Experience the Northwoods all dressed up in a gown of white! If you have wondered about where to go in Winter to find fun, adventure, peace, solitude, and snow… well, wonder no more! Rice Lake, Wisconsin and the surrounding area has it all.
Whether you prefer downhill skiing, cross country, snow tubing or maybe even snowshoeing, the Rice Lake area has something for you — and generally only a short drive from Rice Lake. The numerous outdoor areas will provide plenty of great scenery, as well as several levels of challenges. Check out the following Wintertime Activities:
(This page may contain affiliate links. View our affiliate disclosure here.)
On the Ski Slopes
Aside from the other numerous winter treats available, some of the best downhill skiing in the Midwest can be found in northwest Wisconsin — very close by to Rice Lake.
Christie Mountain (Bruce, WI)
About a half-hour east of Rice Lake, you can ski and/or Snowboard on a wide variety of terrain, from easier trails to double black diamonds providing two cliff jumps to test your courage. Longest run: 4000'; 350' vertical drop.
On the Cross Country Trails
Located in northwest Wisconsin, Rice Lake in Barron County is a modern city of about 9,000 residents. Although it most certainly is a perfect and very convenient destination-hub for snowmobiling and plenty of other winter recreation, the cross-country trails in the area are some of the best you will find.
Barron Area Nordic Trail Association
The trail is located on the south side of the City of Barron, Wisconsin, just south of the High School football field. 3.3K of lighted trail.
Blue Hills Ski Trails
The Rice Lake area really kicks into high gear during the winter. Just east of town, you can challenge yourself on the rolling terrain of the beautiful Blue Hills ski trail system. Here you will encounter some of the best cross-country ski trails in the Midwest.
Timberland Hills
Located about 35 minutes from Rice Lake, in Barronette, WI, and situated on 2400 wooded acres of Burnett County forest land, Timberland Hills boasts of 30 km of trails, offering a year-round trail system for a variety of non-motorized activities.
A Word About the Birkie
Debuting in 1973, The American Birkebeiner ("The Birkie"), is by far the largest cross-country skiing event in North America, and also one of the longest.The race consists of two premier events: the 50 km skate, and the 55 km classic race. Both run from from from Cable to Hayward, Wisconsin. The race now attracts roughly 13,000 participants.
Snowmobile Through the Woods
The Rice Lake area offers more than 250 miles of groomed snowmobile trails that meander through Barron County. These trails include the surrounding forests of the Blue Hills to the east of Rice Lake, and also an incredible network of trails in the nearby Rusk County forests that continue north into Sawyer County. So much snow, so little time!
Tuscobia State Trail
The Tuscobia State Trail is a 76-mile route heading east from Rice Lake, all the way to Park Falls, WI.
Wild Rivers Trail
There is the Wild Rivers Trail that heads north from Rice Lake’s city limits, taking snowmobilers almost 100 miles, all the way to Superior, WI.
Blue Hills Area
And there is much, much more in-between, including the surrounding forests of the Blue Hills to the east of Rice Lake!
And… There is also an incredible network of trails in the nearby Rusk County forests that continue north into Sawyer County.
On the Ice
A 2011 U.S. Fish and Wildlife study found that nearly 2 million people go out ice fishing every year, and spend a cumulative 38 million days and $178 million on ice fishing equipment annually!
By Yourself
Winter is a great time of the year to enjoy the serenity of a frozen lake. Just you, the frozen water, and the quiet of the morning...
In a Portable Ice Shanty
Sometimes the warmth of a small shanty is just what you need to protect you from the elements!
In a Permanent Shed
A larger and more permanent structure can be left in place over a hot spot. Just drive up, step inside and get ready for some action!
It May Take a (Small) Village
Maybe word has gotten out about a strong bite... Bring on the brats & beers and celebrate the coming catch -- there's plenty for everyone!
Time to Chill out and Relax!
After a day on the snow-packed hills, the fresh powder trails, the ice, or maybe indoors at the skating rink, trying some curling, or several other possible activities, it’s time to kick back and relax! Or, just maybe there is still time and there are a few things you’d still like to do to round out your daylight-shortened day!
At the end of the day, Rice Lake has everything a snowmobiler, skier, snowboarder or ice fisherman could want, including several excellent hotels where you can lay your head, and many area restaurants where you can end your perfect day with a great meal!.
Additional Things to Do
Fall Activities
Indoor Activities
On the Golf Course
Trails
Search Visit Rice Lake
Most Recent Articles
Stewards of the Lake
Rice Lake Spotlight Today’s Spotlight is shining on a – perhaps – bit less well-known
Read More »
The Japanese Beetle
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS Some folks don’t care at all for the use of pesticides to control
Read More »
Northwoods Cycle
Rice Lake Spotlight Today’s Spotlight is shining on a new business that has taken up
Read More »
The scientific name for the Maple tree is Acer. One reason to like maple trees
Read More »
You Might Also Like
Legal Disclaimer
Affiliate Disclosure Last Updated: June 10, 2022 Thank you for
Sweets
Sweets, Treats, Ice Cream & Bakeries A traditional retail location
Sponsors
This is the heading
Explore More...
Winter Sports
About Us
Visit Rice Lake Design Team
website design, marketing, social media, content management
We became full-time residents of the City of Rice Lake on April 30th of 2021. It has been our goal and desire to contribute and give back to the City in a manner that will be as helpful as possible. It is also our goal to dedicate our efforts – and a steadily progressing and growing website – to the people and businesses of Rice Lake, Wisconsin.
