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Minnesota

When to catch Rice Lake Refugeat its best

Rice Lake Refuge through the year: spring migration (local timing: May), wildlife by season (local timing: June through August) and winter wildlife (2 separate phases, from September and October are the best months for fall migratory birds). Each has its own page with spots, sources and the latest reports.

RIGHT NOW · SEP 30

  • Latest reportNo dated report this season; the posters below show each usual window.
  • This weekend (NWS)Sat chance showers and thunderstorms, 64°F · Sun sunny, 61°F
  • Park alertsCheck the managing agency before you go

When are you going?

Where to go at Rice Lake Refuge

Spots, visitor points and places nearby
  • Fall
  • Winter
Places on this map, as a list
Map: approximate positions; state lines US Census.

Best spots

Where each event's source says to go

Spring migration

  • 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 fallU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗
  • 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.)U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗

Wildlife by season

Winter wildlife

  • Rice Lake Observation TowerA stop on the wildlife drive, which winds through northern hardwood forest; cars can use the drive spring to fall, and it's open all year for hiking, biking and winter activities, sunrise to sunsetU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗
  • Mandy LakeTrail loops start at Mandy Lake, which you can also paddle (electric motors only); portable restroom April through OctoberU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗

Next 7 days at Rice Lake Refuge

Forecast: National Weather Service
  • TodayMostly Sunny74° / 47°1% rain
  • ThuMostly Sunny63° / 35°–
  • FriAreas Of Frost then Sunny60° / 38°4% rain
  • SatChance Showers And Thunderstorms64° / 40°36% rain
  • SunSunny61° / 32°1% rain
  • MonWidespread Frost then Sunny60° / 40°3% rain
  • TueMostly Sunny66° / 46°8% rain

Heads up: Freezing night (low 32°F): Thursday Night, Sunday Night.

Today: sunrise 7:11 a.m., sunset 6:57 p.m., light until 7:27 p.m. · moon waning gibbous, 78% lit (our calculation)

Nearby, and when they peak

Straight-line miles; roads are longer

Towns nearby

Straight-line miles; each town page has frost dates and its nature year

Rice Lake Refuge in pictures

Illustrative photos, not current conditions
A large flock of dark ducks taking off from blue water in front of brown reeds and bare trees
Ring-necked ducks taking flight from a shallow wetland at Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge (item dated November 8, 2015). Photo: Donna Crider/USFWS · public domain · resized

Questions people ask

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)

How we know

Every timing above, from these pages; checked Sep 30