Rice Lake sits on the shore of its namesake lake in Barron County, about 50 miles north of Eau Claire in northwestern Wisconsin. The city of roughly 8,400 people serves as the commercial hub for the surrounding area, and while it has the feel of a quiet Northwoods town, it packs in a surprising range of outdoor recreation, community events, and local culture. The lake itself covers more than 940 acres and draws anglers chasing walleye, bass, and northern pike, but there is plenty to do beyond the water. Here is what is worth your time in Rice Lake.
Walk or Bike the Cedar Side Trail
The Cedar Side Walking Trail is the most popular recreational trail in the city and the place most locals suggest starting. This paved, multi-use path runs approximately six kilometers (about 3.7 miles) as an out-and-back route and is open to hikers, runners, and cyclists. The terrain is easy and accessible for all fitness levels, making it a good warm-up for a morning before heading to the lake or into town. One of the main access points is off College Drive, near the UW-Eau Claire-Barron County campus.
Explore the Wild Rivers Trail
For a longer outing, the Wild Rivers Trail offers a 9.1-mile section that loops around Rice Lake, plus connections to a much larger trail network extending over 100 miles north through Washburn and Douglas counties toward Solon Springs. The trail accommodates hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, and ATV users in the warmer months, and snowmobilers in winter. The Rice Lake section gives you a taste of the area’s forest and wetland scenery without committing to a full-day adventure, though riders who want more distance will find it easy to keep going.
Watch Racing at Rice Lake Speedway
Rice Lake Speedway is a 1/3-mile semi-banked clay oval that has been hosting Saturday night dirt track racing since 1951, making it the longest-running track in northern Wisconsin. The speedway runs WISSOTA-sanctioned classes including Modifieds, Super Stocks, Street Stocks, Midwest Modifieds, and Pure Stocks during its regular season from April through Labor Day. Special events throughout the summer draw larger crowds and additional classes. Racing typically starts at 6:00 PM on Saturdays; check the speedway’s website for the current schedule and admission prices. Even if motorsports are not usually your thing, a night at a small-town dirt track is a distinctly Wisconsin experience.
Visit the Pioneer Village Museum
The Pioneer Village Museum, operated by the Barron County Historical Society, preserves a collection of historic buildings and exhibits that document the area’s heritage — from its Native American roots through the logging era and early settlement. The museum hosts several community events throughout the year, including an outdoor flea market and craft fair in June that draws vendors selling everything from antiques and handmade goods to clothing and collectibles. It is also the venue for the annual Midsummer’s Eve celebration, a traditional Norwegian festival co-hosted with the Sons of Norway-Dovre Lodge that highlights the Scandinavian heritage of many Barron County families.
In June, the museum runs Pioneer Village Day Camps — a three-day educational program for children ages seven to thirteen that lets participants experience 1800s life in northwestern Wisconsin, including activities like feeding farm animals, hand-washing clothes, weaving baskets, and attending a one-room schoolhouse. For families visiting during summer, this is a genuinely engaging option for kids. The museum is located a short drive from downtown Rice Lake, and broader Wisconsin trip planning can easily include a stop here as part of a northern route.
Attend the Barron County Fair
Held every July, the Barron County Fair is one of the area’s biggest annual events. The fair has been running continuously since 1877, organized by the Barron County Agricultural Society. Expect livestock and produce exhibits, an amusement park midway, food vendors, tractor pulls, and live entertainment. It is a classic Midwestern county fair experience and draws visitors from across the region. Dates and details are posted annually on the fair association’s website and local event calendars.
Birdwatching at Wolfinger Bird Sanctuary
The Wolfinger Bird Sanctuary, located along E. Orchard Beach Lane, is a protected natural area along the shore of Rice Lake that includes marshland and woodland habitat. It is a well-known spot among birders for observing a range of species, particularly waterfowl and shorebirds. The sanctuary also supports deer and other small mammals. No formal facilities exist beyond the natural trails, so come prepared for a quiet, self-guided walk. The natural lake setting is the main draw, and early morning visits tend to be most productive for wildlife viewing.
Catch a Concert at Music in the Park
Veteran’s Memorial Park is the largest and most central public park in Rice Lake. It serves as the gathering point for many of the city’s events, including the summer concert series often held at the park’s distinctive shell-shaped outdoor stage. The park also has a playground, picnic areas, tennis courts, a shelter, wooded walking areas, and memorials including a Civil War monument and Veterans War Memorial. It is a good place to spend a relaxed afternoon, particularly if you can catch one of the evening concerts during summer.
Go Skating at Skate City
Skate City is Rice Lake’s long-running family entertainment center, operating since 1978. It is best known as a roller skating rink — its blue skating surface is something of a local landmark — but over the years it has expanded to include mini golf, a ball pit, arcade games, a volleyball court, and other attractions. Skate City runs regular public sessions and special events including Saturday night open skates. It is one of the better rainy-day options in the area and a solid pick for families with kids.
Sports and Parks
Earl Clanton Memorial Park, a 16-acre facility along Hammond Avenue, is the primary sports complex in Rice Lake. It includes multiple softball diamonds, football fields, a press box, a multipurpose building, and a concession stand. The park hosts many of the city’s tournament-level sporting events. The nearby Rice Lake Hockey Arena is another option for spectators during the winter season.
Rice Lake and the surrounding Barron County area offer more than 100 lakes and 500 miles of four-season trails for activities ranging from kayaking and boating to ATV riding and snowmobiling. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail also passes through the area, providing additional hiking opportunities with geological interest — the trail follows the edge of the last glacial advance across Wisconsin.
Live Theater
Rice Lake has a community theater tradition that dates back decades. The Northern Star Theatre Company stages several productions each year, ranging from musicals to dramas, and showcases local talent in a small-town setting. Performance schedules vary, so check their listings if you are visiting during the fall or holiday season when productions are most common. For a small city, the quality of the local performing arts scene is a pleasant surprise.
Planning Your Visit
Rice Lake is located at the intersection of US Highway 53 and State Highway 48, making it accessible from Eau Claire (about an hour south) and the Twin Cities (roughly two hours west). The city has a range of lodging options from motels to lakeside rentals. Summer is the busiest season, with the Barron County Fair, Aquafest, and weekly events filling the calendar. Fall brings excellent leaf color along the trails, and winter transforms the area into a snowmobiling and cross-country skiing destination.
For a small Northwoods city, Rice Lake delivers a genuine mix of outdoor recreation, local history, and community spirit. A weekend visit gives you enough time to hike a trail, catch a race at the Speedway, explore the Pioneer Village Museum, and still have time to fish or paddle on the lake itself. If you are building a broader Midwest vacation, Rice Lake works well as a stop between the Twin Cities and Wisconsin’s Northwoods destinations.
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