Rice Lake State Park
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.
Visitor Alert!Updated 05.03.2013 at 9 p.m. DAY USE ONLY THROUGH THE WEEKEND:Due to the recent heavy snow event in southeastern Minnesota, Rice Lake State Park will be open for day use only on Saturday, May 4th and Sunday, May 5th. PLEASE NOTE: some of the trails still have trees and branches on them, and are very wet and muddy in places. Please use caution. The park will re-open on Monday, May 6th for day use and camping. I-35 CONSTRUCTION:MnDOT will begin construction on Interstate 35 from Owatonna to Faribault this spring. The 16-mile mill and overlay resurfacing project begins four miles south of Highway 14 and ends at the junction of Interstate 35 and Rice County 48 near Faribault. Check MnDOT and 511.org for updates: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/roadwork/current.html#four http://hb.511mn.org/main.jsf DRAWDOWN:We have begun lowering water levels in Rice Lake for the upcoming growing season. Plans are to lower water levels as far as possible, and maintain the lake at low levels throughout the summer. What does this means for park visitors? It means that canoeing and kayaking may not be as easy to do this year. Access may be limited or nonexistent for part, or all, of the summer. We expect that canoe and kayak rentals will be suspended at some point this summer. Please check back here for current rental and access availability. You may also contact the park office at the phone number or email address below. |
Park Notes
Virtual Tour:Take a virtual tour. It's a great tool to help you plan your next trip to the park! Gift Cards:Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card. Birders:Bird Checklist Firewood Restrictions Information:Minnesota has enacted legislation that restricts firewood being brought to or used on DNR lands. Learn more and review vendor lists. |
Park Highlights | ||||||
|
Spring and Fall MigrationEvents |  | |||
| ||||
Hours
Best time to contact the park:
Office hours vary. If no one is available, please leave a message.
When 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
email: rice.lake.statepark@state.mn.us
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.