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”Mill Ends Park
Located at Southwest Taylor Street and Park Avenue, Mill Ends has long been popular with tourists and locals alike who come to marvel at this quirky slice of nature in the middle of a bustling city. It is said that Mill Ends Park may be one of the smallest parks, but it has also been home to many famous people over its lifetime, including leprechauns and gnomes.
Portland is a great city with many beautiful attractions to explore. If you are looking for something new to do while visiting this beautiful town, make sure you stop by Mill Ends Park! It’s a fun place to take a walk, have a picnic, or relax and enjoy the scenery.
The park is located in the heart of downtown Portland, just west of SW Taylor Street and Naito Parkway. It’s easy to find – look for the large green circle painted on the street! Mill Ends Park is open from dawn until dusk.
So if you are looking for a unique and charming place to visit in Portland, be sure to check out Mill Ends Park! You won’t regret it!
History of Mill Ends Park
In 1947, Dick Fagan worked as a columnist for “The Oregon Journal” newspaper when he created a new park. His friend, Patrick O’Rourke (commonly known as Pat), inspired Fagan, who wanted to create an official city bird and tree registry but could not do so because he didn’t reside in Washington Park.
Fagan decided to take matters into his own hands and create a small park instead, which would be named Mill Ends in honor of the nearby mill that had closed down a few years earlier. The only catch was that Fagan had to get the city’s approval for the new park, and it just so happened that Portland’s Parks Superintendent was on vacation at the time.
Although Fagan didn’t have permission to create a new park, he went ahead and started working on Mill Ends nonetheless. By 1947, his efforts had paid off as Portland’s city commissioners approved of the idea for Mill Ends Park with one small catch – it could be no more than 24 inches in diameter! And so, the story of Mill Ends Park began…
Facts About Mill Ends Park
– Mill Ends Park is a 10-acre park in the middle of Portland. It’s known for its small size, being one of the smallest parks in America.
– Mill Ends Park has been on The Guinness World Records books since 1990 as “the world’s smallest park.”
– The park was created in 1947 by Dick Fagan, a columnist for “The Oregon Journal” newspaper.
– Mill Ends Park is open from dawn until dusk and is located at Southwest Taylor Street and Park Avenue in downtown Portland.
– The park has been home to many famous people over its lifetime, including leprechauns and gnomes.
– Mill Ends is also the only city park with its fairytale!
Famous Figures at Mill Ends Park
Over the years, many famous people have claimed to be associated with Mill Ends. Perhaps the most notable was Thomas “Lucky” Lane, who appeared in several Hollywood films and even ran for President of the United States twice. He was known to say he resided at Mill Ends when in Portland. Another celebrity who made an appearance at Mill Ends was singer Art Garfunkel, who in 1983 planted a tree there.
But it’s not just celebrities who have been drawn to this quirky park – leprechauns and gnomes have also called Mill Ends home over the years! When he created the park, one of Fagan’s first things was to put a leprechaun statue in it. When the Oregon Journal held a contest in 1978 to find the gnome who had been living in the park for over a year, they found one! His name was Gary, and he was given a $100 prize.
So if you’re looking for something unique and charming to do while visiting Portland, you won’t want to miss Mill Ends Park! It’s an excellent place for picnics or just taking a quiet walk. And who knows – maybe some fairies and gnomes will even be there when you arrive!
What to See at Mill Ends Park
- The world’s smallest park!
- A statue of a leprechaun.
- A tree planted by Art Garfunkel.
- Fairytale signs.
- Gnomes (if you’re lucky).
- A quiet place to relax.
What to Do at Mill Ends Park
- Picnic!
- Take a walk.
- Relax, and people watch.
- Read a book.
- Take photos.
Activities and Events at Mill Ends Park
Every St. Patrick’s Day, the leprechaun statue is dressed up in green, and a party is held at Mill Ends Park.
In May, the park celebrates Portland’s Rose Festival with a rose garden planted in the center.
The Oregon Journal holds an annual contest to find the gnome who has been living in Mill Ends Park for over a year.
In December, the park hosts a Christmas tree and lights up for the holiday season.
Events such as these are held regularly throughout the year at Mill Ends Park – check their website to find out what’s going on!
What Not to Do at Mill Ends Park
- Do not disturb the leprechaun statue – it’s been known to curse those who do!
- Don’t “help” Gary, the current gnome living in Mill Ends Park. He has chosen his home for a reason and technically doesn’t need your assistance.
- Don’t litter! This park is small enough; let’s not make it any messier.
- No parking in the park – there’s not enough space!
What to Bring to Mill Ends Park
- A picnic!
- Sunscreen.
- Bug spray.
- A camera!
- An excellent book to read.
- A sense of humor!
How to Get to Mill Ends Park
Mill Ends Park is located at Southwest Taylor Street and Park Avenue in downtown Portland. It’s open from dawn until dusk. By car, take I-405 South and merge onto I-84 West. Take exit #306B for Park Ave/City Center and stay right. Take a left onto Taylor Street at the first light, and Mill Ends will be on your right. Take TriMet bus lines 14 or 44 to Park Avenue and Taylor Street by public transportation. The park is within walking distance from both stops. You can also take the MAX Light Rail line to Skidmore Fountain Station and walk up one block.
Address: 56 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR 97204, United States
Phone: +1503-823-7529
Hours: dawn until dusk (Note: The park closes for the winter months from November through April.)
Closest Public Transit Stop: Skidmore Fountain Station on MAX Light Rail line or Park Ave/City Center on TriMet bus lines 14 and 44.
Website: millendspark.org/
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