Portland is often recognized for its quirky culture, eco-friendly lifestyle, and exceptional coffee scene. But beyond the hipster cafes and lush green spaces, there are plenty of lesser-known facts that make this city stand out. From unexpected wildlife to historical oddities, Portland is full of surprises. Here are eight fun facts about Portland that might change the way you see the City of Roses.
1. Portland Was Almost Called Boston
Portland’s name was decided by a simple coin toss in 1845. The two founders, Asa Lovejoy from Boston, Massachusetts, and Francis Pettygrove from Portland, Maine, each wanted to name the settlement after their hometowns. To settle the debate, they flipped a penny, and Pettygrove won two out of three rounds. Had the coin landed differently, we could be calling it Boston, Oregon, today. The very penny that sealed Portland’s fate is on display at the Oregon Historical Society, marking one of the most significant coin tosses in American history.
2. Powell’s City of Books is the Largest Independent Bookstore in the World
Book lovers visiting Portland always make a stop at Powell’s City of Books, and for good reason—it’s the largest independent bookstore in the world. Covering an entire city block and housing over one million books, Powell’s is a literary wonderland. The store has color-coded sections to help visitors navigate its maze of bookshelves. Beyond new and used books, Powell’s frequently hosts author events, book signings, and writing workshops, making it a hub for the literary community.
3. The World's Smallest Park is in Downtown Portland
Mill Ends Park, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s smallest park, measures just 24 inches in diameter. Originally intended to be a streetlight post, the site remained an empty hole until local journalist Dick Fagan planted flowers in it in 1948. He wrote whimsical stories about the “park” in his newspaper column, and over time, it became an official city landmark. Today, it’s maintained by Portland Parks & Recreation, proving that even the smallest green spaces can have a big impact.
4. Portland’s Bridges Give the City Its “Bridgetown” Nickname
If you’ve ever driven through Portland, you’ve probably noticed just how many bridges connect the city. With 12 major bridges spanning the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, Portland has more bridges than any other city in the Pacific Northwest—earning it the nickname “Bridgetown.” Each bridge has its own character, from the St. Johns Bridge with its stunning Gothic-style towers to the modern, car-free Tilikum Crossing, designed for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit. The Steel Bridge is one of the only double-lift bridges in the world, allowing cars, trains, and bikes to cross at different levels. Whether you’re commuting, biking, or just enjoying the views, Portland’s bridges are a key part of the city’s landscape and history.
5. The Oregon Zoo Helped Save the California Condor from Extinction
The Oregon Zoo, located in Washington Park, is known for its conservation efforts, particularly its role in saving the endangered California condor. In the 1980s, fewer than 30 condors remained in the wild, putting the species on the brink of extinction. The Oregon Zoo joined a national recovery program, successfully breeding condors and reintroducing them into the wild. Today, thanks to these efforts, the population has grown to over 500 birds. This commitment to conservation extends to other species as well, making the Oregon Zoo a leader in wildlife protection.
6. Portland is One of the Best Cities for Biking in the U.S.
Portland consistently ranks among the most bike-friendly cities in America, thanks to its extensive network of bike lanes and trails. The city has more than 400 miles of bikeways, including the scenic Springwater Corridor and the Eastbank Esplanade. Portland’s biking culture is so strong that events like the World Naked Bike Ride and Pedalpalooza attract thousands of participants each year. Whether commuting to work or just exploring the city, many residents prefer biking over driving, reinforcing Portland’s reputation as an eco-conscious city.
7. Voodoo Doughnut Helped Start the Gourmet Doughnut Trend
Before gourmet doughnuts became a nationwide trend, Portland’s own Voodoo Doughnut was revolutionizing the industry with its quirky flavors and offbeat charm. Opened in 2003, the shop became famous for its over-the-top creations like the Bacon Maple Bar, the Grape Ape, and the Voodoo Doll doughnut (complete with a pretzel stake). The shop’s popularity skyrocketed after being featured on national food shows, helping put Portland’s food scene on the map. Today, lines still wrap around the block as visitors wait to get a taste of these iconic treats.
8. The Simpsons Has Strong Portland Ties
Fans of The Simpsons may be surprised to learn that many of the show’s characters were named after Portland streets. Matt Groening, the show’s creator, grew up in Portland and based much of his fictional Springfield on his hometown. Streets like Flanders, Lovejoy, and Quimby were all borrowed for character names, while the mischievous Bart was reportedly inspired by Groening’s own childhood antics. Portland even has a life-size Ned Flanders statue, proving that the city fully embraces its connection to the longest-running animated show in history.
Explore Portland Real Estate with David Merrick
From underground tunnels to quirky parks, Portland is full of surprises. Whether you’re a longtime resident or considering a move to the city, these fun facts about Portland highlight what makes it such a unique place to live.
If you’re thinking about moving to Portland, working with a knowledgeable real estate professional can help you find the perfect neighborhood to call home. David Merrick specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate the Portland market with confidence. Contact David today to explore listings and learn more about what makes living in Portland so special.