Rice Lake State Park

In the area

  from Explore MN Tourism

Snow conditions

good
excellent

An additional accumulation of about 8-10 inches of snow has... More details

Current conditions

cloudy

Owatonna: 23° F and cloudy.

forecast


Ghost Towns

(Minnesota Conservation Volunteer article)


Rice Lake

Park photo slide show. This slideshow requires the latest version of
Adobe Flash Player

Long ago, American Indians harvested wild rice from this lake where today, the shallow waters and marshy edges of Rice Lake attract many waterfowl during migrations. Rice Lake is a major wetland in the area. Visitors enjoy camping under the tall hardwoods, photographing spring wildflowers, picnicking, and birdwatching. For a more secluded camping experience, paddle across the lake and camp in a canoe campsite. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobiling on the trails.

Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.

Park Notes

Gift Cards:

Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card this holiday season!

Birders:

Bird Checklist at Rice Lake State Park.

Firewood restrictions information:

Minnesota has enacted legislation that restricts firewood being brought to or used on DNR lands. Complete information and lists of vendors and locations where approved firewood is available are posted on the DNR Web site.
More information
Vendor List

Park Highlights:

check mark Spring and Fall Migration

check mark Birdwatching

check mark Great Variety of Songbirds/Waterfowl

check mark Wildflowers

check mark Canoeing

check mark Nature Observation


Next 90 days of events at this park

More State Park Events


Hours

Office hours will vary. If no one is available, you may leave a message at (507) 455-5871.

When the office is closed, please use the self-registration station at the front of the office to purchase daily and annual permits, and to register for camping. Annual permits purchased through self-registration will be mailed to you.

Contact

8485 Rose Street
Owatonna, MN 55060

tel: 507-455-5871

Getting There

Located 7 miles east of Owatonna on Rose Street. From Hwy 35, take exit 42A. Follow the signs to Rose Street. East on Rose Street to the park.