Rice Lake, WI
- About the City
- Landmarks and Attractions
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Transportation
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Museums and Art
- Sport and Athletics
- Universities and Academic Institutions
- Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Rice Lake is a city in Barron County, Wisconsin, known as a commercial and tourist center on the shores of its namesake lake, with a history rooted in the lumber industry and Native American heritage.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
The full official name of the city is Rice Lake. It is a city in Barron County in the state of Wisconsin, United States. It serves as a commercial and tourist center for the surrounding rural areas in the northwestern part of the state . The region is known for its pristine lakes, evergreen forests, and outdoor recreational opportunities .
Founding Date and Age
The area was first developed as a logging camp around 1868 by the Knapp, Stout & Co. lumber company . The village was officially platted in 1870, named after the lake it sits on. Rice Lake was incorporated as a city on April 1, 1887 . As of 2026, the city is 139 years old.
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 45°29′54″N 91°44′20″W (45.498408, -91.738844) .
- Location: The city is located in northwest Wisconsin, on the western shore of Rice Lake, a lake along the Red Cedar River .
- Elevation: The city center sits at an elevation of approximately 1,135 feet (346 meters) above sea level .
- Type of Settlement: From a geographic perspective, Rice Lake is a small city situated in a lacustrine setting, characterized by its position on a lake within a region of plains and forests.
City Type and Economic Specialization
Rice Lake functions primarily as a commercial and tourist center for the surrounding rural areas . Its economy is rooted in serving as a hub for retail, services, and recreation for residents and visitors. Historically, it was a significant lumber industry town, and this heritage remains a part of its identity .
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 9,040 .
- Population Class: According to its population, Rice Lake is classified as a small city.
"City's Business Card" (Briefly)
Rice Lake is a classic northwoods Wisconsin community offering a blend of outdoor recreation and small-town charm. Visitors and residents are drawn to its namesake lake for boating and fishing, its network of parks featuring ancient Native American mounds, and its access to regional attractions like the Wild Rivers State Trail .
Landmarks and Attractions
Historic and Cultural Sites
Indian Mounds Park: This is the city's most significant historical site, located on the shore of Rice Lake. The park preserves 12 ancient Native American burial mounds, which are part of a larger group of 51 conical mounds built after about 500 A.D. . Some of these mounds were excavated by the Smithsonian Institution in the 19th century. The park offers a tranquil setting to reflect on the area's original inhabitants . It is open from May 1 to October 10 .
Veterans Memorial Park & Bandshell: Located along the lake between Douglas and Stout Streets, this was the very first park in Rice Lake. It serves as a community focal point and a place for remembrance .
Great Lakes Forestry Museum & National Lumbering Hall of Fame: An organization is currently working to create a museum to house artifacts from the pivotal lumbering era in northern Wisconsin, celebrating the industry that built the town .
Parks and Recreation
- Narrows Park: A popular city park with amenities including a swimming beach, picnic tables and grills, a large picnic shelter, restrooms, a playground, and a boat dock .
- Moon Lake Park: This park features a splash pad, soccer fields, a playground, a large picnic shelter, and a sledding hill for winter fun .
Geography
Water Bodies (Rivers and Lakes)
- Rice Lake: The city's namesake and central geographic feature. It is a lake on the Red Cedar River, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and lakeside recreation . The lake was historically important for wild rice, which grew in its waters and gave the city its name .
- Red Cedar River: This river flows through Rice Lake, connecting it to the broader watershed of the Chippewa River, which ultimately drains into the Mississippi River . The river was dammed by lumber companies in the 19th century to create a holding pond for logs .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Rice Lake has a humid continental climate, characterized by long, warm, and wet summers and freezing, snowy, and windy winters. It is partly cloudy year-round .
Average Temperatures
- Hottest Month: July, with an average daily high of 79°F (26°C) and a low of 60°F (15°C) .
- Coldest Month: January, with an average daily high of 22°F (-5°C) and a low of 6°F (-14°C) .
- Record Temperatures: The highest recorded temperature was 101°F (38°C), and the lowest was -40°F (-40°C) .
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg High (°F / °C) | 22 / -5 | 27 / -3 | 40 / 4 | 55 / 13 | 67 / 20 | 76 /24 | 79/26 | 77/25 | 68/20 | 55/13 | 39/4 | 26/-3 |
| Avg Low (°F / °C) | 6/-14 | 10/-12 | 22/-6 | 35/2 | 46/8 | 55/13 | 60/15 | 57/14 | 49/9 | 38/3 | 25/-4 | 12/-11 |
*Data source: Weather Spark *
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Annual Precipitation: Approximately 31.43 inches (799 mm) .
- Wettest Month: June, with an average of 4.17 inches (106 mm) of rain . It also has an average of 12.1 wet days .
- Snowfall: The winter months bring significant snowfall. March typically sees the most snowfall, averaging 4.5 inches (114 mm), while the snowy period lasts from late October to late April .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Rice Lake for warm-weather activities is from late June to late August .
- Summer (June-August): This is the peak season for enjoying the lake, with long, warm days and average highs in the mid-70s to low 80s°F (around 24-27°C). This is the ideal time for swimming at Narrows Park, boating, and hiking .
- Winter (December-February): Winters are cold and snowy, with average highs in the 20s°F (-5 to -3°C). This season is perfect for winter sports like sledding at Moon Lake Park and snowmobiling on area trails .
- Spring and Fall (March-May & September-November): These are transitional seasons with mild to cool temperatures. Spring is wetter, while fall offers beautiful foliage and comfortable weather for exploring the parks and historical sites .
Transportation
Main Highways
- U.S. Highway 53 (US 53): This is the primary route to and through Rice Lake. It is a four-lane highway that links the city to Duluth, Minnesota to the north and Eau Claire to the south .
Cycling
- Wild Rivers State Trail: This multi-use trail starts near Superior and runs south to Rice Lake, roughly paralleling U.S. 53. It offers a scenic route for cycling, hiking, and in some sections, snowmobiling .
Airports
- Rice Lake Regional Airport: A small regional airport located about 7.7 miles (12.4 km) south of the city center, serving general aviation .
- Closest Major Airport: The closest major international airport is the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) , located approximately 173 miles (278 km) to the southwest .
Public Transit and Local Services
- Ridesharing: Ridesharing services like Uber are available in Rice Lake, offering an alternative to traditional taxis for getting around the city 24/7 . Uber Eats is also available for food delivery from local restaurants .
- Railroad: A Canadian National Railway line, formerly the Wisconsin Central, runs north-south through Rice Lake .
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
The culinary identity of Rice Lake is deeply rooted in the classic Wisconsin supper club tradition. Dining here is an unhurried, multi-sensory experience centered on high-quality ingredients, classic cocktails, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere .
Lehman's Supper Club: A Local Institution
The heart of Rice Lake's dining scene is Lehman's Supper Club, a family-owned establishment serving locals and travelers since 1934 . It is a prime example of a beloved Wisconsin institution where the meal is an event to be savored. The experience typically begins in the bar with a cocktail before moving to the dining room for a multi-course dinner .
Canadian Walleye
The undisputed star of the menu at Lehman's is the Canadian Walleye. This freshwater favorite is celebrated for its delicate, flaky texture and clean, slightly sweet flavor . It is offered in three classic preparations:
- Deep-fried: Coated in a light, crisp batter that perfectly complements the tender fish within .
- Broiled: Enhanced with a light brush of butter and seasoning, allowing the fish's natural sweetness to take center stage .
- Grilled: A true test of the kitchen's skill, resulting in a lightly charred exterior and moist, flaky flesh that practically melts on the tongue .
This dish is so renowned that it's considered worth the drive to Rice Lake from all over Wisconsin .
The Brandy Old Fashioned
No supper club meal in Wisconsin begins without a proper cocktail, and at Lehman's, the ritual starts with a Brandy Old Fashioned. While a classic Old Fashioned uses whiskey, the Wisconsin version famously substitutes brandy. Served either sweet or sour, it's mixed with bitters, a splash of soda, and a muddled cherry and orange, creating a refreshing and iconic pre-dinner drink . For a sweet finish, diners often turn to dessert cocktails like the minty-chocolate Grasshopper or the Pink Squirrel .
French Onion Soup
Beyond the walleye, Lehman's is also famed for its exceptional French Onion Soup. This dish is a masterclass in comfort food, featuring a rich, deeply flavorful broth, sweet caramelized onions, and a crusty bread topping smothered in a generous layer of melted, golden-brown cheese. It's a perfect starter, even in the summer months .
The Relish Tray
A cherished supper club tradition upheld by Lehman's is the Relish Tray. This simple yet elegant offering of crisp raw vegetables, pickles, and olives arrives before the meal, serving as both an appetizer and a palate cleanser—a tradition dating back to when fresh vegetables were a seasonal treasure .
Museums and Art
Rice Lake and its surrounding area offer a variety of cultural and historical attractions, from local art spaces to unique historical sites.
Art Galleries and Spaces
- Gallery 214 at UW–Barron County: Located on the local university campus, this gallery hosts seasonal exhibitions and juried shows featuring work from students, faculty, and regional artists .
- Rice Lake Public Library – Art Exhibits: The library provides an accessible setting for the community to enjoy monthly rotating art displays from regional artists, offering great exposure for new and emerging creatives .
- Blue Hills Art & Design: A creative design studio in Rice Lake that offers seasonal art classes, paint nights, and sells handmade goods .
- LK Art Bucket: A welcoming space for budding artists of all ages, offering weekly $5 Painting Thursdays, open studio hours, and kids' art camps .
Historical Sites and Museums
- Indian Mounds Park: This park overlooking the lake is home to 12 preserved ancient burial mounds, offering a tranquil setting that connects visitors to the area's early history .
- Great Lakes Forestry Museum & National Lumbering Hall of Fame: An organization dedicated to creating a museum to house artifacts from the pivotal lumbering era in northern Wisconsin's history .
- Mystery of the Concrete Pillars: For the curious traveler, a local mystery awaits at the south end of the Eagle's Lookout Boat Launch parking lot, where unexplained concrete pillars spark the imagination .
Nearby Attractions
- Park Street Gallery (Chetek): A small-town gallery space in nearby Chetek that hosts rotating exhibitions of local artists and sells artisan gifts .
- Northwind Book & Fiber (Spooner): Located a short drive away in Spooner, this spot is more than a bookstore, offering art supplies, fiber arts classes, and gallery shows .
Sport and Athletics
While Rice Lake may not be home to major professional sports franchises, it has a vibrant local sports culture centered on its university and community facilities.
University of Wisconsin-Barron County Chargers
The local university's athletic teams are known as the Chargers. They compete in the Wisconsin Collegiate Conference (WCC) and the Wisconsin Junior College Athletic Association (WJCAA). The Chargers field teams in men's basketball, women's volleyball, golf, and a men's club baseball team . The campus itself boasts excellent recreational facilities, including baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and an eighteen-hole disc golf course .
Local Parks and Recreation
Rice Lake offers several parks with amenities for sports and outdoor activities.
- Moon Lake Park: Features soccer fields, a playground, and a popular splash pad, making it a hub for family-friendly sports and recreation .
- Narrows Park: Offers a swimming beach, boat dock, and a playground, perfect for water-based activities and leisure .
Universities and Academic Institutions
Rice Lake is home to a campus of the prestigious University of Wisconsin System, providing higher education opportunities and cultural enrichment to the community.
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire – Barron County
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire – Barron County (UW–Barron County) is a two-year campus of the University of Wisconsin System, located on a scenic 110-acre campus in Rice Lake . Established in 1966, it serves approximately 700 full- and part-time students, with about 25% being adults returning to school .
The university offers the first two years of a liberal arts general education, granting the Associate of Arts and Sciences degree. Students can begin coursework for a wide range of majors, including agriculture, business, biological sciences, engineering, fine arts, and pre-professional programs .
Campus Features: The campus itself is a notable community asset. It includes the Fine Arts Building, home to Gallery 214, which features student and local art . The grounds also include an observatory, a Japanese Garden, and the CedarSide Trail for walking and biking .
Notable Alumni: Alumni include Roger Rivard and Patricia Spafford Smith, both former politicians and businesspeople .
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Rice Lake serves as a regional hub for healthcare, anchored by a major medical center and a specialized clinic for veterans.
Marshfield Medical Center - Rice Lake
The primary healthcare provider in the region is the Marshfield Medical Center - Rice Lake, located at 1700 West Stout Street . This facility is classified as an Acute Care Hospital and provides comprehensive medical services, including emergency services. It is a significant employer and healthcare resource in the area, with over 236 affiliated doctors and clinicians . The hospital's performance and quality of care are publicly reported, reflecting its commitment to patient outcomes in areas like timely and effective care, complications, and patient surveys .
Rice Lake VA Clinic
Rice Lake is also home to the Rice Lake VA Clinic, an outpatient clinic that is part of the VA Minneapolis health care system, serving the veterans of the region . Located at 320 South Access Road, the clinic provides a wide array of health services tailored to veterans, including:
- Primary Care: Comprehensive, continuous medical care .
- Mental Health Care: Counseling and support for conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety .
- Specialty Services: Including cancer care, nephrology (kidney care), and amputation care .
- Ancillary Services: Such as laboratory and pathology, pharmacy, and physical and occupational therapy .
The clinic also coordinates with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to provide transportation for veterans to and from their medical appointments .