Things to Do in Rice County

Rice County offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, and jogging. The region features 74 routes across these sports, with an average rating of 4.79 stars from more than 700 visitors.

The Cannon River is a prominent natural feature, flowing through a wooded river valley. Other notable areas include Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, the Cannon River Wilderness Area, and numerous lakes such as Shields Lake and Cannon Lake.

Rice County offers 14 hiking routes, with options ranging from easy to more challenging terrain. Popular destinations for hiking include Nerstrand Big Woods State Park and the Cannon River Wilderness Area. More information is available in the Hiking in Rice County guide.

Easy hiking trails are available in Rice County, suitable for various fitness levels. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park offers accessible paths, and the River Bend Nature Center also provides trails for casual walks. Consult the Easy hikes in Rice County guide for specific routes.

Rice County provides 14 touring cycling routes and 6 road cycling routes. The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail is a significant paved trail, extending 39 miles (63 km) and connecting to other routes. Details can be found in the Cycling in Rice County and Road Cycling Routes in Rice County guides.

Rice County features 38 jogging routes suitable for runners. The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail offers a paved surface for extended runs. River Bend Nature Center also provides trails for jogging. Refer to the Running Trails in Rice County guide for more options.

Yes, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is home to Hidden Falls, where Prairie Creek flows. This natural feature is a popular destination for hikers within the park. Specific routes are detailed in the Waterfall hikes in Rice County guide.

The Cannon River Wilderness Area is an 850-acre expanse featuring a wooded river valley. It offers 5 miles (8 km) of hiking and horseback riding trails, a canoe launch, and primitive campsites. This area is a significant natural attraction in Rice County.

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park preserves a remnant of Minnesota's original 'Big Woods' ecosystem. It provides opportunities for hiking and environmental study, including trails leading to Hidden Falls. The park is a key natural area in Rice County.

Many state parks and natural areas in Minnesota, including those in Rice County, generally allow dogs on trails when leashed. Visitors should always check specific park regulations before visiting. The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail is also typically dog-friendly.

Outdoor routes in Rice County are highly rated on komoot, with an average rating of 4.79 out of 5 stars. More than 700 visitors have shared their experiences on the 74 available routes, indicating a positive community reception.

The official website for Rice County, Minnesota, is ricecountymn.gov. This resource provides general information about the county and its services.

For general inquiries, the main phone number for Rice County, Minnesota, is +1-507-332-6100. This number can serve as a general contact point for various county departments.