Facility · Minnesota ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Superior National Forest (NF) · Open Access
Big Rice Lake is a large, shallow lake- 1870 acres, maximum depth 5 feet. For 2000 years and continuing today, wild rice has been harvested from the lake. The area offers a drive-in rustic campground with 3 campsites, duck hunting, a boat launch for small boats and some fishing.
Big Rice Lake is located 14 miles north of Virginia, MN.
From Virginia, take Highway 53 north for 8 miles to County Road 131.
Turn right on County Road 131 for 1 mile.
Turn left on County Road 68 for 0.3 mile.
Go straight on Pelton Road County 405 (County 405 becomes UT8116) for 2 miles.
Turn right on F.R. 256. This is a one-lane gravel road. Continue on for 6 miles.
Turn right on F.R. 247. One mile to Big Rice Lake.
47.70425, -92.49852 · 47°42'15.3"N 92°29'54.7"W
Typically 77°F in Jul, down to 17°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 17 | 23 | 36 | 50 | 63 | 73 | 77 | 76 | 67 | 51 | 35 | 22 |
| Low °F | -7 | -5 | 9 | 24 | 36 | 47 | 51 | 48 | 42 | 31 | 18 | 3 |
| Precip in | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 1.9 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 2.8 | 1.6 | 0.9 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 11.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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