Rice Park, Saint Paul, Minnesota facts for kids

Rice Park is a public park located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It's a popular spot in the city, known for its history and fun activities.

History of Rice Park

Before it became a park, this area was an open space. People used it to dry their clothes and let animals graze. In 1849, the land was officially made into a "public square." This was done by John R. Irvine, an early settler, and Henry M. Rice. Henry M. Rice was an important person in the Minnesota Territory. He served as a delegate and later as a U.S. Senator. The park was named after him.

Rice Park is on a small hill. For a while, the park wasn't given much attention. But in 1860, Mayor John S. Prince had shade trees planted there. In the 1870s, the park got a fountain and a place for bands to play music. A police chief from Memphis, Tennessee, even sent a pair of squirrels to the park as a friendly gift!

In 1883, electric lights were put in the park. This happened when President Chester A. Arthur, former president Ulysses S. Grant, and General William Tecumseh Sherman visited. They were there for the opening of a new rail line. Over many years, historic buildings, museums, and music halls were built around the park.

On May 10, 1903, a local newspaper reported that Rice Park was a traditional place for newly engaged couples to visit. Later, in 1965, the Women’s Institute of Saint Paul gave the park a new fountain. It was designed by Minnesota sculptor Alonzo Hauser and is called 'the Source'. It features a statue of a woman in the water. In 2011, the American Planning Association honored Rice Park as a "Great Place in America."

Location and Features

Rice Park is about 2 acres in size. You can find it at 4th Street and Washington Street in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The park is located above the highest flood level of the Mississippi River. Important buildings surround it, like the Federal Customs House (now called Landmark Center), the Central Public Library, and the grand St. Paul Hotel.

More recently, the park has added fun sculptures of characters from the Peanuts cartoons. This is to honor Charles M. Schulz, the cartoonist who created Peanuts, as he was born in Saint Paul. During the winter months, Rice Park also has an ice rink where people can skate. The park connects eight different important buildings, which makes it a very popular spot in the city.

Activities and Events

Rice Park is right in the middle of busy Saint Paul. People use the park all year long.

During the summer, you can often hear live music. On some Mondays starting in June, there are noon concerts featuring blues, jazz, and other original music. The park also hosts an annual Winter Carnival. This is one of the oldest and largest winter festivals in the country! Activities during the carnival include a tree lighting ceremony, ice skating, watching fireworks, listening to holiday music, and other family-friendly fun.

Rice Park can also be rented for private parties and gatherings. It can even hold a wedding party of up to 200 people.