$291,121Average Value$163Average Price per Sq Ft55Homes 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
Shannon Hantke,
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 $259,900, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully updated home in a desirable rural Rice Lake location! This property has undergone extensive recent improvements, both inside and out, offering a fresh and move-in-ready feel. Updates include a new kitchen, bathroom fixtures, flooring, electrical work, plumbing work, exterior siding, roof, and deck. The combination of modern updates and a peaceful rural setting makes this a great
Hard to find 39.44-acre property near Rice Lake with a 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home, attached 2-car garage and heated 32x40 pole building. The open floor plan connects the kitchen, dining and living areas, with a wood-burning fireplace adding warmth and character to the main living space. Two of the bedrooms are currently used as an office and craft room, offering flexibility for a variety of
Neat, clean and efficient home in the heart of Rice Lake! You’ll love how well maintained this house is and the convenient location to the schools and new aquatic center. Newly built 20x24 attached garage with concrete flooring. Kitchen offers plenty of storage space and island seating. So many updates including new LVP flooring throughout, newly updated bathroom, furnace, landscaping,
Experience privacy, space, and rustic charm with this beautiful 1½-story log home situated on nearly 10 private acres. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful country retreat, room for your hobbies, or your own hunting property, this one has plenty to offer. The acreage features a deer stand and established food plot, providing excellent hunting opportunities right outside your door.The main
Great Home and Great Location! Situated on a spacious 1-acre lot, this inviting home offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and room to enjoy the outdoors. The living room features a beautiful stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings, creating a warm and welcoming space to gather. The oversized attached garage provides plenty of room for vehicles, toys, and storage, while the additional
Motivated Seller! Pre-Inspected Home 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
Nestled in the desirable Hiawatha Park area along the scenic Red Cedar River with direct access to the main body of Rice Lake, this charming waterfront property offers beautiful views and a peaceful setting. Set on four lots with approximately 199 feet of river frontage, this property provides an exceptional amount of space, privacy, and future potential. The expansive lot configuration offers
Discover 5.37 acres of wooded beauty in the desirable Eagle Ridge Estates, just north of Rice Lake. Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac at the end of a dead-end road, this property offers the peace and privacy you’ve been looking for. With mature oaks, towering pines, and lush vegetation, the setting creates a serene, park-like atmosphere, complete with views of the golf course, pond, and rolling
Exceptional space, thoughtful updates, and a popular Royal Crest location come together in this beautifully maintained five bedroom, three bathroom home. Tucked along a quiet cul-de-sac, the home offers generously sized bedrooms and a flexible layout with room for family, guests, and a home office. The large kitchen features a convenient peninsula and flows easily into the main living areas,
John FlorKeller Williams Realty Diversified~Chetek
Enjoy the space and privacy of country living without giving up convenient access to town in this spacious home northeast of Rice Lake. Set on 1.54 acres surrounded by serene farmland, the property offers peaceful rural views while being just three miles from Highway 53. With more than 3,200 square feet of finished living space, there’s plenty of room to spread out, including oversized bedrooms,
John FlorKeller Williams Realty Diversified~Chetek
Most properties in this price range ask you to choose: the house, or the ground. This one does not make you choose. The home was built in 2005 and was not built to a budget: about 4,970 square feet, five bedrooms, three and a half baths, a main floor master, two bedrooms up and two in the finished lower level. The two lower-level bedrooms are non-conforming, though the lower level has two
**COMPLETELY RENOVATED WITH CHARACTER, QUALITY & A 2-CAR GARAGE!** This beautifully updated 3-bedroom Rice Lake home blends original character with thoughtful improvements and quality craftsmanship. The kitchen is a standout with beautiful cabinetry and plenty of workspace, while the inviting living and dining areas offer a warm, comfortable feel. Enjoy additional seasonal living space in the
Newly updated and spacious 2 bedroom and 1 bathroom lower unit, available immediately. Many new updates include real hardwood floors, new light fixtures, and fresh paint! This is also a great location just minutes from Historic Rice Lake and only blocks from Veteran Memorial Park. It's an lower unit of a duplex. Other features include a sunny living room, good closet space, a beautiful front
The unit is scheduled to become available on October 29, 2026. It is a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment. *Please note that the photos provided might be of a similar unit in the same building for reference*We are pleased to inform you we welcome cats and dogs in this property; however, there is an associated fee of $50 per animal per month, with a limit of two pets. Each pet requires a $200
The unit is scheduled to become available on October 14th, 2026. It is a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment. The tenant is responsible for an additional $30 utility fee per month. Inside pictures coming soon! The unit is currently undergoing several renovations. *Please note that the photos provided might be of a similar unit in the same building for reference* We are pleased to inform you
This lower-level apartment is located in a fourplex in a quiet Rice Lake neighborhood and offers all utilities included, a private deck/porch, and a nice yard. The apartment received several updates in recent years, including kitchen improvements, updated flooring and fixtures, interior painting, and replacement windows.Rental FeaturesThe kitchen includes a refrigerator, stove,
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