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
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Welcome to this beautifully updated 3 bed, 2 bath Rice Lake home that blends modern comfort with timeless charm. The bright and spacious interior is warm and inviting, featuring a brand new kitchen with all appliances, a fully remodeled bath, reverse osmosis system, new water heater, Andersen doors, and 2024 roof and siding for peace of mind. Upstairs, a radiant heater was replaced with a cozy
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 beautifully updated 3 bed, 2 bath Rice Lake home that blends modern comfort with timeless charm. The bright and spacious interior is warm and inviting, featuring a brand new kitchen with all appliances, a fully remodeled bath, reverse osmosis system, new water heater, Andersen doors, and 2024 roof and siding for peace of mind. Upstairs, a radiant heater was replaced with a cozy
Hetrick New Homes Construction will build to suit from existing floor plans, several color and style options for interior and exterior. Buyer can also decide to have full basement with walk out to patio at $438,250. Choices that will make you want to come home and relax every day. Low maintenance for easy living on the West side of Rice Lake near Turtleback Golf Course and City amenities.
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
Newer 1 bedroom, 1 bath apartment with 1 car attached garage in prime Rice Lake location. Rent is $1150 per month. Utilities included (water/sewer/electric-electric baseboard heating. Utility cap will apply. Lawn care, snow plowing and garbage included. 1st month rent and security deposit are required. No smoking. No pets. Call for an application today!
CLOSEST HOSPITALSRice Lake Medical Center2.00 miles awayRice Lake VA Center2.00 miles awayMayo Clinic Health System - Northland2.00 miles awayPrevea Rice Lake Health Center2.00 miles awayBarron Hospital and Clinic12.00 miles away
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