Map of Picnic Shelters and Pavilions
Download this map to print Visit an interactive map ↗️ Quick Facts (PDF)
About Renting Park Facilities
Timing
- Two weeks ahead: We ask that you make a reservation at least two weeks in advance of your event.
- Permit season: The Saint Paul Parks permit season runs from early May through early October every year.
- Picnic shelters and pavilions are available for rent the whole season.
- The Newell Park and Como Streetcar Station buildings are available from Memorial Day weekend in late May through Labor Day weekend in early September.
- Before Memorial Day and after Labor Day, picnic shelters are open without reservations Mondays through Thursdays. First come, first served.
- Restrooms may not be available at picnic shelter sites before Memorial Day weekend or after Labor Day weekend. Portable restrooms will be on site.
- Holidays: To give City staff holidays away from work, park facilities are not available for rent on Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4, or Labor Day.
How to Rent
- No residency requirement: Anyone can rent a Saint Paul park facility, no matter where you live! City residents and businesses get first dibs on reservations in January of every year. The general public can reserve park facilities starting February 1.
- Rental sessions: You can rent a facility for either a half day or a full day. Make sure your reservation will give you enough time for setup and cleanup.
- The early half-day session is 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- The late half-day session is 2:30 – 8:00 p.m.
- A full-day session is 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Taxes and nonprofits: All rates are subject to state and local sales tax. Organizations claiming tax-exempt status must complete a Minnesota ST3 form.
- Frequently asked questions: Answers to many common questions can be found in our Park Permit Rules and Regulations.
Questions? Just contact the Parks permits office, and we will be happy to assist you!
Find the Right Location for Your Event
Picnic Shelters
Open-air shelters for gatherings of 30 to 100 people, like this one at Highland Park.
- Most have grills or firepits
- No running water or lighting
Pavilions
Partially sheltered buildings for groups of 125 to 300 people, like this one at Phalen Regional Park.
- Kitchens for food prep
- Electric outlets and lighting
Park Buildings
Fully enclosed indoor spaces for 75 to 100 people to meet. Located at:
- Newell Park, pictured here
- Como Regional Park
Other Options
Saint Paul parks have other gathering places to rent too, including:
- Athletic fields & facilities
- Wedding venues
- Recreation centers
- Como & Park Zoo & Conservatory
Picnic Shelters
When you want to bring your own food and drink for an outdoor gathering, a picnic shelter is ideal. Some picnic shelters allow you to bring alcoholic beverages with no more than 5.5% ABV.
Your picnic shelter may include these amenities:
- Basketball court
- Playground
- Mowed open area
- Softball field
- Fire ring or fireplace
- Water view
- Amphitheater (for an extra fee)
Click the location to learn more about each picnic shelter.
| Picnic Shelter Location | Half-Day Rent | Capacity | Parking | Electricity | Restrooms | BBQ Grill | Alcohol <5.5% | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee Regional Park | $70 | 60 | Street only | Electricity | Restrooms | Grill | <5.5% allowed | Basketball court, playground, mowed open area |
| Cherokee Regional Park | $80 | 100 | Street only | Electricity | Restrooms | Grill | <5.5% allowed | Basketball court, playground, mowed open area |
| Como Regional Park | $80 | 50 | Lot | Electricity | Restrooms | Grill | <5.5% allowed | Softball field, playground, mowed open area |
| Crosby Farm Regional Park | $70 | 50 | Lot | Electricity | Restrooms | Grill | NO alcohol | Fire ring |
| Hidden Falls Regional Park | $70 | 60 | Lot | Electricity | Restrooms | Grill | NO alcohol | Mowed open area, water view |
| Highland Park | $70 | 50 | Lot | Electricity | Restrooms | Grill | <5.5% allowed | Playground |
| Lilydale Regional Park | Free: first come, first served | 50 | Lot | NO electricity | NO restrooms | NO grill | NO alcohol | Water view |
| Newell Park | $70 | 60 | Lot or street | Electricity | Restrooms | Grill | NO alcohol | Softball field, basketball court, playground, mowed open area |
| Phalen Regional Park | $70 | 50 | Lot | NO electricity | Restrooms | Grill | <5.5% allowed | Fire ring, mowed open area, water view, amphitheater |
| Wicaḣapi | $70 | 30 | Lot or street | Electricity | Restrooms | Grill | NO alcohol | Tennis court, playground, mowed open area |
| Wicaḣapi | $80 | 80 | Lot or street | Electricity | Restrooms | Grill | NO alcohol | Tennis court, playground, mowed open area |
Ready to reserve your picnic shelter?
The friendly folks at Saint Paul Parks will be happy to help! We are open between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- Call 651-266-6400
- Email parkspermits@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Between Memorial Day (late May) and Labor Day (early September), you can also click here to reserve your picnic shelter online.
Pavilions
All park pavilions come with these features:
- Electric outlets
- Kitchen facilities
- Restrooms
- BBQ grill
- Interior lighting
- Alcohol up to 5.5% ABV allowed
Click the location to learn more about each pavilion.
| Pavilion Location | Half-Day Rent | Capacity | Parking | Amenities (see above for additional amenities at all locations) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Como Regional Park | $300 | 250 | Lot | Softball field, mowed open area |
| Como Regional Park | $195 | 125 | Lot | Softball field, mowed open area |
| Highland Park | $240 | 200 | Lot or street | Fireplace, fire ring, playground, mowed open area, booya shed* |
| Phalen Regional Park | $240 | 300 | Lot | Fireplace, playground, mowed open area, water view, amphitheater* |
*additional fee
Ready to reserve your pavilion?
The friendly folks at Saint Paul Parks will be happy to help! We are open between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- Call 651-266-6400
- Email parkspermits@ci.stpaul.mn.us
You can’t reserve a pavilion online.
Park Buildings
For an indoor gathering, consider the building at Como Park or Newell Park. Alcohol is not allowed in either building. Both buildings include:
- Electric outlets
- Restrooms
- Interior lighting
Your building may include these amenities too:
- Air conditioning
- Softball field
- Basketball court
- Playground
- Mowed open area
Click the location to learn more about each building.
| Location | Half-Day Rent | Capacity | Parking | Kitchen | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Como Regional Park Streetcar Building | $160, $50 for each additional hour | 75 | Lot | NO kitchen | Air conditioning, mowed open area |
| Newell Park Building | $160, $50 for each additional hour | 100 | Lot or street | Kitchen | Softball field, basketball court, playground, mowed open area |
Ready to reserve a park building?
The friendly folks at Saint Paul Parks will be happy to help! We are open between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- Call 651-266-6400
- Email parkspermits@ci.stpaul.mn.us
You can’t reserve a park building online.
Facilities by Park
Only locations you can reserve through the Parks Permit Office are listed on this page. If a location or facility is not listed below, it may be reservable through our Harriet Island Office, our Recreation Centers, or one of our partner organizations.
For information on sites not listed here, see the main Permits & Rentals page.
Cherokee Regional Park Rental Information
Quick Facts (PDF) Cherokee Regional Park website
- Location: 700 Cherokee Heights Blvd, Saint Paul, MN 55107 (Near Chippewa Ave & W Curtis St)
- Amenities within Cherokee Regional Park: 2 picnic shelters, restroom building, 1 basketball court, 2 tennis courts on Baker and Cherokee, barbecue grills, and play area.
- Alcohol: The possession and consumption of non-intoxicating and intoxicating malt liquor (containing not more than 5.5% alcohol by weight) is permitted from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. within the designated picnic areas. Glass beverage containers are not allowed.
Cherokee Large Picnic Shelter
- Capacity: Seats approximately 100 people.
- Amenities: Electricity is available. A restroom building, basketball court, barbecue grills, and play area are located nearby.
- Price: $80 half-day, $160 full day (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
- Image Gallery
Cherokee Small Picnic Shelter
- Capacity: Seats approximately 60 people.
- Amenities: Electricity is available. A restroom building, basketball court, barbecue grills, and play area are located nearby.
- Price: $70 half-day, $140 full day (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
- Image Gallery
Como Regional Park Rental Information
Quick Facts (PDF) Como Rentals & Reservations website
- Amenities available within Como Regional Park: 1 picnic shelter, 1 picnic pavilion, 2 restroom buildings, playground, ball fields, barbecue grills, 3 fire rings, main and wading pools, golf course, play area, Como Zoo (Lancer Catering operates a picnic pavilion within the zoo grounds, call 651-290-9864 for more information), Conservatory, Cafesjian’s Carousel, amusement rides (please note: the ride area is open spring and summer through Labor Day), miniature golf, fishing pier, watercraft rental and paved trails.
- Alcohol: The possession and consumption of non-intoxicating and intoxicating malt liquor (containing not more than 5.5% alcohol by weight) is permitted from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. within the designated picnic areas. Glass beverage containers are not allowed.
Como Park Picnic Shelter
- Location: Midway Parkway between Kaufman Dr. and Estabrook Dr. (West Picnic Grounds)
- Capacity: Seats approximately 50 people. The maximum size group that picnic permits will be issued to for this shelter is 99 people.
- Amenities: The shelter has electricity and a large double grill. A restroom, play area and drinking fountain are nearby.
- Notes: No tents are allowed in the West Picnic Grounds.
- Price: $80 half-day, $160 full day (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
- Image Gallery
- Virtual Tour
- Video Tour
Como Park Midway Picnic Pavilion
- Location: 1199 Midway Parkway, Saint Paul, MN 55108 (Como Ave and Midway Parkway - East Picnic Grounds)
- Capacity: North and south half each seat approximately 125 people. Groups with an estimated attendance of more than 150 people will be required to reserve the entire pavilion.
- Amenities: Both sides have a kitchen with stove, sinks, electricity and a serving counter. The south side has a walk-in cooler (no freezer) and the north side has a commercial-size refrigerator with a freezer. Each side has a large barbeque grill located behind the kitchen area. There is also a separate restroom building at the site. Seating areas are open sided with wrought iron fencing. There is a plaza in between the two pavilion halves.
- Price:
- Half pavilion: $195 half-day, $390 full day (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
- Entire pavilion: $300 half-day, $600 full day (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
- Image Gallery
- Virtual Tour
- Video Tour
Como Streetcar Station Building
- Location: 1224 North Lexington Parkway, Saint Paul, MN 55103
- Amenities: The Streetcar Station is a heated and air-conditioned facility available to rent from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The building is equipped with tables and chairs. The setup of tables and chairs is the responsibility of the permit holder. Take down of the tables and chairs will be done by Parks staff after rental is completed.
- Reservations for the Como Streetcar Station ONLY: City of Saint Paul residents and businesses may apply for a permit the first business day of the month, 13 months in advance of their desired event date. Nonresidents and businesses may apply beginning the first business day of the month, 12 months in advance of their desired event date.
- Alcohol: The possession or consumption of alcohol is prohibited at this facility.
- Building capacity is a maximum of 75 people. Please take note of the following:
- The space has a maximum setup capacity for 50 people using tables and chairs. This does not include space for display/serving tables.
- Auditorium style-seated events (with chairs only) have a maximum setup capacity of 75 people. This does not include space for display/serving tables.
- Main room is 25'x40'
- Price: $160 for three hours (minimum), $50 each additional hour
- Image Gallery
Crosby Farm Regional Park Rental Information
Quick Facts (PDF) Crosby Farm Regional Park website
- Location: 2595 Crosby Farm Road, Saint Paul, MN 55116
- Amenities available: 1 picnic shelter, fire pit, barbeque grill, restroom building, Mississippi River nearby.
- Alcohol: The possession or consumption of alcohol is prohibited in this park.
Crosby Picnic Shelter
- Amenities: Seats approximately 50 people.Electricity is available.
- Price: $70 half-day, $140 full day (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
- Image Gallery
- Virtual Tour
Hidden Falls Regional Park Rental Information
Quick Facts (PDF) Hidden Falls Regional Park website
- Location: 1313 Hidden Falls Drive, Saint Paul, MN 55116
- Amenities available: 1 picnic shelter, restroom building, boat launch, barbecue grills, Mississippi River nearby.
- Alcohol: The possession or consumption of alcohol is prohibited in this park.
Hidden Falls Picnic Shelter
- Amenities: Seats approximately 60 people. Electricity is available.
- Price: $70 half-day, $140 full day (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
- Image Gallery
- Virtual Tour
- Video Tour
Highland Park Rental Information
Quick Facts (PDF) Highland Park website
- Amenities available within Highland Park: 1 picnic pavilion, 1 picnic shelter, restrooms, booya shed, barbecue grills, horseshoe pits, 9 hole disc golf, play area, water park, 9 hole and 18 hole golf courses.
- Alcohol: The possession and consumption of non-intoxicating and intoxicating malt liquor (containing not more than 5.5% alcohol by weight) is permitted from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. within the designated picnic areas. Glass beverage containers are not allowed.
Highland Picnic Shelter
- Location: 1227 Montreal Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55116
- Amenities: Seats approximately 50 people. Electricity is available.
- Price: $70 half-day, $140 full day (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
- Image Gallery
- Virtual Tour
- Video Tour
Highland Picnic Pavilion
- Location: 1200 Montreal Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55116
- Amenities: Seats approximately 200 people. Fireplace, kitchen facilities, electricity.
- Price: $240 half-day, $480 full day (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
- Image Gallery
- Virtual Tour
- Video Tour
Highland Booya Shed
- Location: Adjacent to pavilion
- Amenities: 1 kitchen, 5 kettles, refrigerator, trough, tables, and roll-up doors for serving.
- Price: $802, plus the applicable large group fee. This includes a two-day use of the Highland Picnic Pavilion and Booya Shed.
- View Floor plan
Newell Park Rental Information
Quick Facts (PDF) Newell Park website
- Address: 900 Fairview Ave. N. Saint Paul, MN 55104
- Amenities: 1 event building, 1 double shelter, 1 play area, 1 ball field, 1 basketball court, 2 tennis courts, 1 fire ring
- Alcohol: The possession or consumption of alcohol is prohibited in this park.
Newell Picnic Shelter
- Seating Capacity: Includes both covered shelters with seating for approximately 60 people.
- Amenities: Electricity is available. BBQ grills are adjacent to the shelter. A ball field, basketball court and two tennis courts are located within the park.
- Price: $70 half-day, $140 full day (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
- Image Gallery
- Virtual Tour
- Video Tour
Newell Park Building
- Rental period: The Newell Park building is available to rent from Memorial Day to Labor Day. City of Saint Paul residents and businesses may apply for a permit the first business day of the month, 13 months in advance of their desired event date. Non-residents and businesses may apply beginning the first business day of the month, 12 months in advance of their desired event date.
- Capacity: The building accommodates a maximum of 100 people. Groups renting the building with an estimated attendance of more than 100 people are required to also rent the shelter (maximum number is 300 people for a combined rental). Only one large group fee will be charged.
- Dimensions: The main building area is 30'x50'.
- Amenities: kitchen area (stove, refrigerator, sink, and serving window), restrooms, tables, and 100 chairs. The setup of tables and chairs is the responsibility of the permit holder. Take down of the tables and chairs will be done by Parks staff after rental is completed.
- Price: $160 for 3 hours (minimum), $50 each additional hour
- Image Gallery
- Virtual Tour
- Video Tour
Phalen Regional Park Rental Information
Quick Facts (PDF) Phalen Regional Park website
- Location: 1600 Phalen Drive, Saint Paul, MN 55106
- Amenities available: 1 picnic pavilion picnic shelter, paved trails, play area, barbeque grills, 1 fire ring on island, swimming beach, splash pad, 18 hole golf course, Lakeside Activities Center, 2 sand volleyball courts near beach area, clubhouse/banquet facility, amphitheater, tennis courts and racquetball courts at Maryland and Johnson Parkway.
- Alcohol: The possession and consumption of non-intoxicating and intoxicating malt liquor (containing not more than 5.5% alcohol by weight) is permitted from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. within the designated picnic areas. Glass beverage containers are not allowed.
Phalen Picnic Shelter
- Location: On picnic island
- Amenities: Seats approximately 50 people. No electricity is available. Please Note: Access to this shelter is by pedestrian bridge only so everything must be carried to the shelter.
- Price: $70 half-day, $140 full day (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
- Image Gallery
- Virtual Tour
Phalen Picnic Pavilion
- Location: 1600 Phalen Drive, Saint Paul, MN 55106
- Amenities: Seats approximately 300 people. Two kitchens with sinks, stove tops, coolers, electricity and serving counters. Two fireplaces, two large barbecue grills on the patio area facing the lake.
- Price: $240 half-day, $480 full day (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
- Pavilion Floor Plan
- Image Gallery
- Virtual Tour
Phalen Amphitheater
- Location: 1600 Phalen Drive, Saint Paul, MN 55106
- Amenities: The amphitheater accommodates approximately 100 people. Electricity is available.
- Price: $80 for 90 minutes (minimum), $50 each additional hour
- Image Gallery
Wicaḣapi Rental Information
Quick Facts (PDF) Wicaḣapi website
- Location: Earl Street and Mounds Boulevard
- Amenities available: 2 picnic shelters, restroom building, play area, 2 tennis courts, barbeque grills
- Alcohol: The possession or consumption of alcohol is prohibited in this park.
Wicaḣapi Large Picnic Shelter
- Amenities: Seats approximately 80 people. Electricity is available.
- Price: $70 half-day, $140 full day (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
- Image Gallery
Wicaḣapi Small Shelter
- Amenities: Seats approximately 30 people. Electricity is available.
- Price: $80 half-day, $160 full day (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
- Image Gallery
Permit Season Calendar
December: Reservation lottery
During the first half of December, City residents and businesses can enter a lottery to win the chance to reserve an in-demand park facility during the coming year.
- During this period, you can enter the lottery online or by calling us.
- Lottery winners will be invited to reserve park facilities on the first working day of the new year.
February – May: Reservations open to all
On the first business day in February, we begin accepting facility reservations from people and businesses outside Saint Paul.
May: Permit season begins, picnic shelters free
Between early May and Memorial Day (the last Monday of the month), park facilities are available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. During these times:
- Picnic shelters are free for anyone to use. First come, first served.
- Pavilions and park buildings are available for reservation by phone.
June – August: Park facilities available every day
Additional Fees
Changes & Cancellations
- No refunds will be issued if request is made less than 30-days prior to the event date.
- Permits less than $150.00 will not receive a refund.
- Permits $150.00 and over will receive 50% of the permit fee paid.
- No refunds are given due to weather conditions.
- If a permit is issued less than 30 days of an event, and the permit is canceled, the permit fee is non-refundable.
- Changes to date or location of a permit will be accepted up to 7 business days prior to the scheduled date of the event. There will be a $25.00 charge each time you alter your picnic permit (time session change, date change, location change).
