Rice Lake State Park

Cynthia Vehe / P&TC photo contest

Explore the natural Marshlands and hardwood forest along rice lake

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Exploring the Park

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Park Location

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Trails

Camping

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Events

at Rice Lake State Park
Ice luminary in the snow

Candlelight Ski

Saturday, January 27, 2024 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Come out an enjoy Rice Lake State Park in the evening under a recently full moon. The main loop, a mile and a half long trail, will lead you through the candlelit forest from the boat ramp parking lot to the campground, then downhill to Rice Lake, and along its the lantern-lit shore back to […]

Graphic shows a drawing of a map with the words, "Free Park Day"

Free Park Day

Saturday, April 26, 2025 @ All Day –

Enjoy the state parks on this Free Park Day – no parking permit required.

Graphic announcing Free Park Day: Enjoy free entrance to all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas, with park-themed icons in the background.

Free Park Day

Saturday, April 25, 2026 @ 5:00 am – 10:00 pm –

On four days each year, all Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas offer free admission to everyone – no vehicle permits needed!

Free park days in 2026

Monday, January 19

Saturday, April 25

Saturday, June 13

Friday, November 27

Graphic announcing Free Park Day: Enjoy free entrance to all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas, with park-themed icons in the background.

Free Park Day

Saturday, June 13, 2026 @ 5:00 am – 10:00 pm –

On four days each year, all Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas offer free admission to everyone – no vehicle permits needed!

Free park days in 2026

Monday, January 19

Saturday, April 25

Saturday, June 13

Friday, November 27

Graphic announcing Free Park Day: Enjoy free entrance to all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas, with park-themed icons in the background.

Free Park Day

Friday, November 27, 2026 @ 5:00 am – 10:00 pm –

On four days each year, all Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas offer free admission to everyone – no vehicle permits needed!

Free park days in 2026

Monday, January 19

Saturday, April 25

Saturday, June 13

Friday, November 27

Our Friends Group Partner

Friends of Rice Lake State Park

To support and promote the natural resources in and around Rice Lake State Park; to work for the preservation and publicize the educational value of the environment and ecological system; and, to facilitate outdoor recreational opportunities for young and old alike.