Rice Lake

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! A special deer hunt will be conducted in the park November 29 - December 1. The park will be entirely closed to non-hunting visitors during this time period with the exception of deer hunters with a special permit. Note: Waterfowl hunters may still enter the park to use the water access site on Rice Lake. Sakatah Lake State Park is a neighboring park that will be open to the public on these dates.

Park Notes The park is open for camping and day-use activities year-round. Birders:Click Here for the 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

Spring and Fall Migration  Birdwatching  Great Variety of Songbirds/Waterfowl  Wildflowers  Canoeing  Nature Observation

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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, Minnesota 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.