About Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located in Aitkin County in east central Minnesota, about five miles south of the community of McGregor. It was established in 1935 to preserve valuable habitat for waterfowl. The most important resource on the refuge is Rice Lake itself, a shallow, 3,600-acre wild rice-producing lake. The refuge has been designated as a Globally Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy due to the importance of the lake and its wild rice as a food source to migrating waterfowl, especially ring-necked ducks. The refuge has also been designated as a State Important Bird Area, as part of the larger McGregor Important Bird Area, by the National Audubon Society.The refuge continues its important wildlife management role today. Its human history and variety of wildlands and wildlife makes it a fine place to visit, study and enjoy the outdoors.
How to Get There
The refuge is located five miles south of McGregor, MN, on State Highway 65. The refuge is a one-hour drive from Duluth, Brainerd and Grand Rapids, MN, and a two-hour drive north of the Twin Cities Metro area. The Sandstone Unit is located approximately two miles southeast of Sandstone, MN, or 80 miles northeast of the Twin Cities, off Interstate 35. From Sandstone, follow the signs to the Federal Correctional Facility (Hwy 123 east, across the Kettle River, to County Road 29, south to County Road 20 east) then follow the Sandstone signs (right on Nature Ave). Two parking areas are located off of Nature Ave.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1580) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
The refuge is located five miles south of McGregor, MN, on State Highway 65. The refuge is a one-hour drive from Duluth, Brainerd and Grand Rapids, MN, and a two-hour drive north of the Twin Cities Metro area. The Sandstone Unit is located approximately two miles southeast of Sandstone, MN, or 80 miles northeast of the Twin Cities, off Interstate 35. From Sandstone, follow the signs to the Federal…
How do I contact Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 218-768-2402 or email: ricelake@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
