A straight and narrow gravel road bordered by towering deciduous trees with yellow leaves.
Return to Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Wildlife Drive

At Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Explore the Wildlife Drive by vehicle, bicycle or on foot and experience the diverse wildlife and habitats of Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge. This 14‑mile gravel route begins as a two‑way road before transitioning into a one‑way loop. Pull-offs, overlooks and the Rice Lake Observation Mound offer opportunities to enjoy the Drive at your own pace. 

Look and listen for eagles, loons, swans, flocks of ducks, flitting warblers and other critters. Gray wolves, black bear, bobcat, white-tailed deer, beaver, porcupine and even the occasional moose are sighted. 

Hours

Hiking: Daily, sunrise to sunset. 

Bicycling: Daily, sunrise to sunset. 

Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing: As snow conditions allow, daily, sunrise to sunset. 

Vehicles: Spring through fall as winter weather and road conditions allow from sunrise to sunset. Closed to vehicles in the winter and during the deer hunt for hunters with disabilities. Check road conditions at the Visitor Center or watch for alerts on the Home Page.

Please Note: Horses, ATVs, UTVs and all other off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are not allowed on the Wildlife Drive.

Location

36289 State Highway 65, McGregor, MN 55760

Know Before You Go

  • A brochure highlighting points of interest along the Wildlife Drive can be found at the kiosk near the Visitor Center.
  • Please refer to the full list of refuge rules and policies before visiting.
  • The speed limit of the Wildlife Drive is 20 mph. 
  • Vehicles and bicycles must stay on gravel roads and observe all posted signs. 
  • Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
  • No collection of wildflowers, animals, artifacts or stones is permitted.
  • For a more immersive experience, roll down your windows and make stops along the route. When stopping, please pull over safely to allow others to pass.
  • Using your car as a viewing blind often allows for better wildlife viewing than walking or bicycling. 
  • Morning and evening are the best times to visit to see wildlife.
  • Merlin, eBird and iNaturalist can be good resources to help with wildlife observation.

Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge Activities

woman reels in small fish while man watches intently
Fishing
In the foreground, 2 people with large orange backpacks hike up a steep slope of rock and lichen. In the background are big mountains with snow patches on top, a lake in a valley, and a cloudy sky.
Hiking
Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge
36289 State Highway 65
Mcgregor, MN 55760
218-768-2402
ricelake@fws.gov