Mill Ends Park
Park World's smallest park, a tiny urban green space
Mill Ends Park in downtown Portland holds a tiny planted circle in a traffic median and is listed by Guinness as the world’s smallest park - a quick photo stop and local curiosity.
Mill Ends Park is a tiny park in downtown Portland, Oregon, located in a small traffic circle in the median of SW Naito Parkway. It holds a Guinness World Record as the world’s smallest park and is maintained as an urban curiosity and community landmark.
The park began as a single planting in a hole left for a streetlight and was adopted as a whimsical city park in the mid 20th century; it has been decorated with miniature features and planted seasonally. The site is a short walk from Portland’s waterfront and central business district and is visited primarily for its novelty and photo opportunities.
The park’s management is informal and community-based; it has become a local icon referenced in city guides and by visitors exploring downtown Portland. Its tiny size and central location make it easily accessible on foot from nearby attractions along the Willamette River.
- World's smallest park: Recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's smallest park, its single planting hole measures about 2 feet (roughly 0.6 metres) across and is officially a city park in Portland.
How to Get to Mill Ends Park #
Mill Ends Park is located in downtown Portland in the median of SW Naito Parkway at the intersection with SW Taylor Street (on the waterfront side of the downtown grid). It’s a very short walk from Tom McCall Waterfront Park and from the downtown transit corridor.
You can reach the site on foot from Pioneer Courthouse Square (about a 10‑minute walk) or from nearby Portland Streetcar and MAX light-rail stops in downtown; the park is visible and only a few minutes’ walk from the closest streetcar/MAX stops on the west side of downtown.
Tips for Visiting Mill Ends Park #
- Visit during daylight hours and stroll to the traffic median at SW Naito Parkway near Taylor Street for the clearest view - Mill Ends Park is extremely small (a few feet across) so plan for a quick stop rather than a long visit.
- Go early on weekdays to avoid Waterfront Park crowds and to get unimpeded photos; many visitors simply pass by, so stop and read the plaque to appreciate the park's quirky history.
Best Time to Visit Mill Ends Park #
Best in spring and summer when Portland's weather is at its nicest and outdoor foot traffic is pleasant; the park is small and rarely crowded year-round.
Weather & Climate near Mill Ends Park #
Mill Ends Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 1°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (991 mm/year).
January
January is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 18 mm.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm).
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (159 mm).
