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Rice Park (named for Henry Mower Rice) is located in downtown Saint Paul and hosts several family-friendly festivals, concerts and events each year. This public space is a nice park for picnics and to explore public art, including  features a delightful fountain. For a fun family day out, pair your picnics with family adventures to see and/or visit bordering historic buildings, including the Landmark Center, the Ordway Center, the Saint Paul Hotel and the Downtown Central Library/George Latimer. Walk a few blocks further to the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota Children’s Museum, Union Depot and CHS Field. On weekend mornings, the Saint Paul Farmers Market is just 9 blocks away.

Summer Picnics at Rice Park

The Landmark Center recommends Rice park for an afternoon picnic to enjoy the recently revitalized and refreshed historic park:

“Its new amenities include plaza restoration, beautiful floral displays and gardens, and an extensive lawn for throwing down the picnic blanket.”

The walkways are lined with benches and a few tables, plus there is plenty of green space spread a blanket. Rumors aside, residents of the area have assured us that Rice Park and Lower Town Saint Paul are perfectly safe for day-time picnics and public events. The park does not have a playground, but the Depot Tot Lot at TPT is just 7 blocks north east of Rice Park.

Public Gardens:

The park’s gardens are kept by the Saint Paul Garden Club, who maintain beautiful seasonal beds and planters from spring through fall.

Public Art:

Go on a public art scavenger hunt during your picnic, between Rice Park and Landmark Plaza, you can find:

1. A statue of F. Scott Fitzgerald;
2. A bronze sculpture of a woman walking in the fountain, called “The Source;” and
3. Several bronze Peanuts characters created by artist, Tivoli Too – Charlie Brown, Linus, Sally, Lucy, Schroeder, Peppermint Patty and Woodstock
4. New in 2023: LightWave, an animated LED light installation by artist Jeff Bartlett. This latest public art installation “provides an interplay of light, animated in a color-changing display, with the intent of a dynamic, engaging feature to draw visitors to the park’s center. The installation also provides a safe, outdoor space by further illuminating the park and the fountain.”

Events at Rice Park

The Landmark Center hosts summer walking tours from the park and a weekly music series – Rhythm in Rice. Beginning in November through snowmelt, the park is lit up with Holiday cheer. In January and February, families can visit during Winter Carnival to see amazing ice sculptures.

• City of Saint Paul Winter Carnival: Top Family Activities
• Light It Up: Twin Cities & Greater Minnesota Christmas & Holiday Light Displays

Music Programs in the Park

WinterSkate Has Moved

What Rice Park DOESN’T Have

Located in the heart of the City of St. Paul, Rice Park is not a traditional play park. Visitors will not find a playground or restrooms. There is no splash pad, swings or slides. Families can bring a cold picnic and find space to dine under shade trees, but there are no grills or a Rice Park shelter.

Interesting Links:

• • Learn about Henry Mower Rice at MNopedia
  • Saint Paul Garden Club
  • You can learn more about St. Paul music in the parks here.
  • Learn more about the bronze Peanuts characters
  • Check the WinterSkate site for more details.
  • FFTC’s Guide to Local Parades in the Twin Cities