Southwest Portland, Oregon facts for kids

Downtown Portland at night, seen from the east.

Pioneer Courthouse Square, with Fox Tower in the background.

Southwest Portland is one of the six main areas, or "sextants," that divide the city of Portland, Oregon. It's a vibrant part of the city, home to many important places and fun activities.

This area includes Downtown Portland, which is located between the I-405 freeway and the Willamette River. Downtown is famous for Pioneer Courthouse Square, often called "Portland's living room" because it's a popular gathering spot. The streets here are designed to be easy for walking, with smaller blocks and narrower streets, making it a great place to explore on foot.

Exploring Downtown Portland

Downtown Portland is a busy hub filled with many of the city's main attractions. You can find places for fun, learning, government, and shopping all in one area.

Parks and Green Spaces

Even in the middle of the city, there are beautiful parks to enjoy. These include the South Park Blocks, a long stretch of green space perfect for a stroll. You can also visit Pettygrove Park and Lovejoy Fountain Park, known for their unique designs, and Tom McCall Waterfront Park, which runs along the river and is great for walks or bike rides.

Arts and Culture

For those who love art and history, downtown has a lot to offer:

• The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall hosts many musical performances.
• The Portland Art Museum displays amazing artworks from around the world.
• The Oregon Historical Society Museum teaches visitors about Oregon's past.

Important Buildings

Many important government buildings are located downtown. These are places where city, county, and federal decisions are made:

• Portland City Hall is where the city's mayor and council work.
• The Multnomah County Central Courthouse and Pioneer Courthouse are places where legal matters are handled.
• The Portland Building and Mark O. Hatfield United States Courthouse are also key government offices.

Education and Shopping

Downtown is also home to Portland State University, a large public university right in the heart of the city. For shopping, you can visit the historic Meier & Frank Building or the modern Pioneer Place mall. The Wells Fargo Center, which stands 546 feet (166 meters) tall, is the tallest building in Oregon.

Beyond Downtown: Southwest Portland's Other Gems

Southwest Portland extends beyond the downtown area, offering even more diverse places to visit and explore.

College Campuses

This part of the city is home to several important educational institutions:

• The main campus of Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), a leading medical and research center.
• Lewis & Clark College, a private college known for its beautiful campus.
• The Sylvania campus of Portland Community College, offering a wide range of courses.

Unique Neighborhoods

Southwest Portland has many distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character. Areas like South Portland (once known as Corbett-Terwilliger-Lair Hill), South Burlingame, Hillsdale, and Multnomah feature unique homes and local shops and restaurants.

Fun and Recreation

For sports and outdoor activities, Southwest Portland has some special spots:

• Alpenrose Dairy in the Hayhurst neighborhood is known for hosting track cycling events and Little League baseball games.
• Washington Park is a huge park with many attractions, including:
  • The Oregon Zoo, where you can see animals from all over the world.
  • The Hoyt Arboretum, a living museum of trees.
  • The beautiful International Rose Test Garden and the peaceful Portland Japanese Garden.
  • Many hiking trails for outdoor adventures.

Washington Park is also home to North America's deepest transit station, which helps people get around the city.

South Willamette Riverfront

The south Willamette riverfront area along SW Macadam Avenue used to be industrial land. Now, it's being transformed into a modern neighborhood with new homes and businesses, creating a lively new part of the city.