We love Portland because it's such a cool and interesting place. We’ve taken great pleasure in revitalizing homes in different Portland neighborhoods to help contribute to the growing community here. So we thought we’d share some of the very interesting places in the lovely city of Portland, Oregon.

If you are one for enjoying marvelous sightseeing, hiking, outdoor recreation, and delicious cuisine, then Portland is probably already on your list of top destinations. Portland is one of the most unique cities in America.

Portland is known for its world-class scenery, lots of local breweries, distilleries, and wineries, and a fun way of life. It was nicknamed “the city of roses” in the 19th century when roses were a common garden staple (and still are to this day). 

This wonderful city has a simple transportation system that allows you to get around town easily. This article highlights 10 interesting things about Portland but of course, there are so many more.

Top 8 Cool Places Portland 

If you are in the city or plan to visit soon, here are some cool places to make sure to check out;

#1. Forest Park

Forest Park is one of the country’s biggest urban parks. It covers a landmass of 500 acres and is home to more than 70 miles of biking and hiking trails. 

It serves as a natural habitat to more than 100 bird species and 62 different mammal species. Another weird but fun fact about this park is that it is home to the famous Witch’s castle. 

Before you get spooked, the name doesn’t come from witches but was given the name by students who used it for secret parties. Fun right?

#2. The International Rose Test Garden

The rose test garden is home to more than 10,000 roses and over 650 varieties. This amazing place is where most companies run tests on new rose varieties. 

It also hosts an annual competition for the city’s best rose and is an incredible place to spend an afternoon literally smelling the roses.

#3. The Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden situated near where the Rose test garden was created in the 1960s. “Inspired in the late 1950s by growing cultural ties between Oregon and Japan, Mayor Terry Schrunk and members of the Portland community conceived the idea of building a Japanese garden on the site of the old zoo in Washington Park. Their reasons for building a Japanese garden were twofold: providing the citizens of Portland with a garden of great beauty and serenity, while forging a healing connection to Japan on the heels of World War II.”

It has certainly accomplished the goal of providing Portland with another serene and relaxing scene that is well worth visiting.

#4. Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum was founded in 1892 and is the oldest museum in the Pacific Northwest. It houses more than 42,000 items ranging from Asian art to Native American art, and contemporary art. 

The Museum’s campus of landmark buildings, a cornerstone of Portland’s cultural district, includes the Jubitz Center for Modern and Contemporary Art, the Gilkey Center for Graphic Arts, and the Northwest Film Center. They have a vast membership base and is a prime Portland venue for education in the visual arts events.

#5. Cathedral Park

Cathedral Park is situated under the marvelous St. Johns Bridge and received its name because of a reference to the St John’s Bridge that it has beautiful cathedral-like arches. Today it serves as a perfect spot to host photo shoots, weddings, birthdays, and other wonderful occasions because or just a nice place to hang out and watch the boats float by. 

A particularly interesting fact about this park is that in June of 1980, the Cathedral Park Committee sealed a time capsule (complete with ash from Mt St Helens) into the Wall of History in the Memorial Garden in the park. The time capsule will be opened in 2030 and the coordinates of how to find the capsule are safely stored away at the Oregon History Center.

#6. McMenamins establishments

McMenamins is a family-owned company in the Pacific Northwest serving their own handcrafted beer, wine, cider, spirits and coffee alongside good, honest pub fare and have been doing so since 1983. Their unique locations and venues are steeped in art, history, and a sense of place, where locations range from neighborhood pubs to historic hotels. Live music, movies, and history talks are the norm, and soaking pools and other fun prevail. They now have so many locations that many Portlanders enjoy the past-time recreation of completing the McMenamins’ passport where you can earn a stamp at each of their more than 60 unique locations.

#7. Sauvie Island

Sauvie Island comprises beaches, farms, and parks amongst residential areas and a growing business community. This beautiful island is a world of its own and is just 10 miles northwest of downtown Portland. 

Each season on Sauvie Island has a different draw including you-pick berries, peaches, apples, and other farm goods and in the fall, you can visit the Pumpkin patches and corn mazes. This is a little gem at 24,000 acres – it is one of the largest river islands in the country.

#8. Shanghai Tunnels

Up for a spooky history adventure, take a tour through the popular underground Shanghai tunnels. These tunnels were first built under the city streets of downtown Portland to help easily move goods from the docks to hotels, restaurants, and pubs. Their history is storied and historians debate whether many of the more colorful stories are based on truth but they do offer an interesting look at Portland and were recently made more popular by the hit TV show Grimm which was filmed in Portland. 

Conclusion

Portland has long gotten a funny wrap by shows like Portlandia and is known for having a laid-back come-as-you-are vibe. Its gorgeous landscape and incredible food and beverage scene make it an ideal place for many to call home. This list features just 8 of the cool places to check out but there are so many more! We will continue working to revitalize Portland neighborhoods, one home at a time.