Rice Lake Refugespring migration
At Rice Lake Refuge, May is the best time to see spring migratory birds, per the Fish and Wildlife Service. Its usual window for this year has passed.
Right now at Rice Lake Refuge
Right now in Rice Lake Refuge · September
- Wild rice usually ready for harvest by Native Americans · Sep
- Fall migratory birds: September and October are the best months · Sep–Oct
- Portable restrooms at South Trail, Mandy Lake and Twin Lakes · Apr–Oct
Your guide to the area
Where to watch
- Wildlife driveThrough northern hardwood forest of aspen, maple, birch, basswood and red oak; listen in the forest openings and brushy edges for golden-winged warblers' 'bee buzz buzz' song. Cars spring to fall
- Refuge headquartersA purple martin colony and a pollinator garden; staff on hand on weekdays (open intermittently, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Nearby
- Sherburne Refuge75 miMaySatChance Rain Showers
- Litchfield Wetland District118 mispring (March-May)
- Minnesota Valley Refuge118 miApril - MaySatMostly Sunny
- Rydell Refuge153 miApril and May
- Upper Mississippi River Refuge190 miApril and May
- Trempealeau Refuge192 milate April or early MaySatMostly Sunny
The year at Rice Lake Refuge
- Portable restrooms at South Trail, Mandy Lake and Twin LakesNowApr–Oct
- May: Spring migratory birds: May is the best timeMay
- Wildlife with young: June through August are the best timesJun–Aug
- Biting insects: bug spray, a head net or long sleeves, especially June through AugustJun–Aug
- Fall migratory birds: September and October are the best monthsNowSep–Oct
- Sep: Wild rice usually ready for harvest by Native AmericansNowSep
- Oct: Largest numbers of staging ring-necked ducks on Rice Lake, usually mid-OctoberOct
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see spring migration at Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
At Rice Lake Refuge, May is the best time to see spring migratory birds, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: May. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is spring migration under way at Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: its usual spring migration window for this year has passed. Next time: May, local timing.
Which birds come back in spring?
Warblers and songbirds: some pass through, others settle in to breed. Most of the world's golden-winged warblers breed and nest in central Minnesota.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rice Lake NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What time of day is best?
Morning and evening.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rice Lake NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What should I be ready for in spring?
Big swings in temperature; and check yourself for ticks when you leave.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rice Lake NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can someone help me plan a visit?
Yes: email refuge staff at RiceLake@fws.gov, pick up a map at any refuge kiosk or trailhead, or stop in at headquarters on a weekday.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rice Lake NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Wildlife drive: through northern hardwood forest of aspen, maple, birch, basswood and red oak; listen in the forest openings and brushy edges for golden-winged warblers' 'bee buzz buzz' song. Cars spring to fall; Refuge headquarters: a purple martin colony and a pollinator garden; staff on hand on weekdays (open intermittently, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
What is Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Spring migratory birds: May is the best time (May), Wildlife with young: June through August are the best times (Jun–Aug), Wild rice usually ready for harvest by Native Americans (Sep), Fall migratory birds: September and October are the best months (Sep–Oct), Largest numbers of staging ring-necked ducks on Rice Lake, usually mid-October (Oct), Portable restrooms at South Trail, Mandy Lake and Twin Lakes (Apr–Oct) and Biting insects: bug spray, a head net or long sleeves, especially June through August (Jun–Aug).