Rice Lake State Park
Overview
Long before this landscape held a state park, it was part of a vast oak savanna known as Minnesota’s southern oak barrens. Imagine a sea of prairie grasses and wildflowers scattered with burr oak trees. Human activities have long since altered this landscape, but efforts are underway to restore it. A walk through the park now reveals remnants of old burr oaks and restored prairie plants. In the middle of this unique habitat is Rice Lake, a headwater of the Zumbro River. In the past, American Indians harvested wild rice here. Today, the shallow waters and marshy edges attract many waterfowl during migrations.
- Trails
- 3
- Viewpoints
- 7
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 33
Opening Hours
08:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Emergency SOS
Amenities Available
- Paved Parking Lots
Designated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
Modern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
- Drinking Water Fountains
Potable water stations distributed throughout the park, tested regularly for safety to ensure clean water access for all visitors.
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
Covered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
- Visitor / Ranger Station
Information hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
- Hiking & Nature Trails
Marked paths ranging from easy, paved walks to rugged backcountry routes, blazed with color-coded markers and difficulty ratings.
- Campgrounds
Tent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
- Trailer Access
- Fishing Piers & Access
Accessible fishing spots and ADA-compliant piers along rivers and lakes. A valid state fishing license is required to fish.
0.4 mi from park centre
Open · 08:00 – 22:00
- Paved Parking Lots
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
- Drinking Water Fountains
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
- Visitor / Ranger Station
- Hiking & Nature Trails
- Campgrounds
Required Permits
VEHICLE PERMITSRequired
Permits required; purchase at ranger station or entrance kiosk.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- When visiting Rice Lake State Park, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources advises visitors to stay alert for active natural resource management.
- The DNR uses timber harvests to “selectively remove ash trees affected by emerald ash borers along roadways and in public use areas.” -- [Minnesota DNR] Visitors should remain cautious of any active tree-clearing operations and strictly obey posted trail closures.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Packed Winter Trail (Hiking/Skiing/Snowmobile)
Snowmobile
Hiking
Nearby Viewpoints
Rentals Canoe/Kayak
0.2 mi
Campground
0.3 mi
Picnic Area
0.4 mi
Group Camp
Campsite
0.4 mi
Watercraft Campground
Personal Watercraft
0.9 mi
Historic Site
Monument / Memorial
1.5 mi
Historic Site
Monument / Memorial
1.6 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Rice Lake State Park?
Rice Lake State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Rice Lake State Park?
Long before this landscape held a state park, it was part of a vast oak savanna known as Minnesota’s southern oak barrens. Imagine a sea of prairie grasses and wildflowers scattered with burr oak trees. Human activities have long since altered this landscape, but efforts are underway to restore it.
Where is Rice Lake State Park located?
Rice Lake State Park is located in Owatonna, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at Rice Lake State Park?
Rice Lake State Park has 3 mapped trails covering 11.6 miles in total. The longest is Snowmobile at 4.3 miles.
What is there to see at Rice Lake State Park?
Places to see at Rice Lake State Park include Historic Site, Watercraft Campground, Dumpster, Fishing Pier, Park Entrance, Trailer Access and 1 more.
What facilities are available at Rice Lake State Park?
Facilities at Rice Lake State Park include Campgrounds, Drinking Water Fountains, Fishing Piers & Access, Hiking & Nature Trails, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters, Restrooms / Flush Toilets, Trailer Access and 1 more.
Is there parking at Rice Lake State Park?
Yes, Rice Lake State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Rice Lake State Park?
Yes, Rice Lake State Park has 4 campsites marked on its map, including Group Camp, Carry-In Campsite and Walk-In Campsite.
How can I contact Rice Lake State Park?
You can contact Rice Lake State Park by phone at 8886466367.
What safety tips should visitors to Rice Lake State Park know?
When visiting Rice Lake State Park, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources advises visitors to stay alert for active natural resource management. The DNR uses timber harvests to “selectively remove ash trees affected by emerald ash borers along roadways and in public use areas.” -- [Minnesota DNR] Visitors should remain cautious of any active tree-clearing operations and strictly obey posted trail closures. Additionally, because the park's campgrounds lack potable water
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