Rice Creek is a scenic 15.2-mile tributary flowing through Anoka, Hennepin, and Ramsey Counties before joining the Mississippi River in New Brighton. This watershed encompasses approximately 201 square miles, including more than 150 miles of streams and 60 major lakes, making it one of the most significant aquatic systems in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The creek features diverse habitats ranging from interconnected lake chains in its upper reaches to meandering meadow sections, residential corridors, and wetland sanctuaries. As part of the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes system, it provides fishing opportunities throughout its entire length while serving as both a paddling destination and an important wildlife corridor with native habitat areas.