Park it in Rice County!

Rice County has 12 great parks filled with something for everybody: from playground equipment and trails to picnic shelters and boat ramps that access its many lakes.

Here you’ll find McCullough Park on the shores of Shields Lake featuring 30 campsites, all with water and electric access; 10 are seasonal with full hookups. There’s Caron Park, a remnant of Minnesota’s famed Big Woods and an excellent spot for environmental study.

The crown jewel, Cannon River Wilderness Area, is 850 acres of wooded river valley with 5 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, a canoe launch on the wild and scenic Cannon River, and four primitive campsites.

You don’t need to venture far to find your next adventure. Rice County parks are right here and ready to be enjoyed.

Rice County parks

• Ackman Park
• Albers Park
• Cannon River Wilderness Area
• Caron Park
• Circle Lake Park
• Falls Creek Park
• Heron Park Bird Sanctuary
• Hirdler Park
• Kalina Park
• King Mill Park
• McCullough Park & Campground
• Shager Park
• Velzke Park

Area parks and trails

Parks and trails (and a nature center) located in and just outside Rice County, but not operated by the county.

• River Bend Nature Center
• Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
• Sakatah Lake State Park
• Mill Towns State Trail
• Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail
• Cannon River Straight Water Trail
• Straight River State Water Trail
• Dundas Parks & Recreation
• Faribault Parks & Recreation
• Lonsdale Parks & Recreation
• Morristown Parks & Recreation
• Northfield Parks & Recreation