Twin Cities Business Listing

Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve is a 5500-acre park in the northeast metro. It is one of the largest parks in the metro area stretching from Lexington and Circle Pines up through Lino Lakes and down to Centerville. Family-friendly amenities include the Wargo Nature Center, a playground, a beach on Centerville Lake and space for picnics. Visitors can camp, bike, boat, canoe, golf, cross-country ski, fish, geocache, and hike. The park boasts “some of the most significant native wildlife habitat and water resources in the regional area”. The Rice Creek North Regional Trail meanders through this park.

12 Ideas for Family Fun at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve

1. Visit Wargo Nature Center
2. Swim at the beach.
3. Bring your bikes for a family bike ride.
4. Go fishing. This park has a fishing pier and a boat launch into Centerville Lake.
5. Try Geocaching. Equipment can be borrowed at Wargo Nature Center
6. Camp. This park has inexpensive campsites — including rustic, electric and cabins — for camping close to the metro area.
7. Hike the trails. You can get an interactive app for exploring Anoka County Parks. We have links at the bottom of this page.
8. Canoe or Kayak. If you don’t have your own, you can rent both canoes and kayaks from Wargo Nature Center.
9. Pack a picnic. There is a pavilion and plenty of green space to spread a blanket.
10. Golf. The park encompasses Chomonix Golf Course
11. Play on the playground.
12. Cross Country Ski in the Winter

Fishing Centerville Lake

According to the DNR, Centerville Lake holds walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, bullhead and yellow perch. The lake’s boat launch is located within the park.

Vehicle Fees in Anoka County Parks

This park is part of the Anoka County Park System, so vehicle fees apply. All motorized vehicles are required to purchase a vehicle entry permit. However, these permits are good at all  Anoka County regional parks as well as regional parks in Washington and Carver counties.

Useful Links:

• Register for Activities
• Register for Summer Camps here.
• Get an interactive app for exploring Anoka County Parks for your Apple or Android.
• Rent Equipment and Watercraft
• Find Up To Date Building Hours Here
• Tip: Sign up for the Wargo newsletter to get advance notice on events that require pre-registration.