Welcome to Rice, Minnesota
Welcome to the Rice Area Chamber of Commerce. Our community is built on a simple, enduring idea: "A past with pride .... a future with promise." Tucked into the heart of Benton County in Central Minnesota, the City of Rice is a place where small-town warmth meets real economic momentum. Whether you are a family looking for a friendly place to put down roots, a business searching for room to grow, or a visitor curious about life along Little Rock Lake, you will find a community that is proud of where it has been and excited about where it is going.
The population of Rice has grown steadily over the years, and that growth has not happened by accident. For a city of relatively modest population, Rice has developed a remarkably diversified business and industrial base, with local employment levels reaching roughly one and a half times the city's own population. People who work in the fast lane of nearby cities are increasingly recognizing the value of country living - and Rice offers exactly that.
A Minnesota Star City in the Growth Corridor
Rice is a designated Minnesota Star City, a recognition earned by communities that have planned thoughtfully for growth and prepared themselves to support both existing and prospective new businesses. We sit squarely within what is often called Minnesota's Growth Corridor, the rapidly developing region radiating north from the St. Cloud metropolitan area. As businesses expand and more individuals discover the appeal of a quieter, more connected way of life, Rice continues to flourish.
Located only about fifteen minutes north of St. Cloud and a short drive from Little Rock Lake, Rice combines the best of two worlds. You get the open skies, lakes, and fields of rural Minnesota alongside convenient access to a regional hub of jobs, health care, shopping, and culture. It is this balance - genuine country living within easy reach of a major city - that defines our corner of Benton County.
That balance shows up in the practical details of everyday life. Because Rice sits inside the St. Cloud commuting shed, residents can reach a regional hospital, a range of specialty clinics, retailers, and cultural venues within about fifteen minutes - and, increasingly, from home by way of broadband and telehealth. For a growing number of households, that connectivity is exactly what makes rural living workable: the quiet of the countryside without giving up convenient access to care and services. Our health care page takes a closer look at the local providers and the regional medical resources that serve the Rice area, from an everyday dentist and chiropractor to a major medical center a short drive south.
A Community of Partners
Rice is more than a single city limit on a map. Our community is woven together by a network of partners who care deeply about the area's future, including the City of Rice, Langola Township, Watab Township, the Little Rock Lake Association, and the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District (ISD #47). Together, these organizations help make Rice a place where neighbors look out for one another and where growth is welcomed but never allowed to overwhelm the small-town character residents cherish.
The Chamber works hand in hand with a responsive city government and dedicated community volunteers. Through groups such as the Rice Loan and Economic Development Committee and the work of the area's Economic Development Coordinator, the community stands ready to help new businesses get started and existing ones thrive.
Explore What Rice Has to Offer
There is a great deal to discover here. Learn more about the Rice area community and the steady, thoughtful growth that has shaped it. Discover the economic advantages that make Rice an attractive home for business and industry, from a strong regional labor force to excellent transportation access. Browse our business directory to see the breadth of goods and services offered by Chamber members, and explore the quality of life that comes with living near the lakes and trails of Central Minnesota.
Families and newcomers will want to review our education, health care, and government and public safety resources, while businesses considering a move can study our infrastructure and utilities and transportation networks. The churches, clubs, and service organizations that give Rice its heart are profiled on our community and social network page.
Get in Touch
The Rice Area Chamber of Commerce is here to help. New residents, prospective businesses, and visitors alike are encouraged to reach out. You can contact us with questions about membership, relocation, or simply to learn more about everything our community has to offer. We invite you to experience for yourself why so many people are proud to call Rice, Minnesota home - a community with a past full of pride and a future full of promise.