Mill Ends Park Portland - Forest Fire Tower Lookout, view of the Hood Canal, tree, mailbox, Olympic Mountains, Alderbrook Golf and Yacht Club road, Union, Washington, USA
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Mill Ends Park Portland

4.5
·1k reviews·Portland, United States

Portland's tiny gem, the world's smallest park, offering a quirky photo op and a unique piece of city history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Easier to see and photograph

CrowdLow
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Mill Ends Park Portland - Forest Fire Tower Lookout, view of the Hood Canal, tree, mailbox, Olympic Mountains, Alderbrook Golf and Yacht Club road, Union, Washington, USA

Mill Ends Park Portland

Best Time

Daytime

Easier to see and photograph

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Portland's tiny gem, the world's smallest park, offering a quirky photo op and a unique piece of city history.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"It might seem a little silly, but if you're in Portland, it's worth stopping by for a few photos."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Quick Photo Stop

It's tiny! Perfect for a quick, quirky photo op while exploring downtown.

🚗 Watch for Traffic

Located on a median strip, be aware of cars and bike lanes when taking photos.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

World's Smallest Park

World's Smallest Park

SW Naito Parkway & Taylor Street

A Guinness World Record holder, this tiny park is a quirky Portland icon.

Photo Opportunity

Photo Opportunity

Median strip

Snap a unique photo with this minuscule green space, a true Portland oddity.

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Planning Your Visit

Quick Photo Op

Mill Ends Park is tiny! It's a quick stop for a photo, not a place to linger. Best visited when you're already exploring downtown Portland's waterfront.

Location & Safety

Situated on a median strip, be mindful of traffic. While generally safe, downtown Portland has a visible homeless population, which some visitors note.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Easier to see and photograph
Crowd
Low
When
During holidays
Why
May be decorated
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Did you know that the world’s smallest park is located in Portland Oregon? 📍Mill Ends Park, it’s found between SW Naito Parkway and Taylor Street! #portland #oregon #citypark
@outdoorsykensy
16.4K likes • 879.6K views

📸 Quick Photo Stop

It's tiny! Perfect for a quick, quirky photo op while exploring downtown. TikTokInstagram

🚗 Watch for Traffic

Located on a median strip, be aware of cars and bike lanes when taking photos. Reddit

Visit the world’s smallest park in Portland, Oregon at Mill Ends Park on SW Naito Parkway!! Closest cross street is SW Taylor St. #millendspark #worldssmallestpark #guinessworldrecord #portlandoregon
itsdallaswhite
0 likes • 13.2K views
Did you know Oregon has the smallest park in the world??? 📲 Follow @outdoorsykensy to discover more about Oregon! Mill Ends Park is located near the riverfront in downtown Portland. It was actually right where we parked for the @portlandspirit and my dad pointed it out! This itty bitty park was first discovered by Dick Fagan in 1946. From his second floor office, he could admire the busy stre...
outdoorsykensy
1.7K likes • 81.3K views

📍 Find it Easily

Look for it at SW Naito Parkway and Taylor Street, near the waterfront. Instagram

✨ Quirky Charm

Embrace the oddity! It's a fun, unique spot for those who love unusual attractions. Instagram

When I tell my friends I like to run in the park for fun, this is the park I am talking about 😂 📌 Mill Ends Park, Portland, OR is spread on an area of 452 sq. inch and consists one single shrub. Would you visit 🌎smallest 🏞 just to cross this off your list? #KeepPortlandWeird #PDX #Portland #Oregon #ThisIsPortland
inishesh
167 likes • 5.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Quick Photo Stop

It's tiny! Perfect for a quick, quirky photo op while exploring downtown. TikTokInstagram

🚗 Watch for Traffic

Located on a median strip, be aware of cars and bike lanes when taking photos. Reddit

📍 Find it Easily

Look for it at SW Naito Parkway and Taylor Street, near the waterfront. Instagram

✨ Quirky Charm

Embrace the oddity! It's a fun, unique spot for those who love unusual attractions. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Mill Ends Park a charming and quirky Portland landmark, perfect for a quick photo. While its minuscule size is its main draw, some find it 'un-climactic' and note the presence of homeless individuals in the downtown area. It's a unique point of pride for the city and a fun stop for those who appreciate the unusual.

"I watched Iggy Pop’s concert for free from Mill Ends Park, had excellent view despite cars passing by. Several people around but very safe, EMS was on site in case there are crazy drivers. Very fun night nonetheless."

Norma Lilia

"I didn’t know about this park until I saw people taking pictures in the middle of the street, and I thought, what’s going on here? It might seem a little silly, but if you’re in Portland, it’s worth stopping by for a few photos. Afterward, take a walk in the larger park just across the street, it’s really nice. I do want to mention that there are quite a few homeless people around the downtown area, which is a bit sad."

Dr. Dominic Nguyen

"A small, cute park right in the middle of the pavement and was more excited to know that this park was listed in the Guinness book of world records. If you happen to visit the waterfront, you can get a glimpse of this tiny little tree park, few steps away from the place"

Abhishek Dutt

What People Like

Quirky and unique
Guinness World Record holder
Easy photo op

What People Dislike

Very small
Urban surroundings

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mill Ends Park is located on a median strip at SW Naito Parkway and Taylor Street in downtown Portland, Oregon. It's easily accessible on foot if you're exploring the waterfront area. TikTokInstagram

Yes, it's a well-known landmark for its size. Look for the small planted area on the median between SW Naito Parkway and Taylor Street. Instagram

You can drive to the vicinity, but parking might be challenging in downtown Portland. It's best viewed as a walk-by attraction. Be cautious of traffic when approaching. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Mill Ends Park is a public space and is free to visit. There are no tickets or admission fees required. TikTok

As an outdoor public park, Mill Ends Park is accessible at all hours. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for visibility and safety. Instagram

While it's a permanent fixture, it may be decorated for holidays or special events. One Reddit user mentioned it was decorated for Christmas. Reddit

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

The main activity is taking photos and appreciating its status as the world's smallest park. It's a quick, quirky stop. Instagram+1

Most visitors spend only a few minutes here, just enough time for a photo and to marvel at its size. TikTok

Children might find its tiny size amusing. However, supervision is crucial due to its location on a busy median strip. Instagram

Journalist Dick Fagan started planting flowers in the hole in 1946, imagining it as a fairy colony home. It was officially designated a park in 1971. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the larger waterfront parks are just across the street, offering more space to explore after your quick visit to Mill Ends Park. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Get creative! You can frame it with the city skyline or streetscape. Be mindful of traffic while composing your shot. Instagram

Yes, it's small enough to capture in its entirety with most phone cameras. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mill Ends Park offers a fun, albeit brief, point of interest for families. Kids might be amused by the sheer tininess of the park, a real-life miniature world. It's a great spot for a quick photo op that sparks conversation about size and scale. Remember to keep a close eye on children due to its location on a busy median strip. Instagram

Combine your visit with a stroll along the nearby waterfront or explore other family-friendly attractions in downtown Portland. The novelty of the world's smallest park can be a memorable, albeit short, part of your family's Portland adventure.

📸 Photographers & Instagrammers

For those seeking unique shots, Mill Ends Park is a must-visit. Its Guinness World Record status makes it an instantly recognizable and quirky subject. Experiment with different angles to capture its miniature scale against the backdrop of the city. Instagram

Consider visiting during different times of day for varied lighting conditions. While it's a quick stop, the photo opportunities are plentiful for those who appreciate the unusual. Don't forget to be mindful of traffic while you're framing your perfect shot. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkers & Joggers

If you're exploring Portland on foot, Mill Ends Park is a delightful little discovery. It's perfectly situated along popular walking and jogging routes near the waterfront. You can easily incorporate a quick stop to admire and photograph this tiny green space without significantly disrupting your exercise routine. Instagram

Many locals and visitors alike use the surrounding areas for their daily runs, making Mill Ends Park a charming, albeit minuscule, landmark along the way. Just be sure to stay aware of your surroundings, especially the bike lane, as you pause for your photo op. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legend of Mill Ends Park

Mill Ends Park holds a special place in Portland's quirky history. It all began in 1946 when journalist Dick Fagan noticed an empty hole in the median strip of SW Naito Parkway. Legend has it that Fagan, inspired by the urban blight, began planting flowers and a small shrub in the hole. He then penned a column for the Oregon Journal about the park, claiming it was originally intended for a maypole and was to be the home of fairies and goblins.

Fagan's whimsical stories brought attention to the tiny space, and it was officially designated as Mill Ends Park by the city in 1971. It was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's smallest park, measuring a mere 452 square inches (about 2 feet in diameter). This unique origin story adds to the charm and allure of this minuscule green space, making it a beloved local oddity. TikTokInstagramReddit

Visiting Mill Ends Park: Practicalities

Mill Ends Park is a testament to Portland's love for the unconventional. While its size is its main draw, visitors should be aware of its location. Situated on a median strip, it requires careful attention to traffic, especially cars and the adjacent bike lane. Many visitors treat it as a quick photo opportunity, a brief pause in their exploration of downtown Portland's waterfront. TikTokInstagram

Some visitors have noted the presence of homeless individuals in the downtown area, a common concern in many urban centers. However, the park itself is generally considered safe for a brief visit. It's often seen as a fun 'treasure hunt' for those in the know, a quirky landmark to tick off their list. Reddit The park is well-maintained, reflecting the pride locals have in this unique city feature. Reddit

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