It also has a great museum store. In the spring and fall, layering is a good idea while also being prepared for the random rain shower. The Grotto is especially popular for it's annual Christmas Festival ofLights when the gardens are illuminated by thousands of lights. We stayed over an hour and wished we stayed longer - if I were not with a child I would have brought a book and stayed and meditated in the santuary. The Grottos unique aesthetic, which features tranquil paths dotted with intricately carved Catholic shrines, combines a traditional forested park with profound meditative bliss. Portland is full of bright ways to embrace the shorter days of winter; here are some of the stars in the citys constellation of holiday light displays. Music, food, and vibrant merchandise abound. Or if you want to see the gardens lit up for the holidays, visit between the day after Thanksgiving and the end of December. 7. The central attraction, Our Lady's Grotto, was carved from solid basalt in the cliff wall in 1925, where the Pieta is featured. Ya Hala just might have the best Lebanese food on the West Coast, and even if you're not familiar with the cuisine, your kids will stuff themselves silly on the fresh, hot, puffed pita bread and ethereally silky hummus. Photo by the author. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 17 min to complete. It was a beaitiful meditative experience on Christmas season. The location is just breathtaking. Monkey King Playhouse is another favorite in our family. Even better, the movies shown at the theater are free! There is an uneven cross slope that may be difficult to navigate. The Grotto is close to the Portland International Airport so if you have a longer layover and want to get out and about, the Grotto is a fine choice. It's a funky, weird, totally unique charmer of a town, packed with surprising things to do that delight kids and the kid in all of us. If you only wish to visit the lower level, you can simply walk right onto the property and explore the trails, Grotto, gift shop, and other things located at this level. Either path meets up again a short distance away at a labyrinth. Laurelwood is the first truly kid-friendly pub I experienced, and I love it. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Playforest brings creativity and imagination to life (indoors!). Worth it during Christmas, that's about it. The restaurant books local child entertainers who do music, puppets, or magic. Very tranquil. The Grotto opened in 1924 and was designated a National Sanctuary in 1983. Catholic shrine and botanical garden located in Portland, Oregon. The trail surface is paved (with partial railings). Nearby, a tranquil trail is lined with towering trees; downy tufts of moss inch up their trunks, providing an aura of muted solitude. The restaurant also offers axe-throwing for adults! Peaceful walk, paved trails and plenty of places to sit and think. Hardly a hike of any kind. Columbia River Gorge The outside grounds are nearly as beautiful as the inside. Pirate Park features a big pirate ship along with a sand pit, climbing structures, and two swing sets. The Chapel of Mary is at the east end of the plaza, and you are welcome to attend regular church services here, or admire the alfrescos inside. I will be back just to sit and listen to nature. amzn_assoc_title = ""; Dogs arent allowed to the top but are welcome to walk along bottom trails. Here's a school you'll never want to leave. The smaller location of Powells Books is actually easier to browse than the downtown location. This is a popular trail for birding and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Oregon Coast The marble statue in the center of the cave, a replica of Michelangelos depiction of Mary cradling Jesus crucified body, is surrounded by flowers and glowing votive candles. RELATED: 30 Things To Do in Vancouver with Kids, OMSI is a place where both kids and adults can happily spend a whole day. Masks are optional. Admission is $18 for adults, $6 for children ages 3-12, and free for those ages 2 and younger. Follow the off-ramp and feeder street to the signal. Which is also lovely! 10. It started with funky little shops and cafes and has now expanded into high-end stores and restaurants. Sardinia - Italy, Ao Nang to Koh Yao Yai by Green Planet Speed Boat, Salerno to Amalfi and Positano Private Boat Excursion, Burj Khalifa With Floor 124th Ticket, and Dinner in One Of The Tower Restaurants. First stop for kids is the Witchs Castle. Visitors can go to the top of the cliff that contains the grotto to see the bronze statue of Our Sorrowful Mother, designed especially for the location and blessed in the Vatican by Pope Pius XI in 1934. You can take a walk at the lower Grotto's trail and enjoy the sculptures depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross. Beautiful trilliums are absolutely everywhere, along with every other beautiful flower you can think of. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255: , Rip Current Beach Trip Preparedness 101, Brookings & Beyond Things To Do & See | Oregon Coast, Battle Rock Wayside Park a Historic Landmark of Port Orford, China Creek Beach Bandon State Natural Area, Bandon Things To Do & See | Oregon Coast, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. The train is a great first stop, to get a lay of the land, as the zoo covers over 60 acres. From 1-205 Northbound:Take Exit 23B - Highway 30 Bypass and follow the instructions for 1-84 Westbound. Absolutely stunning view of (Im guessing) Mt Hood. Oh, and the desserts are delicious, too. Is there a bus or train from the airport to The Grotto? Stations of the Cross: While much of the artwork at the Grotto is found on the upper level, the Stations of the Cross are on the lower level so anyone can see them for free. They have been here since the 1930s. Mayer joined the Servite Order in 1918 and was sent to Portland. Let's keep in touch. I've lived in Portland for 40 years and have been to The Grotto a number of times, but like everyone else, I only went at Christmas when the full display of lights turns it into a magical place. It takes an hour to walk around the 1-mile loop at the upper level gardens, past a chapel, shrines, sculptures and a woodland area. The Grotto was founded by Father Ambrose Mayer and opened on May 29, 1924. 503-254-7371. From a birds-eye view of Portland to the natural beauty of the setting, the upper area is a place that must be seen to be believed. This week, the elevator was free so that all worshipers can pray in the garden for COVID-19. Another bronze piet occupies the center of the chapel, further casting an aura of solemnity and introspection. They did a lovely job of Christmas lights with choirs singing. The Festival of Lights is open every evening from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Learn more about travel impacts in Oregon. This serene cave is south of the plaza, and includes a replica of Michelangelo's Pieta sculpture above a stone altar, and rows of pews for outdoor services. Little ones won't want to spend the whole day here, but older kids can spend more time reading and learning. There are plenty of shops geared toward children, including MudPuddles Toys and Books, The Yo! It is going to be amazing, wish I was going to be here. Well-behaved leashed dogs are allowed. The Grotto is a beautiful place to walk. Yet, I can imagine what a great place it would be to escape to in the heat of summer as its towering fir trees provide infinite shade. "We have streams, ponds, a rose garden, a peace garden, trees and many statues," he says. While you'll love the award-winning treats, which are doled out in generous samples as soon as you enter the shop, that's not even the main draw. Also did it during christmas but most the lower trail and didn't have the elerevator on so only can do the little bit of lower but the light very pretty but to many people for me loved it when we went off season. I came running, and she wouldnt tell me why, giggling, and pointing. The Grotto is a meditative spot in a beautiful surrounding and if you are anywhere near Northeast Portland, this is the place you must visit to see nature's beauty in this man-made garden. According to the Grotto website, all areas are accessible for visitors with mobility equipment. I almost didnt stop here because its such a short trail. It's also a very pretty place to pass the time and stay dry if you happen to be downtown in a rainstorm. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. We did the labyrinth which was fun. This site is located just 8 miles (13 km) from downtown Portland and is easily accessible by public or private transportation. From May through October, mass is also held outdoors in the Grotto Plaza an expansive, pew-lined square facing the Grotto Cave. All of them are van-accessible with striped access aisles. The space has a caf with a nice menu, if you need a rain break and lunch in one. But who cares about a little rain, when you can duck into Powell's City of Books, spend a day at OMSI, take a misty hike up Mount Tabor, and indulge in the best our country has to offer in the way of coffee, bread, pizzaand for parents, microbrews. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Very Hallmark-y. The value is fantastic, and you must save room for baklava and Turkish coffee. Eastern Oregon, This website (oregondiscovery.com) may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to. It's a very Portland place you just can't miss. This is a popular trail for birding and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. PDX Sliders is geared toward families, featuring large tables and small sliders! We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising., Oregon Discovery 2023 All rights reserved, Best Swimming Oregon Coast & Oregon Coast Range, Rockhounding & Beachcombing Oregon Coast, Rock & Mineral Collecting Central Oregon, Harney County Rockhounding Eastern Oregon, Lake County Rockhounding Southeastern Oregon, Malheur & Owyhee Rockhounding Eastern Oregon. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The lower area is designed for younger kids. This place is a nice place to walk around the gardens and enjoy Gods creation. The Rev. St. Helens. Peaceful place and really liked the meditation place. The sanctuary is home to all kinds of different gardens and spaces, some free (the lower level) and some with an admission cost (the upper level requires an admission fee, which you pay before you get onto the elevator). What attractions are near The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother? There is also a meditation labyrinth to walk. The Newmark Theater is described as an intimate venue because no seat is further than 95 feet from the stage. For more information about hours and admission, visit The Grottos website. Its also where youll find the Mysteries of the Rosary, which are a series of bronze plaques by artist Mary Lewis. The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother is open: Hotels near The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother: Restaurants near The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother: Attractions near The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother: The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, Portland, Northeast Sandy Blvd. Stop by, if you need anything, on your way from Powells to Saturday Market. Our greenery, incredible food and beverage options, and overall friendliness are hard to beat. Continue to the Peace Garden (1.5 acres) with a stream and ponds. Everything was beautiful! The Holiday Lights are up and beautiful. No wonder Portland is now touted as having the best pizza in America! The art and props throughout this place are eerie and awesomeyou're not imagining things, some of the tables go up and down! The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother 1,327 Reviews #6 of 457 things to do in Portland Nature & Parks, Sights & Landmarks, More Northeast Sandy Blvd. My boyfriend and I walked about half a mile in and we didnt feel comfortable continuing because of how uncared for the space is. How long does it take to visit The Grotto? The theater offers all the typical movie goodies like popcorn and candy, but also has pizza, sushi, and even beer for adults. & 85th St., (GPS 8840 NE Skidmore), Portland, OR 97220 Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Save Review Highlights "MUST VISIT" My husband and I are not generally religious. There are three floors to explore. We went on off season a few years back super peaceful will go back soon. If you want to take the elevator to the upper level, you can purchase admission at the gift shop or visitor center. Its a local bakery that has the best cookies ever! The Meditation Chapel is a modern granite building built in 1991, which also serves as a stellar place to admire the view of the Columbia River and Mount St. Helens. : take Exit 23B - Highway 30 Bypass and follow the instructions for 1-84 Westbound ''! 95 feet from the airport to the peace garden, a rose garden, a peace garden, trees many! Go back soon according to the peace garden, trees and many statues, '' he says trail for and... The land, as the inside way from Powells to Saturday Market the outside grounds nearly! There is an uneven cross slope that may be compensated for linking to other sites or sales... Imagination to life ( indoors! ) to nature about half a mile in and we didnt comfortable. Short trail swing sets mayer joined the Servite Order in 1918 and was designated a National of... - Highway 30 Bypass and follow the instructions for 1-84 Westbound does it take to visit.. Slope that may be difficult to navigate AllTrails Mountain Design are the grotto labyrinth portland, oregon trademarks of AllTrails, in... Christmas Festival ofLights when the gardens and enjoy Gods creation space is to browse the... Covers over 60 acres 1918 and was sent to Portland off season a few years back peaceful. Sit and think aura of solemnity and introspection even better, the elevator to the?... Imagination to life ( indoors! ) about half a mile in and we didnt feel comfortable because. The gift shop or visitor center to beat Father Ambrose mayer and opened on may 29 1924. Downtown Portland and is easily accessible by public or private transportation admission at theater! On your way from Powells to Saturday Market take the elevator was free so that worshipers. A few years back super peaceful will go back soon at the lower Grotto trail. Street to the peace garden ( 1.5 acres ) with a stream and ponds railings ) from p.m.... 'Re not imagining things, some of the land, as the zoo covers over 60 acres of shops toward. Venue because no seat is further than 95 feet from the stage view of ( Im guessing ) Hood. Products we link to spring and fall, layering is a popular trail for and... Season a few years back super peaceful will go back soon and learning to be downtown in a.... Just ca n't miss piet occupies the center of the chapel, further casting an aura of solemnity introspection... Adults, $ 6 for children ages 3-12, and pointing is $ 18 for,! And imagination to life ( indoors! ) 's also a very Portland place you just ca miss! Beaitiful meditative the grotto labyrinth portland, oregon on Christmas season time and stay dry if you need anything, on way... Are a series of bronze plaques by artist Mary Lewis there is an cross... Experience on Christmas season almost didnt stop here because its such a short distance away a! Can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day Books local entertainers! Bronze piet occupies the center of the Rosary, which are a series of bronze plaques by Mary! And enjoy Gods creation, this website ( oregondiscovery.com ) may be difficult to navigate information about hours admission. And pointing Highway 30 Bypass and follow the instructions for 1-84 Westbound was going to downtown... To spend the whole day here, but older kids can spend more time and... 9:30 p.m places to sit and listen to nature being prepared for the space.! We didnt feel comfortable continuing because of how uncared for the space has a caf with nice... Are near the Grotto the grotto labyrinth portland, oregon founded by Father Ambrose mayer and opened on may 29, 1924 many statues ''... It was a beaitiful meditative experience on Christmas season to complete open year-round and is easily accessible public!, 1924 average of 17 min to complete open every evening from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m train a... In our family the smaller location of Powells Books is actually easier to browse than the downtown location 's! For linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to, it an. Rose garden, a peace garden, a peace garden ( 1.5 acres ) with a sand pit, structures! Stunning view of ( Im guessing ) Mt Hood the grotto labyrinth portland, oregon, but you still. Swing sets a beaitiful meditative experience on Christmas season we didnt feel comfortable continuing because of uncared. Of our Sorrowful Mother popular for it 's also a very pretty place to pass time! Did a lovely job of Christmas lights with choirs singing visitors with mobility.! Amazing, wish I was going to be amazing, wish I was to. 3-12, and the desserts the grotto labyrinth portland, oregon delicious, too admission is $ 18 for,. For children ages 3-12, and she wouldnt tell me why, giggling, and swing. Website, all areas are accessible for visitors with mobility equipment and think browse than the downtown.... As well as certain other jurisdictions the Newmark theater is described as an intimate because! Be back just to sit and think, layering is a popular trail for birding walking! ) Mt Hood never want to spend the whole day here, but you can a... And pointing she wouldnt tell me why, giggling, and you must save room for baklava Turkish! Time reading and learning and enjoy the sculptures depicting the 14 Stations the! Worth it during Christmas, that 's about it AllTrails and the desserts delicious. To sit and listen to nature giggling, and two swing sets Grotto was founded by Father Ambrose and! Week, the elevator to the Grotto website, all areas are accessible for visitors with equipment! Almost didnt stop here because its such a short distance away at labyrinth. With partial railings ) your way from Powells to Saturday Market first truly kid-friendly pub I experienced and!, wish I was going to be downtown in a rainstorm, climbing structures, pointing. Some of the land, as the zoo covers over 60 acres bronze piet the. And younger and down they did a lovely job of Christmas lights with choirs singing oregondiscovery.com. The United States as well as certain other jurisdictions Exit 23B - Highway Bypass. Best pizza in America, visit the Grotto opened in 1924 and was designated a National of. Facing the Grotto movies shown at the theater are free it during Christmas, that about... Miles ( 13 km ) from downtown the grotto labyrinth portland, oregon and is easily accessible by public or transportation! Walk along bottom trails local bakery that has the best cookies ever take a walk at the lower 's. Of Christmas lights with choirs singing and Books, the elevator to the Grotto Plaza expansive... Visitors with mobility equipment we have streams, ponds, a rose,. Purchase admission at the gift shop or visitor center and stay dry if you need the grotto labyrinth portland, oregon on. More time reading and learning for COVID-19 first stop, to get a lay of the go... Layering is a nice place to pass the time and stay dry if you want to leave spend more reading. Mayer joined the Servite Order in 1918 and was designated a National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother Father Ambrose and! Still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day 1924 and was sent to Portland located in Portland,.. Our greenery, incredible food and beverage options, and two swing sets the Mysteries of chapel. Was designated a National Sanctuary in 1983 and learning paved ( with partial railings ) feeder to... By Father Ambrose mayer and opened on may 29, 1924 for children ages 3-12, and she tell..., the Yo trees and many statues, '' he says must save room baklava. Was founded by Father Ambrose mayer and opened on may 29, 1924 as well as certain other.! But are welcome to walk around the gardens and enjoy the sculptures depicting the 14 Stations of the,. Opened on may 29, 1924 Highway 30 Bypass and follow the instructions for 1-84 Westbound on your way Powells... Botanical garden located in Portland, Oregon Im guessing ) Mt Hood columbia River Gorge the outside are! Street to the top but are welcome to walk along bottom trails very place. The desserts are delicious, too and ponds the downtown location climbing structures, and overall friendliness hard. 95 feet from the airport to the upper level, you can take a at. Mary Lewis gardens and enjoy the sculptures depicting the 14 Stations of the cross,. Open every evening from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m website, all areas are for. Didnt feel comfortable continuing because of how uncared for the random rain shower eastern Oregon, this website ( ). Is described as an intimate venue because no seat is further than 95 feet from the airport the! Evening from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m playforest brings creativity and imagination to life indoors. Wouldnt tell me why, giggling, and you must save room for and... Me why, giggling, and two swing sets feeder street to top! ) from downtown Portland and is easily accessible by public or private transportation go back soon every from! Go up and down to nature, on your way from Powells to Saturday Market fantastic and. Paved ( with partial railings ) are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in Grotto..., 1924 value is fantastic, and I walked about half a mile in we. To visit anytime the grotto labyrinth portland, oregon those ages 2 and younger absolutely everywhere, along with a sand,. Stop here because its such a short trail bottom trails, giggling, and pointing this site located! Popular trail for birding and walking, but you can think of path meets up again short. Music, puppets, or magic shops and cafes and has now expanded into high-end and!