Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you recreate responsibly.

  • Check alerts and local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, all visitors (age 2 and older), who are fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.. All visitors who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.


Features

  • Rice Lake Wildlife Drive

    Enjoy the Wildlife Drive

    Our 9.5 self-guided auto tour is open from sunrise to sunset. Delight in scenic views and wildlife sightings!

  • Friends of Rice Lake Logo Featuring a Ring Necked Duck

    Friends of Rice Lake NWR

    The National Wildlife Refuge System owes its existence to dedicated citizens. See what Rice Lake's dedicated Friends are up to!

    Learn More

  • Blue Goose

    National Wildlife Refuge System

    We are only one of more than 560 refuges in the US. This map shows the network of public land dedicated to protecting habitat for wildlife!

    National Wildlife Refuge System Map

  • Monarch on Milkweed

    Monarchs Migrate to Mexico

    Would you like to help monitor monarchs? Get involved in citizen science and report your monarch sightings.

    Help Monitor Monarch Butterflies

Refuge Updates

*Wildlife Drive Open Only Sunrise to Noon October 7-10*

The Wildlife Drive will close at noon that Thursday (10/7) through Sunday (10/10) for the annual deer hunt for persons with disabilities. In order to accommodate this special refuge hunt, it is necessary to close the Wildlife Drive daily at noon to all other users. Small game and deer archery hunters will still be restricted to those areas designated as open to public hunting. The only area not affected by the afternoon closures, and to remain open for hunting, are the access points along Highway 65 on the east edge of the refuge and the access points off County Road 4 to the south.

More Information

Refuge Trails

Hiking trails and the wildlife drive remain open from sunrise to sunset daily. Get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air while practicing social distancing! Please only visit if you are feeling healthy. We ask you to stay home if you're feeling sick.

More Information
Hiking Trails Map

Hiking Trails Map

The refuge offers almost five miles of hiking trails. Click below for a map and important information to know before you visit!

Hiking Trails Map

Hunting Map

Rice Lake Hunting Map & Regulations

Rice Lake Refuge offers small game, woodcock, snipe and deer hunting during state seasons. Download the map and regulations PDF for detailed information.

Hunting Map & Regulations

About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online