Rice Park is one of the oldest parks in the United States, dating back to the city's founding.
The park is the setting for a scene in the 1992 film The Mighty Ducks.
The bronze statue located in the park features a depiction of the Peanuts characters, honoring St. Paul native Charles M. Schulz.
The park serves as the anchor for the annual Saint Paul Winter Carnival festivities.
The park's design is influenced by European town squares, featuring a central fountain and symmetrical pathways.
Rice Park is a historic urban square located in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, originally established in 1849. It serves as a central hub for community events, surrounded by notable landmarks including the Landmark Center and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. During the winter months, the park features a temporary outdoor ice skating rink and elaborate holiday light displays. The site underwent a significant renovation in 2019 to improve landscaping, lighting, and accessibility. It is named after Henry M. Rice, one of Minnesota's first U.S. Senators. The park functions as a formal garden space with benches, sculptures, and mature trees.
At the central fountain, framing the shot with the Landmark Center’s stone facade in the background.
Visit during the holiday season to see the professional light installations.
Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Landmark Center to explore its rotating historical exhibits.
Check the local event calendar before visiting, as the park often hosts free outdoor concerts and festivals.
Do not expect parking to be available within the park grounds; rely on surrounding street parking or nearby public ramps.
The ice skating rink is seasonal and operates only during winter months.
