Rice Lake State Park, State park in Steele and Dodge Counties, Minnesota, US
Description
Rice Lake State Park is a natural area spread across two counties, covering over 1,000 acres of wetlands, forests, and grasslands centered around a lake. The park includes camping grounds, hiking paths, fishing areas, and boat access points for visitors.
History
Minnesota's natural resources department established this park in 1963 with the goal of preserving the local ecosystem while providing recreational opportunities for the public. This founding reflected a mid-century shift toward protecting natural spaces for future generations.
Culture
The park functions as a place where visitors can join naturalist-led programs to learn about local wildlife and native plants throughout the year. These educational activities reveal how the landscape supports diverse species and habitats.
Practical
The park welcomes visitors from spring through fall for camping, boating, and fishing, with winter opening possibilities for cross-country skiing. Plan your visit with the season in mind, as weather and ground conditions change throughout the year.
Did you know?
The park maintains special trails designed for horseback riding that connect to a larger regional network of equestrian paths. This feature makes the area distinctive among other natural spaces in the region for riders exploring on horseback.
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National Farmers' Bank of Owatonna
13.4 km
Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children
14.4 km
Rice County Courthouse and Jail
28.6 km
Alexander Faribault House
28.1 km
Thomas Scott Buckham Memorial Library
28 km
Daniel S. Piper House
17.4 km
Kasson Public School
25.3 km
Blind Department Building and Dow Hall, State School for the Blind
27.4 km
Congregational Church of Faribault
28.5 km
Holden Lutheran Church Parsonage
28.7 km
Perry Nelson House
21.1 km
Steele County Courthouse
13.4 km
Owatonna Public Library
13.1 km
Bonde Farmhouse
28.7 km
Dr. John H. Adair House
12.9 km
Bridge No. L-5573
16 km
Thomas and Bridget Shanahan McMahon House
27.6 km
Owatonna City and Firemen's Hall
13.4 km
Nerstrand City Hall
28.3 km
Osmund Osmundson House
28.5 km
Faribault Viaduct
28 km
Faribault City Hall
28.4 km
Hauge Lutheran Church
18.9 km
Kasson Municipal Building
25.5 km
Ezra Abbott House
12.8 km
Batchelder's Block
28.3 km
Blooming Prairie Commercial Historic District
24.6 km
Mantorville Historic District
24.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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