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”Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Tom McCall Waterfront Park is one of Portland’s most popular places to visit. It’s located on the west bank of the Willamette River, and it offers a beautiful view of Mount Hood and Portland’s iconic bridges. Right on the waterfront, it’s a beautiful place for outdoor activities and events. If you’re visiting during the summer months, check out their Saturday Market, where artisans sell wares like jewelry, leather goods, clothing, and more! There are also local food carts, so grab something delicious to eat if you get hungry.
The park is an excellent place for a walk or run, and there’s even a playground for kids! In the evenings, the park comes alive with music and light shows – it’s worth sticking around for. So if you’re looking for things to do in Portland, make sure to add Tom McCall Waterfront Park to your list!
History of Tom McCall Waterfront Park
The park was initially named after Governor Tom McCall, who is recognized for his conservation and public recreation work. In the early 1970s, Portland was experiencing rapid growth in population and development. The city council realized that if they didn’t take action soon, the downtown would become congested and uninviting. They decided to create a new park to address this issue and help boost tourism.
To make the area more accessible, they built a bridge connecting Northwest Portland with downtown. They also added a public transit system called RiverPlace, which is still used today. In 1984 Tom McCall Waterfront Park was renamed Governor Tom McCall Waterfront State Park by Oregon’s legislature.
The park has come a long way since it was first created and is now a significant tourist attraction. If you’re looking for things to do in Portland, make sure to check out Tom McCall Waterfront Park – you won’t be disappointed!
Facts About Tom McCall Waterfront Park
– It is located in downtown Portland, Oregon.
– The park was named after the 11th Governor of Oregon, Tom McCall. He served from 1967 to 1975 and passed away in 1983.
– This waterfront park is a top-rated tourist attraction with over five million visitors every year.
– The park is over 12 acres and was constructed in the early 1970s.
– The park has a playground, public transit system, and numerous walking and biking paths.
– There is also a theater that hosts free music and light shows in the summer months.
– The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk.
– Admission is free!
What to See in Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Tom McCall Waterfront Park is located on the west bank of the Willamette River in downtown Portland. The park has a beautiful view of Mount Hood and offers scenic walks along its paths and easy access to public transportation. Several attractions, including a theater, playgrounds for kids, and local food carts.
In the summer months, be sure to stick around for the free music and light shows at the theater. The park is a great place to take a walk or run. There’s even a playground for the kids!
Activities and Events at Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Portland’s waterfront park is a beautiful place to spend the day. The views of downtown Portland, Mount Hood, and Vancouver are breathtaking. There are several ways you can enjoy the beauty of this historic city park in downtown Portland with your family or friends. You can go for a walk along with one of its trails that meander through its lush green landscape, enjoy a picnic lunch on one of its many benches or tables, go for a boat ride on the Willamette River or take in a performance at the arena.
The park is also home to several festivals and events throughout the year. The Portland Rose Festival features three parades, carnival rides and games, live music, and nightly fireworks displays in the park. Each year, the Tom McCall festival is held during Memorial Day weekend, which features boat races, an air show by the Blue Angels, live concerts on two stages, and a carnival with rides for kids of all ages. Many other events occur throughout the summer months at this popular waterfront destination.
You can do a lot of things in Tom McCall Waterfront Park. It is a great place to jog, walk your dog, bike ride, and even swim! Remember that the water is cold year-round, so you have to be pretty brave!
A tour around the park will show off the different bridges like Tilikum Crossing Bridge, Burnside Bridge, and Hawthorne Bridge. There is also a statue of the famous Oregonian pioneer Simon Benson who donated the land for the park. As you enter from Salmon Street Springs, there are beautiful gardens with Willamette River on your right and downtown Portland skyscrapers to your left. The walkway goes uphill slightly, so be sure to have a good pair of shoes on!
What Not to Do in Tom McCall Waterfront Park
It would be best to avoid a few things while in Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Littering is one of them! There are plenty of trash cans and recycling bins throughout the park, so please consider and dispose of your waste correctly. Also, do not disturb or harass any of the wildlife in the park. The animals here are not used to human interaction, so if you see them, keep your distance and do not try to feed or pet any of the animals.
Lastly, know that dogs are welcome in this park, but they must be on a leash at all times. There is even an off-leash area for your pup available when entering from Burnside Street!
What to Bring to Tom McCall Waterfront Park
- Sunscreen
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Bug spray
- Camera
Things Not to Bring at Tom McCall Waterfront Park
- Weapons
- Fireworks or explosives of any kind
- Alcoholic drinks/drugs
What You Should Wear at Tom McCall Waterfront Park
You can dress however you want when visiting this park. Remember that it is a public place, so be respectful of those around you. Some people dress up in their Sunday best while others prefer to be more comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt. It’s really up to you!
How to Get to Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Tom McCall Waterfront Park is easily accessible by public transportation. The park is located next to the Hawthorne Bridge, serviced by the TriMet MAX light rail. Many bus routes stop close by. There is limited metered street parking and several paid parking garages located in the area if you’re driving.
Address: 98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204, United States
Phone Number: +1503-823-7529
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Price: Free entry!
Hours of operation can vary throughout the year. Please visit their website for updated information on when this park is open.
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