Little Falls: 40 Mattresses Dumped at Rice Lake
LITTLE FALLS TOWNSHIP, MN (trfnews.i234.me) — The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an unusual illegal dumping case involving approximately 40 discarded mattresses.
Authorities say someone left the mattresses at the public access to Rice Lake, near Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Little Falls Township.
Investigators believe the dumping occurred between Wednesday, November 11, and Thursday, November 12, 2026.
The sheriff’s office is now asking the public to help identify those responsible.
Approximately 40 Mattresses Found at Public Access
The sheriff’s office announced the investigation in a public Facebook post on Friday, November 13.
The department titled its message “Rice Lake Is Not a Landfill.”
Officials expressed concern about the unusually large amount of waste left at the public access.
Approximately 40 mattresses were abandoned at the location, creating a significant cleanup problem.
Authorities emphasized that illegal dumping places an unnecessary financial burden on others who must remove the discarded materials.
The sheriff’s announcement did not identify a suspect or provide an estimated cleanup cost.
Investigators Narrow Down Possible Dumping Dates
Based on preliminary findings, investigators believe the mattresses were left sometime between November 11 and November 12.
Authorities are particularly interested in anyone who recently transported or disposed of a large number of mattresses.
Investigators also want information about vehicles seen carrying unusually large loads of mattresses around that time.
The sheriff’s office has not publicly identified a vehicle connected to the incident.
Dumping Occurred Near Protected Wildlife Area
Rice Lake is near Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, southeast of Little Falls.
The refuge protects important wetlands, prairie habitats, and wildlife areas in central Minnesota.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge provides habitat for numerous bird and animal species.
The reported dumping location was a public lake access near the refuge. Authorities did not state that the mattresses were dumped on federal refuge property.
Morrison County Sheriff’s Office Requests Public Assistance
Investigators are encouraging residents to share information that could help identify whoever abandoned the mattresses.
Anyone who recently noticed a vehicle transporting numerous mattresses is encouraged to contact authorities.
Information about businesses or individuals disposing of a large number of mattresses may also help investigators.
Anyone with information should contact the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office at 320-632-9233.
The investigation remains ongoing, according to the sheriff’s public announcement.
Sources: Morrison County Sheriff’s Office Facebook announcement and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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