Weird & Unusual Attractions in Portland, Oregon, United States
1. Voodoo Doughnut
Famous for its eccentric doughnuts decorated with unusual toppings like cereal, bacon, and doll parts.
- Unique Ingredients: Offers unconventional flavors such as maple bacon bars, voodoo doll doughnuts, and memories of Captain Crunch.
- Iconic Portland Landmark: A popular tourist spot that has become synonymous with the city's quirky character.
- 24-Hour Availability: Serves customers around the clock, catering to those who crave doughnuts at all hours of the day or night.
2. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Features over 2,500 varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas, providing a vibrant, colorful escape in the heart of Portland.
- Rare Plant Species: Home to numerous rare and exotic plant species from around the world.
- Serene Setting: Provides a peaceful, picturesque retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
- Historical Significance: Established in 1950, it is one of Portland's oldest public gardens.
3. The Portland Meadows Race Track
An unusual horse racing venue located in the industrial part of Portland, offering a unique racing experience.
- Historic Venue: One of the oldest continuously operating racetracks in the United States.
- Industrial Atmosphere: Set against a backdrop of industrial buildings, providing an interesting contrast to traditional race tracks.
- Affordable Entertainment: Offers budget-friendly racing events and simulcast wagering on races from around the country.
4. The World Nude Bike Ride
An annual event where participants bike through Portland in the nude, advocating for body positivity and promoting sustainable transportation.
- Body Positivity Event: Promotes a positive body image and challenges societal norms around nudity.
- Sustainable Transportation Advocacy: Encourages the use of bikes as an eco-friendly mode of transportation.
- Unique Cultural Experience: Provides visitors with a unique and unforgettable cultural experience.
5. Oak Island
A small island in the middle of the Willamette River, accessible only during low tide. Visitors can explore its mysteries and find hidden treasures.
- Tidal Island Access: Can only be reached during specific low tides.
- Mystery and Excitement: Rumored to hide hidden treasures, adding an element of adventure for visitors.
- Urban Oasis: Offers a serene escape from the city in the midst of Portland's bustling waterfront.
6. The Last Tuesday Society
A cabaret venue that hosts performances showcasing burlesque, comedy, and live music. The venue is adorned with Victorian-era artifacts.
- Victorian-Era Artifacts: Features a collection of unique Victorian-era artifacts that add to the venue's charm.
- Live Entertainment: Provides a lively entertainment experience with burlesque, comedy, and live music performances.
- Intimate Setting: Offers an intimate setting for visitors to enjoy the performances up close.
7. The Portland Art Museum's Northwest Film Center
A film center that showcases independent, foreign, and classic films. The center also offers workshops for aspiring filmmakers.
- Independent and Foreign Films: Showcases a variety of independent, foreign, and classic films that may not be available elsewhere.
- Workshops for Aspiring Filmmakers: Offers workshops to help aspiring filmmakers hone their craft.
- Cultural Exchange: Provides opportunities for cultural exchange through its diverse film offerings.
8. The Stick Men Collective
An art collective that builds large-scale wooden sculptures made from scrap lumber. The sculptures are interactive and can be found throughout Portland.
- Interactive Art Installations: Offers visitors the opportunity to interact with large-scale, wooden art installations.
- Reuse and Recycle: Uses scrap lumber to create their sculptures, promoting reuse and recycling.
- Urban Artistry: Brings a unique form of artistry to Portland's urban landscape.
9. The International Rose Test Garden
A garden dedicated to the testing and display of new rose varieties. It boasts over 10,000 roses across 650 varieties.
- New Rose Varieties: Offers visitors a chance to see the latest in rose cultivation.
- Stunning Display: Provides a breathtaking display of over 10,000 roses across 650 varieties.
- Historical Significance: Established in 1917, it is one of the oldest continuously operating test gardens in the United States.
10. The Portland Ghost Tour
A guided walking tour that explores Portland's haunted history and ghost stories.
- Haunted History: Delves into the city's creepy past, uncovering its ghostly tales.
- Guided Experience: Provides a guided walking tour experience, led by knowledgeable guides.
- Nighttime Adventure: Offers a nighttime adventure for those seeking a thrill after dark.
11. The Witch's Castle
An old stone castle built in the early 20th century, now serving as a park. The castle is said to be haunted by its former owner.
- Haunted Reputation: Rumored to be haunted by its former owner, adding an element of intrigue.
- Park Setting: Serves as a park, offering visitors a peaceful outdoor space.
- Historical Significance: Built in the early 20th century, it showcases architectural styles from this period.
12. The Portland Spirits Museum
A museum dedicated to the history and culture of spirits, featuring a wide variety of drinks, tastings, and educational events.
- Spirits Education: Provides visitors with an education on the history and culture of various spirits.
- Tastings and Workshops: Offers tastings and workshops for those interested in learning more about distillation techniques.
- Unique Collection: Features a unique collection of spirits, some of which may not be available elsewhere.
13. The Portland Underground Tours
A guided tour that explores the underground tunnels and hidden spaces beneath Portland's streets.
- Hidden Spaces: Explores hidden spaces beneath the city's streets, offering a unique perspective on Portland.
- Historical Significance: Provides insights into Portland's history and the construction of its underground network.
- Guided Experience: Offers a guided tour experience, led by knowledgeable guides.
14. The Cathedral Park Velocipede Statue
A statue of two men riding a velocipede (early form of bicycle), located in a park along the Willamette River.
- Historical Significance: Represents the early history of cycling and transportation.
- Unique Sculpture: Offers a unique photograph opportunity for visitors.
- Park Setting: Located in Cathedral Park, offering a beautiful waterfront backdrop.
15. The Portland Women's Forum Garden
A garden dedicated to the memory of influential women. It features sculptures, a maze, and a tranquil pond.
- Inspiring Women: Honors influential women from history, inspiring visitors.
- Peaceful Setting: Provides a tranquil and peaceful space for reflection.
- Scenic Maze: Offers a scenic maze to explore, adding an element of fun to the garden.