Named for the centerpiece of the park, Rice Lake, this is a premier birdwatching destination, holding the record for the most waterfowl observed in one location in Minnesota at one time. Head to the accessible viewing platform on Rice Lake and use the free telescopes to observe the wildlife. There are no camping facilities here, but the park is close to the town of McGregor and a little over half an hour from camping at Savanna Portage State Park.
The trail network is small enough that a determined hiker could hike all of the trails in a day if desired. Most of the trails can be accessed from the Twin Lakes parking lot. There is a paved, designated wheelchair accessible trail that circles near Twin Lakes. For an excellent family friendly hike and one of the best places to view fall colors in the state, do the Twin Lakes Loop. The Rice Lake Trail is the longest in the park at 5 miles roundtrip, and leads through forest and past wetlands to the viewing platform on Rice Lake.
