Rice Lake Refugewinter wildlife
At Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge, the timing for winter wildlife comes in 2 separate phases, each its own display, neither a peak: Fall migratory birds, September and October are the best months for fall migratory birds; and Staging ring-necked ducks on Rice Lake, Mid-October is usually the best time to view the largest number of staging ring-necked ducks on Rice Lake. No official report yet this season.
- September–OctoberFall migratory birdsSeptember and October are the best months for fall migratory birds
- OctoberStaging ring-necked ducks on Rice LakeMid-October is usually the best time to view the largest number of staging ring-necked ducks on Rice Lake
Your guide to the area
Where to watch
- 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 sunset
- Mandy LakeTrail loops start at Mandy Lake, which you can also paddle (electric motors only); portable restroom April through October
Nearby
- Sherburne Refuge75 mi3 separate phases, from September and October are the best months for fall migratory birdsSatChance Rain Showers
- Litchfield Wetland District118 mi2 separate phases, from fall (July-November)
- Minnesota Valley Refuge118 miDecember - MarchSatMostly Sunny
- Rydell Refuge153 mi2 separate phases, from September and October
- Necedah Refuge229 mi2 separate phases, from September through November; the last few cranes, ducks and swans depart by mid-NovemberSatMostly Sunny
- Seney Refuge349 miSept. and Oct. are the best months for fall migratory birdsSatWidespread Frost then Mostly 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
Rice Lake Refuge in pictures
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
In 2 separate phases: Fall migratory birds, September and October are the best months for fall migratory birds and Staging ring-necked ducks on Rice Lake, Mid-October is usually the best time to view the largest number of staging ring-necked ducks on Rice Lake. They're separate displays, not one long season, and neither is a peak.
Is it wildlife season at Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge right now?
There's no official report yet this season.
Is there a fee?
No, it's free to visit.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rice Lake NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Why are there more ducks some years than others?
The ducks come for Rice Lake's wild rice: in years with a great rice crop the refuge sees the most waterfowl, and a poor crop means fewer ducks.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rice Lake NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When can I drive the wildlife drive?
Cars can use it from spring to fall, sunrise to sunset; it's open all year for hiking, biking and winter activities.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rice Lake NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the restrooms?
Flush toilets inside refuge headquarters and pit toilets at the Rice Lake Overlook; from April through October there are portable restrooms at South Trail, Mandy Lake and Twin Lakes.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rice Lake NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where is it?
Five miles south of McGregor on State Highway 65: about an hour from Duluth, Brainerd and Grand Rapids and two hours north of the Twin Cities.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?
Rice Lake Observation Tower: a 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 sunset; Mandy Lake: trail loops start at Mandy Lake, which you can also paddle (electric motors only); portable restroom April through October.
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).