$273,774Average Value$164Average Price per Sq Ft60Homes For Sale
Outdoor enthusiasts are right at home in Rice Lake
With daily views of its namesake, along with scenic rivers and tree-lined, small-town streetscapes, it’s easy to understand why Rice Like is a popular tourist destination in the northwestern corner of Wisconsin. But there's more, says Cherie Jenkins, a Realtor with Jenkins Realty, Inc. “I’ve lived here all my life, and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else,” she says. “Small towns aren’t for everyone, but this one is hard not to love with its location, scenery and easy-going people.”
With year-round events, including festivals, fairs, circuses and rodeos, there’s always something going on. The city is an outdoor athlete’s haven with sports parks and trails surrounding the lake. The 104-mile Wild Rivers State Trail passes through as the state's longest such route for all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, skiers, cyclists and pedestrians. Beyond the city, the famous Northwoods region is known for its forests, streams and rivers. “It may sound cliché, but Rice Lake really does have a lot to offer, Jenkins says."There are plenty of ways to be entertained here that you won’t find in similar-sized towns. Plus, we’re an hour from Eau Claire and two hours from the Twin Cities.”
Rice Lake is located in the heart of Wisconsin.
The Wild Rivers State Trail is an atv and snowmobile trail that passes through Rice Lake.
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Manufacturing, retail and healthcare lead the way in Rice Lake
Rice Lake is the shopping, educational and medical hub for the surrounding communities of Cameron, Chetek, Shell Lake and Cumberland. Leading industries include manufacturing, retail and healthcare. The city’s largest employers include Rice Lake Weighing Systems and Marshfield Medical Center. New businesses include Allram Lumber Company and Northwoods Cycle.
Marshfield Medical center is one of the largest employers in Rice Lake.
Rice Lake bike enthusiasts frequent Northwoods Cycle for gear and repairs.
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New homes are available inside and outside the city limits
“Because the job market is strong, housing sells well in Rice Lake,” says Jenkins. “We’re blessed with a healthy inventory of homes of varying sizes and ages, so no matter what you want, you can probably find it.” The median home price is $265,000, compared to the higher national median. Century-old cottages sell from $60,000 to $200,000, while homes in new subdivisions have recently sold from $260,000 to $400,000. Lakefront retreats with acreage can sell for as much as $800,000.
There are rows of new duplex townhomes on Sherwood Dr.
Residents in Rice Lake have a variety of home styles to choose from.
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Eye-catching parks and well-appointed sports complexes
Veterans Memorial Park overlooks Rice Lake with its War Memorial and a Civil War monument. The bandshell anchors Music in the Park in August, while the World Harvest Picnic and Celebration brings hundreds of people each summer. Lakefront Park is a greenway dotted with sculptures by local artists and massive oak trees. Sports complexes provide soccer, baseball and football fields. Rice Lake Hockey Arena is home to youth hockey leagues and summer camp programs.
Visit the WWII memorial at Veterans Memorial Park.
Wooly the Mammoth is a unique sculpture near Indian Mounds Park on Rice Lake.
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Highly rated Rice Lake Area School District
Rice Lake Area School District is graded B-plus by Niche and receives A grades for its teachers, clubs and activities. Rice Lake High students are encouraged to pursue career pathways that provide collaborative work/study opportunities with local businesses. The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire at Barron County is one of the closest public universities. According to U.S. News & World Report, it is among the top undergraduate research universities in the nation.
Rice Lake High School serves grades 9-12.
Rice Lake is home to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire-Barron County.
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A revitalized downtown increases accessibility
In 2023, Rice Lake’s Main Street unveiled $3 million of improvements and a new look for downtown. The renovations better accommodate pedestrian and bicycle traffic and welcome shoppers with easy parking and gathering spaces. Benches, outdoor sculptures, planters and mini green spaces offer points of interest. Breweries, restaurants, coffee shops and cafes are easier to access and more visible with slower traffic. Longstanding cultural attractions include Red Barn Theater, the Barron County Fair and the Rice Lake Curling Club.
Rice Lake's Main Street is a stretch of shops and restaurants that has undergone changes throughout the years.
Rice Lake is home to the Barron County Fair and the Barron County Pro Rodeo.
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Mild summers and snowy winters define the climate in Rice Lake
While summers are relatively short in northwest Wisconsin, residents enjoy mild temperatures rarely exceeding 88 degrees. Winter sports match well with the common weather of the season, helping Rice Lake to serve as a 12-month destination. According to FBI data, reported rates of violent crimes in Rice Lake since 2020 have been slightly higher than the national and state average, while property crimes for the same period have been mostly lower than both averages.
Getting around Rice Lake
Car travel is the primary form of transportation. Public transportation is limited to privately run shuttle bus and taxi services. Rice Lake is 60 miles north of Eau Claire via U.S. Highway 53. U.S. Highway 48 bisects the city east-west, stretching across the state. Minneapolis/Saint Paul is 100 miles southwest. The closest commercial airport is Eau Claire Airport, 56 miles south.
Written By
Sarah Albiston
Photography Contributed By
Tyler McNair
Video By
EB Fox
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bob Ritsch,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Rice Lake, WI sell after 110 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Rice Lake, WI over the last 12 months is $263,000, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This fully updated home offers modern comfort and quality finishes throughout, featuring an open main living area floor plan with large windows that provide abundant natural light and a great view. Recent improvements include a brand-new kitchen, new laminate flooring, updated plumbing and electrical, and a new roof. The exterior showcases durable brick and LP Smart siding, along with an updated
Level, cleared vacant lot ready for your new construction. Excellent opportunity for future development once available. Lot is not to be sold until the adjacent home located at 1735 Augusta St. has successfully sold. Sale of this lot is contingent upon the prior sale of the neighboring property. Please contact listing agent with any questions regarding timing or details.
Still renting?? Now you can own!! This cozy 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home in Rice Lake is now available. New roof in 2023, new siding in 2024, carpet replaced in 2024/2025, and a new furnace installed in 2021, so you can move in knowing the pricey upgrades have already been done. The oversized primary bedroom offers lots of natural lighting and walks out to your private deck overlooking the
Opportunity awaits in Rice Lake! This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers solid bones, great space, and the chance to truly make it your own. Featuring an oversized 21x27 1-car garage with plenty of extra room for storage, tools, or a workshop area, this property is perfect for buyers looking to build equity with a little TLC.Inside, you’ll find a functional layout with comfortable living spaces
This fully updated home offers modern comfort and quality finishes throughout, featuring an open main living area floor plan with large windows that provide abundant natural light and a great view. Recent improvements include a brand-new kitchen, new laminate flooring, updated plumbing and electrical, and a new roof. The exterior showcases durable brick and LP Smart siding, along with an updated
Located just minutes from the schools & new aquatic center, this beautifully maintained home offers comfort, convenience & space for the whole family. Step into the home through the large entryway w/ample storage that sets the tone for the generous layout throughout. Enjoy cooking & entertaining in the updated kitchen, complete w/new stainless steel appliances. The upper level features three
Welcome to this large and inviting 4-bedroom home, designed w/space and comfort in mind. All four generously sized bedrooms are located on the upper level, providing a quiet and private retreat for the whole household. The main level offers a wonderful layout for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining area, creating an open and welcoming space. The
Move in ready lovingly maintained 3 bedroom 2 bath home located in the heart of Rice Lake. The yard has been painted with beautiful low maintenance flower gardens that make you feel like you are in the country. This home boasts many updates including a new roof & gutters in 2023 including a re-insulated attic and hot water tank in 2024. Smart floor plan with updated kitchen including all new
Prime investment opportunity! This well-maintained duplex is completely rental-ready, with one unit recently updated while both offer lake views and direct access to Lake Montanis boat landing. This property offers unmatched convenience and recreational appeal, attracting high-demand tenants. Each unit includes a private 2-car garage. Newer roof and siding! Don?t miss your opportunity to grow or
Welcome to this adorable bungalow located on a quiet street in Rice Lake! This inviting home offers a comfortable layout with tasteful updates and a warm, welcoming feel throughout. Step into the main floor featuring an open kitchen, dining, and living area filled with natural light, along with a cozy bedroom and full bath. The rear entry offers a spacious area that provides flexible use; ideal
Nice country home with great views! Spacious 3-bedroom home with plenty of room for everyone. Upper level has a living room & family room along with a large rec room in lower level.
Built in 1927, this beautifully preserved 3-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home blends timeless craftsmanship with modern updates on one and a half city lots, the property offers rare space and privacy in a charming residential setting. Word trim, doors, and moldings highlight the home's character, complemented by hardwood floors in the dining room, entryway, and all three bedrooms, (yes there is hardwood
Take advantage of this three bed, two bath home for rent in the Rice Lake area. Located within walking distance of Moon Lake Park with splash pad and trails. Close to schools and shopping. Two car detached garage, fenced in large yard. $1650 per month, maximum of two pets. Pet fees apply. No smoking. Call for a showing today.
Property Id: 639182Wonderful quiet corner lot lower unit. 2 bed 1 bath. New vinyl floors, paint, kitchen and bathroom remodel. Washer-dryer hookups. Bathtub shower combo. Move-in ready 2/15/25. $1100 a month with $1100 deposit due before move in.
Property Id: 1178660Main floor 2-bedroom apartment that features a 1-car garage, air conditioning, new flooring, new high-efficiency furnace and bathroom with granite tile shower. No smoking & no pets. Only applicants via TurboTenant will be looked at. Credit/background check required.
Utilities included in rent except electricity which is billed separately for each unit. Internet is tenants responsibility. Looking for a long-term renter to occupy, care for and enjoy the property. Non-smoking unit. No pets.
2 BD / 1 BA house for rent with frontage on Rice Lake. Rent is $2200 per month. Rent includes all utilities, furniture, linens, household furnishings, garage, lawn maintenance, etc. Fantastic view of the lake from the living room and dining room. Newer deck built summer of 2020, great for relaxing while taking in the lake view. No smoking in the house but it is permitted outside. Full size
We have a upstairs of a house available for rent we do proof of employment and back ground checks and security deposit send your email for a application
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