Portland is called the "Rose City" for a reason. These public gardens were established in 1917 and set above the cityscape of Downtown Portland. They are the oldest official public rose gardens in the United States and the only place in North America that can officially issue recognized awards for hybrid roses grown around the world. The best time of the year for viewing is during the summer, when the fragrant blooms begin to appear and continue until frost.
Walk through the grand plaza and step into Oregon's past. Located in Portland's cultural district, The Oregon Historical Society has bountiful collections of historical artifacts, photographs, moving pictures, maps and more. Many exhibits are interactive, and the atmosphere is friendly. The museum is very well-maintained and curated in a way to provide easy navigation, it appears as though you are living history as you navigate your way through the interior. The center's shop is full of Native American jewelry, baskets and pots. The book collection covers all of the Northwest's history for adults and children.
The Oregon Zoo houses animals from all parts of the world. Spread over 64 acres of land, there's always something to see. Here one can observe animals in their natural habitats, including elephants, bears, penguins and monkeys. Hop aboard the train for a zoo tour or rent a special stroller wagon for the kids. After a busy day of animal watching, enjoy a waffle ice cream cone from the snack bar, dine at the on site cafe or enjoy a picnic lunch on the lawn.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) offers halls dedicated to earth science, life science, computers, chemistry, traveling exhibits and hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, the Empirical Theater, a submarine to tour, a motion simulator ride and a cafe. The museum, through its various games and interactive displays, offers an opportunity to exercise the grey cells and leave with more knowledge and information.
A serene sanctum lying to the east of downtown Portland, this picturesque city park is unusual in more ways than one. Built on the grounds of an old volcanic cone, the park is a natural wonderland where trails and paved pathways wind through rolling meadows and dense forests. The park is also home to an amphitheater, a dog park, a horseshoe pit and courts used for various other sports. A delight for the avid hiker, Mount Tabor affords splendid views of the city's diverse landscape. Although much of the volcano's cinder cone has been paved, a part of it still remains, letting visitors in on the long-standing history and geological marvel it cradles in its depths.
Set amid a scenic location of sloping, forested hills, Washington Park has a number of notable attractions, including the International Rose Test Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, Japanese Gardens and the Oregon Zoo. Plenty of different spots across the park offer sun, shade, and shelter from the rain, and views of the city. A brimming hive of activities like tennis, hiking and archery, this park is a brilliant, sprawling carpet of eternal and abundant natural beauty. A range of winding trails slice through acres of wild forests at this park, while motley jubilant fountains, plazas and memorials accentuate it further. An evocative canvas of vibrant wilderness, this sprawling park is a breathtaking nexus of nature, botany and recreation, being rather unsurprisingly, one of Portland's most beautiful symbols.
Constructed in 1880, the John Tigard House is regarded as one of the finest structures in town. The home is located in the Tigard region of Oregon. It depicts the Queen Anne style of architecture and the house functions as a museum. It is predominantly a one-and-a-half storied construction, with a few ethnic elements of the Carpenter Gothic style. It constitutes three bedrooms and the half story comprises of varied artifacts of the historic society. Tours for groups in different slots can be availed through an advance intimation.
To honor the mothers of pioneer families, the Pioneer Mothers Memorial Cabin Museum came into existence. The log wood house is located on the Champoeg State Historic Area premises. Built by the Daughters of American Revolution and the Oregon State Society, the museum showcases a display of household items like furnishings, china, and glassware. It also consists of a few personal valuables and articles that have been donated by the pioneer families.
Designed by William Ladd, five small parcels make up this park. The centerpiece to Ladd's Addition, the blocks have been renovated recently, improving the much needed irrigation system. The best rose garden in Portland to visit by auto, the area also makes for a lovely place to take a stroll. Worth a visit, the gardens and their surroundings transport visitors into Portland's past winter, spring, summer and fall. There are no fees to use the park.
Located near the mouth of the Pearl District, the St. Patrick Catholic Church was built in 1889 and holds the reputation of being the oldest church in Portland. This historic church also finds itself on the list of the National Register of Historic Places. The St. Patrick Catholic Church lays much emphasis on unifying diverse communities, such that their parish consists of Latino families, generations of Croatian origin as well as young professionals.
The only place in June to rival Washington Park's rose garden is this original testing ground for Rose City buds. Thousands of roses, spread over two acres, are sunken in a brick framework here. The park has a community center with gymnasiums and a pool that is open to the public in summer. Perfect for photo opportunities, the gazebo-like center bandstand, built in 1913, overlooks the rose garden. Rose lovers will want to bring a special someone for a romantic stroll.