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.
Come explore this beautiful wooded waterfront lot on the shores of Rice Lake. It offers a gentle slope to the water’s edge, where you’ll find a pure sandy bottom and stunning views. Located on a peaceful paved cul-de-sac on serene Heart Island, this is the perfect place for your future dream home. With city utilities and a fantastic location, you won’t want to let this opportunity slip away!
Welcome to your charming waterfront retreat on the picturesque Red Cedar River, offering serene views and endless recreational opportunities and you have access to Rice Lake which is a 859 acre lake. You can fish, kayak, canoe or boat right out your back door. Step inside to discover a quaint yet functional layout boasting two cozy bedrooms, one bathroom, and a warm, inviting atmosphere
This very unique property consists of three separate lots being sold as one package. One lot (Commercial) is already annexed into the city of Rice Lake and the other two lots (Residential) are still township, with the option of annexing into the city & being rezoned to Commercial. The options are plentiful. Fantastic waterfront views throughout the 5+ acres and 580+ feet of frontage on the Red
3 bedroom, 2 bath apartment in Rice Lake with 2 car attached garage! $1450 per month. Includes lawn care, snow removal, and garbage. Tenant is responsible for utilities. No smoking. No pets. Call for an application today!
Property Id: 1846733Move into a high quality duplex in Rice Lake! *Subject to approval. *DO NOT APPLY ON TURBO TENANT. Please visit to fill out the form.2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms with a total of 1,848 square feet including the attached garage (1,368 sq ft of living space). One level open concept with vaulted ceilings in the large kitchen, dining, and living area. 2 car
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Average Home Value
Source: Public RecordsDisclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
