Rice Lake is a beautiful rural lake resort in the Red Cedar River valley in northern Wisconsin. Originally founded as a logging camp in the picturesque Northwoods area, the Rice Lake community has since evolved into a thriving rural community and popular Wisconsin vacation destination where visitors can come to enjoy a wide range of recreational activities or, if they prefer, some good old fashioned peace and tranquillity.
There is plenty to see and do in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, all year round. From sailing and fishing in the summer, to snowmobiling and snowshoeing in the winter, the recreational possibilities are endless and you will find lots to keep the whole family occupied during a vacation to Rice Lake.
The Rice Lake area is one of the most scenic parts of northern Wisconsin. It is comprised of large expanses of water, verdant cedar forest and woodland, many stunning parks, and the unique geological rock formations of the Blue Hills. Rice Lake is a beautiful at all times of the year, but it is especially stunning in the fall when nature paints the foliage a hundred different shades of red and gold.
The Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary is a great opportunity to connect with the local environment and in addition to miles of scenic hiking trails that are completely free of charge, there are lots of eco-programs on offer to help you gain more or an understanding of the natural habitats and ecology of the Lake Rice area, which includes bogs, old growth forests, and glacial lakes.
Although Rice Lake is predominantly a relaxed rural vacation destination, it still has plenty of cultural attractions to offer. Live music and theatre entertainment is very popular in the Rice Lake area and visitors can enjoy a great variety of live music and theatrical productions throughout the year. The Red Barn Theatre enjoys a national reputation for excellence and live performances are a regular occurrence. Music is as popular as theatre in Rice Lake and there are regular concert performances by the Red Cedar Symphony Orchestra, the Northwinds British Brass Band, the Red Cedar Choir and the Communiversity Band. For art lovers, the University of Wisconsin hosts an annual Fine Arts Gala and there are regular arts exhibitions in the area.
For a chance to see what life was like in the days of the early pioneers, visitors can take a step back into the mists of time at the Pioneer Village Museum located south of Rice Lake. The Pioneer Museum features authentic re-creations of many original Barron County village buildings including a farmstead, church, town hall, library, saloon, and lots more.
The Museum of Woodcarving has the largest collection of wood carvings created by one person in the world. Joe Barta’s incredibly detailed religious scenes offer visitors a whistle-stop tour of the bible, from Adam and Eve to the Last Supper, and the museum is an awe inspiring chance to catch a glimpse of one man’s genius with wood.
Outdoor recreational pursuits are very popular in Rice Lake. The local area has miles of scenic hiking trails that are perfect for exploration on foot, bicycle, horseback, or ATVs in the warmer months of the year. Visitors can also head out on to the water and try their hand at fishing or just relaxing beneath a clear blue sky.
In winter, the area is usually covered in a heavy blanket of thick white snow, which is your opportunity to take advantage of the many winter recreational activities available. Snowshoeing and snowmobiling are always popular around the many local trails, but you can also have a go at ice fishing on the lakes and cross country skiing through the woods and forests.
But of course Rice Lake is more than just a scenic outdoors kind of place: it has plenty of other things to offer visitors, including a large shopping mall to satisfy your desire for a little retail therapy for the latest fashions, and even a casino: the St. Croix Casino in Turtle Lake is a very elegant Native American themed resort hotel with plenty of gambling opportunities on offer for those who like to try their luck on the slots of gaming tables.
Restaurants in Rice Lake are plentiful and there is something to suit any taste or budget, from fast food outlets to some of the best dining establishments in Wisconsin. But as well as great food, you also get to enjoy the fabulous scenery in many of the most popular restaurants.
Lodgings in Rice Lake are varied and plentiful, wherever you choose to stay, and there is something for everyone, from campsites in scenic locations around the lakes to budget motels and more upmarket hotels.
So come to beautiful Rice Lake for a warm Wisconsin welcome and discover why Rice Lake is the perfect lake vacation destination for the whole family.