Rice's Point Access

Two aerial photos of Rice's Point access.

Developed in the early 1980s, Rice's Point Access was upgraded and redeveloped in 1988 and 1999. The facility is located within the Duluth-Superior Harbor, under the Blatnik Bridge. It was developed by the Minnesota DNR in cooperation with the City of Duluth, Minnesota Power, MNDOT and the Duluth Seaway Port Authority.

Amenities

  • Two launch ramps

  • Two docks

  • Paved parking lot with 75 parking spaces for cars and trailers

  • Portable restrooms

  • Adjacent fishing pier (great for harbor viewing too)

When will Rice's Point be closed?
Rice's Point will be closed for the duration of construction: October 2026 – June 2032.
Why is it necessary to close the public water access during construction?
Rice's Point will be used as a construction staging area, so the area will be inaccessible and too dangerous for public use.
What public water access should I use instead?
Given the diverse uses Rice's Point serves, it will be important for you to find a water access that best fits your individual needs. There are private launches and marinas in the area as well as a municipal launch. Here are the local DNR-managed launches.
What are you doing to protect fish and river habitat during construction?
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and other state environmental permitting agencies have collaborated to provide MnDOT and WisDOT guidance on construction timelines and activities to mitigate harm to fish populations and habitat.

  • Timeline: Construction timelines are meant to minimize impacts on fish migration and spawning.

  • Construction activities: Guidance on best practices has been provided to reduce silt movement and underwater noise.

What are you doing to keep invasive species away from the site and water that are brought in by construction equipment?
During construction, current DNR best practices for preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species will be implemented. On land, construction equipment will be inspected, and any visible plant, seeds, mud and dirt clods will be removed when arriving and leaving the site.
Will existing vegetative surfaces be harmed during construction?
Affected land will be restored to its pre-construction condition or to a condition agreed upon through coordination with the DNR.
Will the water access receive upgrades during bridge construction?
Rices Point will be restored to its pre-construction condition or to a condition agreed upon through coordination with the DNR.
Who owns Rice's Point?
The property is made up of parcels owned by Duluth Seaway Port Authority, Minnesota Power and the City of Duluth. The DNR has lease agreements or permits from these entities for Rice's Point Access, but the DNR does not own the land.
Where did Rice's Point get its name?
Rice's Point was a district in Duluth named after Orrin W. Rice, who was a pioneer and landholder.
I have more questions, who can answer them?
Questions about the project should be directed to MnDOT.

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