10. The North Bog Road water control structure is one of the best locations to view River Otter when they come out to play. Notice the American Beaver activity as well. Black Bear has been seen along this road. Even if creatures are being shy, you are sure to see sign of them if you look. Continue on foot or bicycle to really experience the open sedge meadow habitat. Sedge Wren, Yellow Rail, American Bittern, Sora, Virginia Rail, Wilson’s Snipe, even Least Bittern have been heard along this route and there is always the chance of seeing one of these elusive creatures.

Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge is open 365 days, sunrise to sunset. The Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Picnic tables are available near Twin Lakes and Mandy Lake. Camping and open fires are prohibited. Passenger vehicles are allowed on the Wildlife Drive and the graveled portions of the South Trail and North Bog Road. Bicycles are allowed on all roads (but please leave the hiking trails for the hikers). In winter, the Wildlife Drive is kept open for motor vehicles only as far as Mandy Lake. The hiking trails become groomed classic cross-country ski trails when snow conditions permit. The closed roads are great places to snowshoe, but please don’t trample the groomed trails with snowshoes.

Limited hunting is allowed at Rice Lake NWR. Please check the hunting brochure for open areas. Wearing blaze orange is the smart thing to do during the hunting season even if you are not hunting.

Contact Information: Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge, 36289 State Highway 65, McGregor, MN 55760 , Web Site: http://midwest.fws.gov/, Phone: 218-768-2402 or by fax: 218-768-3040. Deaf and hard of hearing individuals can reach the refuge through the Federal Information Relay system at 1-800-877-8339.