Join us in celebrating the 90th Anniversary of Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge! Hosted by the Friends of Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge, this free, family-friendly event highlights the refuge’s nature, wildlife, history and community.
Established in 1935, the refuge protects Rice Lake, a 3,600‑acre wild‑rice‑producing lake recognized as a Globally Important Bird Area for its significance to migrating waterfowl, especially ring‑necked ducks. Rice Lake is famous for its spectacular fall waterfowl concentrations, including the Minnesota record of over one million ducks observed in 1994. Help us celebrate 90 years of wildlife conservation at this remarkable place!
Event Schedule
Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Rice Lake NWR Visitor Center is Open for an Hour | Rice Lake Visitor Center |
| 9:00 AM | 90th Anniversary Celebration Begins Free fun for all ages! See Activity List below for more details. | Twin Lakes Picnic Area |
| 9:00 AM | Birding Tour Observe a variety of migrating and local songbirds, waterfowl and raptors around the refuge with Birding Experts. Ideal for all ages and binoculars available to borrow. | Twin Lakes Picnic Area |
| 9:00 AM | Nature Walk Embark on a guided nature walk with Phenology Expert, John Latimer, to explore the nature and wildlife around Twin Lakes. Ideal for all ages. | Twin Lakes Picnic Area |
| 10:00 AM | Birding Tour Observe a variety of migrating and local songbirds, waterfowl and raptors around the refuge with Birding Experts. Ideal for all ages and binoculars available to borrow. | Twin Lakes Picnic Area |
| 12:00 PM | Free Lunch | Twin Lakes Picnic Area |
| 12:30 PM | Refuge History Talk Join Refuge Manager, Walt Ford, and past Refuge Staff to talk about the 90 years of history of Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Ideal for young adults and older. | Twin Lakes Picnic Area |
| 2:00 PM | 90th Anniversary Celebration Ends | Twin Lakes Picnic Area |
Activities
- Embark on a Nature Walk
- Observe a Variety of Local and Migratory Birds
- Join in a Refuge History Talk
- Learn About Refuge Wildlife and Management
- Get Creative with Nature Crafts
- Complete the Migration Challenge
- Explore Animal Artifacts
- Check Out the Friends of Rice Lake NWR Nature Store
Free Lunch
The Friends of Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge will provide a free lunch of brats, beans, wild rice dish, and refreshments.
Driving Directions
The refuge is located five miles south of McGregor at 36289 State Highway 65, McGregor, MN. The refuge is a one-hour drive from Duluth, Brainerd and Grand Rapids, and a two-hour drive north of the Twin Cities Metro area.
Accessibility
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for special accommodation to Refuge Headquarters: 218-768-2402, ricelake@fws.gov, or TTY 800‐877‐8339 two weeks before the event.