlee10/Flickr

Royalbroil/Wikipedia

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Address: 712 Valley St, Horicon, WI 53032, USA