Rice Park

A Park Steeped in History

Tucked into the heart of downtown Saint Paul, Rice Park has been the city's living room since 1849 - back when Minnesota wasn't even a state yet! This 1.6-acre green space has been part of over 170 years of the city's story, serving as a gathering spot for generations of Saint Paul residents.

The park takes its name from Henry Mower Rice, a territorial Minnesota senator who, along with St. Paul banker John Irvine, donated the land to the city in 1849. In those early years, the land was put to decidedly unglamorous use - settlers used it to dry laundry and graze animals, including sheep. Once it was formally designated a park, a German florist stepped in to grow flowers and vegetables on the grounds, reportedly in exchange for keeping the place maintained.

Historic Landmark Center's turreted architecture glows in downtown St. Paul

Photo: Warren LeMay (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Surrounded by Grandeur

The buildings surrounding Rice Park give it something of a European plaza feel. The park is framed by some serious architectural heavy-hitters: the Landmark Center to the north (a gorgeous Richardsonian Romanesque building from 1902 that looks straight out of a fairytale), the swanky St. Paul Hotel watching from the east, the Renaissance-styled Saint Paul Central Library holding down the south side, and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts completing the western edge since 1985.

View of the plaza with its fountain and surrounding urban buildings

Photo: Warren LeMay (CC BY-SA 2.0)

A Space Thoughtfully Designed

At the heart of Rice Park stands "The Source," a fountain installed during a 1965 refresh featuring a bronze sculpture of a girl, the work of Wisconsin artist Alonzo Hauser. The redesign was driven largely by the Women's Institute of Saint Paul, who championed the project. The park's crisscrossing walkways (paved with pebble-faced concrete) connect all four corners to this central plaza, while flower-lined paths add splashes of color throughout the seasons.

The park also has a bandstand dating to 1872, added around the same time as the original fountain. It still functions as a stage for performances and a gathering point during the many events held throughout the year.

Bronze Peanuts characters Schroeder and Lucy interact at Landmark Plaza

Photo: Ken Lund (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Art That Tells Saint Paul's Story

Wandering through Rice Park, you'll bump into bronze friends who celebrate the city's cultural legacy. The Peanuts character statues pay homage to Charles Monroe Schulz, who grew up just blocks away before creating his iconic comic strip. You'll also find a thoughtful F. Scott Fitzgerald statue, honoring the literary giant who called Saint Paul home. These artistic touches make for interesting photo opportunities while connecting you to the city's creative history.

Statue of F. Scott Fitzgerald overlooks the downtown area

Photo: Fibonacci Blue (CC BY 2.0)

Where Community Happens

Rice Park wears many hats throughout the year. On weekdays, you'll spot office workers cutting through on their commute or enjoying lunch on a bench. When winter arrives, the park transforms for the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, one of the festival's official venues. In certain years the festivities include the construction of a large ice palace in or near the park - a spectacle that draws people from across the region. The holiday season also brings a Christmas tree display that lights up the December darkness.

Come summer, the space hosts outdoor concerts (often with food trucks serving up local fare) and provides a peaceful spot to escape the concrete jungle. In winter, Friday evenings bring outdoor skating events that draw folks from all over the Twin Cities.

Visitors get to see multiple cute sculptures of different Peanuts characters

Photo: Ken Lund (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Keeping Time with Today

While honoring its past, Rice Park has evolved to meet modern needs. A significant renovation in 2019 expanded the green space, upgraded the electrical systems (hello, better event capabilities!), and installed new irrigation. The refresh thoughtfully preserved the park's historic character while adding more seating areas where you can take a load off and soak in the atmosphere.

The bronze sculpture The Source stands gracefully in the fountain waters

Photo: Fibonacci Blue (CC BY 2.0)

Why It's Worth Your Time

The park is particularly nice after dark when lighting illuminates the fountain and surroundings. The evening atmosphere has made it a popular spot for evening walks and even marriage proposals over the years.

With plenty of benches and shady spots to claim as your own, Rice Park offers a wonderful setting for reading, people-watching, or simply enjoying a moment of urban tranquility. Its central location makes it an ideal jumping-off point for exploring downtown Saint Paul's cultural treasures, whether you have an hour to spare or a whole day to wander.