Rice Lake offers up activities throughout the year. Due to its bitter-cold winters on the lake, Rice Lake is a very popular winter destination for ice fishing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Late spring and summer are popular for on-the-water fishing, while autumn brings the fall colors to the trees for everyone to enjoy.
Rice Lake's annual Aquafest is the largest festival in the region. It runs for 10 days, usually at the end of May or the beginning of June, and it is full of family-fun activities and world-class entertainment. 2019 was the 55th edition of the Aquafest. The dates for 2020 have been scheduled for June 5-14. Kids will love taking part in the Aquabug scavenger hunt, Kiddie Parade, Kids' Fishing Derby, Kids' Bike Race, and Family Fun Day while adults will enjoy the BBQ Fest, food court, live music, and carnival. They can also take part in the Aquaquest Race, a hybrid challenge adventure combining service, teamwork, and outdoor adventure.
The Super 8 by Wyndham Rice Lake is one lodging option that offers AAA discounts. The hotel is a quick drive from Northern Star Theatre and Cedar Side Walking Trail. It's also around two miles to Rice Lake City Park and Shudlick Park. You'll find 44 guestrooms here, all of which have fridges, microwaves, 40-inch flat-screen televisions, and shower/tub combinations. Guests can enjoy complimentary continental breakfast each day from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. On-site, you'll find a business center, free self-parking, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby.
One more option that offers a AAA discount to guests is the AmericInn by Wyndham Chippewa Falls, about 44 miles southeast from Rice Lake. When you book one of the 60 rooms here, you'll be staying in a state park. You are only a five-minute drive to Riverfront Park and Chippewa River Distillery. All rooms have air conditioning, 32-inch flat-screen televisions, desks, fridges, and microwaves. On the property, there are three swimming pools and even a waterslide. Free self-parking is available, and guests can enjoy complimentary continental breakfast each day.
If you are looking for the best-rated hotels in or near Rice Lake, consider options like AmericInn by Wyndham Hayward about 37 miles from North Rice Lake. Reviewers rate it high for its overall value, good breakfast, clean pool, great location, and more. It's nearby to the Hayward Lake and Park Theater. Also nearby are the Hayward Information Center and Shues Pond Park.
The hotel has 42 rooms, all with air conditioning, fridges, and microwaves. If you packed your swimsuit, you'll find an indoor pool and spa tub here. Guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast each day from 6:00 AM to 10: 00 AM, and there is a 24-hour business center, free self-parking on-site, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby.
The Best Western Spooner Riverplace is around 23 miles north of Rice Lake and receives consistently high reviews from travelers. It's located in Spooner, which is about a five-minute walk from the Railroad Memories Museum and a five-minute drive from Spooner Golf Club. Around six miles out is Shell Lake Arts Center and Washburn County Historical Museum.
The hotel has 45 air-conditioned rooms, all of which have microwaves and fridges. Some bathrooms have tubs, while others have showers. On-site, there is an indoor pool, spa tub, sauna, barbecue grills, arcade/game room, and business center. There is free self-parking and a complimentary buffet breakfast is served from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM every day.
Rice Lake, Wisconsin is a vacation destination that many people associate with its fishing. When temperatures start to drop and the nearby lakes freeze over, ice fishing is a popular pastime for locals and visitors alike. This is a multi-species fishing destination, with muskie, bass, walleye, northern pike, crappie, and bluegill in the lake. You can enjoy your fishing experience however you like, whether fly fishing, angling, or spearing.
Rice Lake is a popular destination for ATV enthusiasts, who can take their ATV on a selection of well-marked, year-round backcountry trails. These spots include almost 40 miles of paths on the Cattle Trail and Cattle Trail Extension, as well as the 104-mile Wild Rivers State Trail. Many travelers will combine their ATV adventure with a camping or fishing adventure as well.
In the winter, the Cattle Trail and parts of the Wild Rivers State Trail are also open to snowmobiles. Also, there is the Tuscobia State Trail offering up an additional 62 miles of snowmobile adventures. There are over 300 miles of snowmobile trails available in the region, taking you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Northwoods region.
If you prefer to trek the beautiful scenery by foot, there is a large variety of hiking and snowshoeing trails, including 35.9 miles of the over 1,000-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This trail showcases some of the glacial geology of Wisconsin. In the winter, Rice Lake, Wisconsin offers up some of the state's best cross-country skiing trails. There are over 60 miles of trails, including the Blue Hills Trail System and Timberland Hills Trail. Just 20-minutes from Rice Lake, skiers can take to the slopes at Christie Mountain, with 21 ski runs, with options suitable to all skill levels.
Rice Lake is also a popular wedding and conference destination and is home to numerous restaurants and golf courses. No matter what brings you to the greater Rice Lake region, you'll have no shortage of adventure opportunities 365 days a year. What's more, if you're looking for the best hotel options in and around Rice Lake, there are hotels for all budgets and several that offer AAA discounts to members.
Below are reviews of the city of Rice Lake, WI from an actual visitor's perspective.
Beautiful!
A great place to visit!
A pleasant hometown feeling.
There are lots of sites close by. Really enjoyed the Aircraft Museum was nearby.
I was involved in hockey playoffs nearby.
Rice Lake! Awesome stores!
Convenient restaurants and access to freeway.
Nice area for summer and early fall.