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Natural History
 How do you describe a place that is so wonderful that many of its residents want to keep it a secret? Heavenly? Open and Free? Pristine? Nature at its very best? The Rice Lake Area is all of these and more. Close to the major cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul and Duluth, yet in many good ways still a rural place where neighbors are helpful and friends are everywhere. Words can only hint at what a wonderful place this is, pictures can convey a bit more. But to really experience it, you will have to come here and stay awhile. Check out the motels, campgrounds, and resorts on our page and plan your stay in a truly delightful setting.

This is part of Wisconsin's great "Northwoods", an area of unparalleled lakes--with forests, farms and fields, towns and villages scattered about. The scenery provided by nature is a delight in all seasons, and perhaps best of all are the many lakes that are situated in what may be the most beautiful and relatively undeveloped area in the Wisconsin Northwoods. Tucked in amongst rocky shores and tree-covered rolling hills are literally dozens of spring-fed and stream-fed, crystal-clear bodies of water ranging in size from a few acres to over 3,000 acres. And there is one just right for you.

The area's natural landscapes were formed millions of years ago by glaciers. The land is unique, with conifer and hardwood forests, spruce and tamarack bogs, free-flowing rivers, rolling farmlands and jack pine barrens. The woods are full of wildflowers and berries, and animals large and small. Muskrats and beavers, along with nesting mallards, wood ducks, teal, loon and other waterfowl are seen regularly. This is the natural habitat of the great blue heron, the pileated woodpecker, the red-shouldered hawk, loggerhead shrike, and bald eagles. Migrating birds stop here and song birds abound.

One can awaken to the sun glimmering on the lake and listen to the songs and calls of the many different birds. Or watch the bald eagle or osprey in flight without having to look at, around or through man-made obstructions--just the trees. Because of the lack of city lights, the night skies are brilliant with stars, and Northern Lights often put on dazzling displays. On just the right nights one can look skyward and observe their dancing, ever changing patterns. The scene is lit only by the moon and stars which abound in profusion in a sky devoid of man-made illumination.

Long before Western civilization arrived the Chippewa Indians had recognized the region's value and benefits and lived along the shores of several lakes. Since its "discovery" in the late 1800's as a logging site, development has been slow and controlled. Because of the excellent fishing and natural environment for year-round activities, tourism is the area's largest industry. While all the lakes in the area have their own distinction, two are officially recognized by the State of Wisconsin for the fishing they provide: Long Lake is the "Walleye Capital of Wisconsin" and Birchwood is the "Bluegill Capital of Wisconsin."

Naturalists have since the '50s pursued their interests in the adjacent Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary, with 339 acres of forest, boglands and meadow. Research papers have been published in scholarly periodicals on the now-rare undisturbed hardwood forests which are found at Hunt Hill. Additionally, thousands of acres of public lands invite outdoor activities.

 This is a land where every season brings beauty--the snow-laden solitude of winter, the lushness and new beginnings of spring, the warm and relaxing days of summer, the breathtaking color and crisp days of autumn. Our diverse, natural environment is one to be preserved. Here, we are doing our best to live in harmony with nature. Our zoning laws are strict and we are conscious of our individual responsibility to take care of this unique, beautiful bit of Earth, with which we have been so abundantly blessed. Permanent residents live here because of the natural beauty. Summer residents and all-year tourists come here for the same reason, and to leave the stress, noise, lights and bustle of the city behind them.
 
Rice Lake Tourism
Rice Lake Economic Development
Rice Lake Chamber of Commerce • 37 South Main St • Rice Lake, Wisconsin • 54868
P: 715-234-2126 or 1-877-234-2126 • F: 715-234-2085 • chamber@rice-lake.com

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