Iowa has some amazing state parks – just about everywhere in the state! You can find state parks in the biggest cities, and in the smallest towns. You can even find the state’s smallest state park tucked away near a huge tourist attraction. This means that even the most die-hard nature lovers probably haven’t explored every single one of Iowa’s state parks – and one of the most underrated can be found in the charming small town of Lake Mills. Home to just over 4,000 people, Lake Mills is a laid-back place, and that goes double for Rice Lake State Park. Popular for fishing, boating, and bird-watching, this small-town park in Iowa will usually only have a fraction of the huge crowds that you’ll see at the more well-known parks. That means that for nature-loving visitors, it can be their little secret.

Located just south of the Minnesota border, Lake Mills is a quiet town of around 2,100 people. It stands to reason that its state park would be just as peaceful.
Brandonrush/Wikipedia
Rice Lake State Park is one of the state's less-known state parks. Camping isn't allowed here, which makes this more of a relaxing day trip destination.
M Burnett/Google Local
The centerpiece of the park is the massive Rice Lake, which is surrounded partially by a bike trail with stunning views.
Amundred/Google Local
This lake is very popular for fishing and boating thanks to its beautiful waters, but you'll still find only a fraction of the crowds you do at other parks.
Mike Abrams/Google Local

Related Stories

Complete With Water Slides And A Lazy River, Cascade Falls Aquatic Center In Iowa Is A Hidden Gem

Complete With Water Slides And A Lazy River, Cascade Falls Aquatic Center In Iowa Is A Hidden Gem

 Mini-Wakan State Park In Iowa Is So Little-Known, You Just Might Have It All To Yourself

Mini-Wakan State Park In Iowa Is So Little-Known, You Just Might Have It All To Yourself

 The Amazing Freshwater Tidal Beach Every Iowan Will Want To Visit

The Amazing Freshwater Tidal Beach Every Iowan Will Want To Visit
You'll usually find more birds than people hanging around here - which is why birdwatchers love to walk the trail with a camera.
Straitmeat91/Google Local
While facilities are limited due to the lack of campers, there is a lodge on site that can be rented through the official website. It's a great out-of-the-way location for reunions and events.
Darrin Ochsner/Google Local
While Rice Lake State Park is most popular in the summer, there's also something uniquely peaceful about the lake when it's covered with snow.
Ann DeVries/Google Local
In fact, the active fishing season doesn't stop when it's cold - the sight of ice fishers out for bass, bluegill, and walleye is common even when the lake is frozen solid!
MTF Asphalt Seacoating LLC/Google Local

Have you visited Rice Lake State Park? Let us know what you experienced at this charming small-town park in Iowa. You can find out more about Rice Lake State Park at the official Iowa DNR website. Be sure to drop by Lake Mills’ home page, as well, to discover what this peaceful town has in store for visitors!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Iowa

Featured Addresses
Rice Lake State Park, 43000 235th Ave, Lake Mills, IA 50450, USA