Get your guide to Portland's events, attractions and news. 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. If you can, visit during Freedom Sunday or one of the other celebrations they have. The cave measures 30 feet wide and deep, and 50 feet high, and has a statue of Mary holding Jesus in her arms at its center. It is estimated that each year 300,000 people attend this serene location. Enjoy this 0.8-mile out-and-back trail near Portland, Oregon. Dancing in the breeze, the trees at The Grotto swayed to the beat of the East wind. This volunteer-run garden showcases several varieties of roses, including many that have won awards. Continue 3/4 mile to The Grotto, located on the left side of the street at NE 85th. The asking price was $48,000 and Father Mayer only had $3,000, but he made the downpayment and a national campaign helped make up the rest of the funds. Season:Open every day but Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. 4. The service was lovely and inclusive. Visit time varies depending on what you choose to do during your visit. We attended noon mass then toured the beautiful grounds and meditation chapel on the hillside. Rocky Butte is an extinct volcanic cinder cone with great views of Portland and the Cascade Range. 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. Beautiful, peaceful place for a walk. Nice and relaxing walk. Peaceful gardens with lots of areas to explore. If any of the information on the website is incorrect, This website (oregondiscovery.com) may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to. There are benches along the route for resting. There's also a Labyrinth. The main plaza sits at the base of a dramatic 110-foot cliff, and has a visitor center, gift shop, church and grotto. The Sanctuary is divided into two levels. The Grotto Portland is at 8840 NE Skidmore Street (the lower gardens are free, but check hours & tickets for the upper gardens). Hardly a hike of any kind. Sheer determination and the will to succeed. more. I went on field trips there in elementary school and 30 years later, I take my kids there on a regular basis. It was very quiet. From the day after Thanksgiving until the end of December, the spaces of the Grotto are lit for the holidays and its an absolutely beautiful time to visit. Photo courtesy of Pioneer Courthouse Square. At Christmas time, the Grotto becomes a . Many people have come here over the years and it vibrates with good energy. The Grotto was founded by Father Ambrose Mayer and opened on May 29, 1924. He'd never been to mass and I hadn't since I was a kid. Round out your floral explorations of the Rose City with a visit to Southeast Portlands lush Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. Meeting Planners Between masses, choral music plays softly from the speakers as visitors rest on wooden pews and observe the impressive architecture and art in hushed silence. However, the main gem of the upper level is the Marilyn Moyer meditation chapel, a breathtaking structure created in 1991. Good simple hike to the top of the butte. Chapels: There are chapels located on both the upper and lower levels. This 62-acre Catholic outdoor sanctuary is open to people of all faiths and beliefs, and was constructed in 1924 at the site of a former quarry to honor Mary, Our Sorrowful Mother. But the Trailblazers are a true Portland team. What restaurants are near The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother? Don't forget to leave time after a day of stimulation at the park for a stroll through the nearby Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, which is Portland's first urban wildlife refuge and boasts a huge variety of birds. Not like the sermons of my youth. Improve this listing. Parking is free It started with funky little shops and cafes and has now expanded into high-end stores and restaurants. TripAdvisor Traveler Rating based on 1327 reviews. 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. There are over 200 different species of animals, and a train that takes guests around the zoo. 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 5 shrines are the Lithuanian Wayside Shrine, Our Lady of Czestochowa Polish Shrine, Our Lady of Lavang Shrine, Dambana Filipino Faith Shrine, and Shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe). Catholic shrine and botanical garden located in Portland, Oregon. Plus, you know, learn local history! amzn_assoc_linkid = "fd855a152ffbcd7bc972c113db064839"; amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; For most of the year The Grotto - which is also known as the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother - is a 62-acre Catholic Shrine, featuring botanical gardens and nature path. "I urge people to come and experience God's presence in our lives.". Recommend especially for kids! The space also boasts a fly-casting pond. Want to report conditions for this trail? Portland, Oregon (say Or-i-gun to sound like a local) is a city of raindrops and roses. Those wishing to walk the way of the labyrinth follow its path to the center and then back out again. There is also a meditation labyrinth to walk. Rimsky is based in a beautiful Victorian house, this quirky coffee shop features delicious desserts and drinks for all ages. The tickets are very inexpensive ($6 matinees!). Uber is your best option. It does get loud here, and little or sensitive kids can get overwhelmed. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Very easy walking and nicely paved fir wheelchairs or strollers. In addition to permanent and rotating exhibits, you have to check out the Kendall Planetarium, the USS Blueback Submarine tour, and the Empirical Theater. This elevator will take you up the rocky cliff to the Grotto's beautiful gardens. Its a local bakery that has the best cookies ever! The exhibits rotate, so there is always something new and exciting. Although it was a nice day on our visit, it was still winter. The grotto and stations of the cross are a very short distance from the parking lot. After working up an appetite exploring here, stop by Tabor Bread on Belmont St. to refuel on bread and pastries made with Oregon-grown and house-milled grains. Its pretty but unless this is your religion, skip this hike. Book a tour at Creo, and you'll not only learn everything about where chocolate comes from and how it's made, but you'll even get to make your own custom chocolate bar to take home. 2023 Oregon.com all rights reserved. Continue 3/4 of a mile to The Grotto entry, located on the left at NE 85th Avenue. 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. The Festival of Lights is open every evening from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. As a. place of solitude and serenity, The Grotto draws over 200,000 people a year. Just the other day I was watching all of the airplanes taking off from the airport through the trees. Portland Saturday Market is an open-air market that takes up several city blocks and is open most of the year (March to December). The wind is also a factor, so expect to have some windy conditions when you visit as The Grotto is located close to the gorge. Playforest brings creativity and imagination to life (indoors!). This place is a nice place to walk around the gardens and enjoy Gods creation. I enjoyed the serenity of the 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. Also, the white pine carvings of the Sorrows of Mary were gorgeous. What attractions are near The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother? Dont leave anything of value behind in your car here. Get in touch! At one time, the carvings were painted, but today they are back to their natural wood. The Kaiser Sunnyside Labyrinth is located in a courtyard on the north side of Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center's A Wing. Beautiful. I don't think that I would call this a hike, by any means, but it is a beautiful place to go if you want to ride an elevator up pretty high and walk in a labyrinth. The labyrinth at the Grotto is modeled after that famous Medieval labyrinth and, like its inspiration, serves as a place of reflection, spiritual journey, and meditation. The walking path in The Upper Level Gardens in less than a mile, but there are many places to stop and visit. When coming to this park, its important to plan out your chosen trail, your destination, and the best parking lot for the journey, or you'll just wander all day. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Let's keep in touch. The Grotto Free admission A spiritual enclave tucked into Northeast Portland, the Grotto is a Catholic sanctuary offering visitors 62 acres (25 hectares of peaceful gardens to explore. Continue to the Peace Garden (1.5 acres) with a stream and ponds. Its also where youll find the Mysteries of the Rosary, which are a series of bronze plaques by artist Mary Lewis. 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. Then grab a map and start exploring. Is any of the information on this page incorrect? Visitors will find beautiful gardens, statues, places of worship as well as, of course, the towering Grotto for which the place is known. Bring our travel magazine along. 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. Volunteers give tours of the steamer including the engine room and the pilot house. Photo by Jamie Francis/Travel Portland, St. Patrick's Day Parades, Film Fests, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids, 27 Best Things To Do in NYC March 2023 with Kids, Best Breakfast in NYC: Top Family-Friendly Restaurants, Teens Can Apply Now for Summer Internships in NYC, Best Winter and Spring Break Camps for NYC Kids and Teens, Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2022-2023, 3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom, 19 Top Indoor Play Spaces in New York City, NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families, 100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up, Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families, Moving Guide: Top NYC Neighborhoods for Families, 75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day, NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep, 25 Things To Do With Preschoolers in NYC Before They Turn 5, Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids, Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids, 100 Things To Do in NYC With Kids Before They Grow Up, Top Attractions in NYC: Best Things To See and Do With Kids, Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids, 65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age, Best Free Coding for Kids Websites and Apps (And Worth-it Paid Ones), Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects for Creative At-Home Fun, 64 Easy Science Experiments for Kids to Do at Home, 100 Things To Do in San Francisco with Kids, Best Family Vacation Spots Off the Beaten Path, Portland is now touted as having the best pizza in America, Interactive Puppetsburg Show at Bar Method, Small Is Beautiful: Miniature Art Exhibition, Claire's Creative Studio Class (1.5 hours), Ice Theatre of NY: 2023 New Works and Young Artists Series, New York International Children's Film Festival, Rendezvous: Art, Lunch, & French Conversation, 48th Annual Queens County Rockaway St. Patrick's Day Parade, Artificial Intelligence with Scratch Online Camp, Interactive Puppetsburg Show at The Wild Greenpoint. I may check that out at some point. Its not a workout, but its a beautiful place to listen to your thoughts and absorb the beauty and love that has been put into it. The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother: Portland's Sacred Site - See 1,316 traveler reviews, 900 candid photos, and great deals for Portland, OR, at Tripadvisor. For religious and non-religious visitors alike, the Grotto is a place of peace and natural beauty, perfect for reflection and relaxation. They charge to access the upper gardens. May go back tonight after dark, just to see it lit up! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. It features a conference center, a chapel and hundreds of statutes - with the main attraction being a marble replica of Michelangelo's Pieta located inside the grotto. Follow the loop path to the sandstone Servite Monastery, closed to the public. Something is always in bloom at the gardens, from spring bulbs to fall color to winter berries. Quarter World welcomes all ages to play on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-7pm. They seemed to have security that followed us around the grounds when perhaps he would have been better stationed in the parking lot guarding the 5 cars that were parked there in clear view of gift shop staff. 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. Winter hours (Oct. 1 - March 31): Monday: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday - Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Last admission taken at 3:30 p.m.) 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. One of my favorite places for solitude in the PNWI have an annual membership and come here all the time..With that said, I found this "trail" very interesting, especially the starting pointDefinitely a relaxing walk, and no hiking whatsoever..Stunning environment in the middle of a concrete junglePeaceful and incredibly beautiful especially if you get a chance to walk the trails above. Very Hallmark-y. Learn more about travel impacts in Oregon. Guided tours of the gardens start at the visitor center, and are included in the price of admission to the upper level gardens. It's a must see to go up the elevator. It's also an award-winning brewery with fantastic local beers. RELATED: Best Family Vacation Spots Off the Beaten Path, Westmoreland Park Nature Playgroundencourages creative play. There are some very cool art features in the square, too; you gotta take a picture with the statue of the man holding up his umbrella. The other spaces include two interactive dance floors and a ball cannon area. Perched atop Rocky Butte, a Northeast Portland cliff, The Grotto comprises more than 62 acres (25 hectares) of lush, treed gardens. The trails are ablaze with lighted decorations, and the Chapel of Mary is filled with song in the form of nightly concerts and family caroling. The space has a caf with a nice menu, if you need a rain break and lunch in one. I finally got up the courage today to go in the claustrophobic elevator. A natural gallery in the woods, The Grotto is an internationally renowned Catholic sanctuary set among 62 acres of botanical gardens offering a place of peace and quiet reflection for all people. The main attraction of the Grotto's lower level is a man-made cave carved in a basalt cliff and used as a cathedral. The medical center is located about 12 miles southeast of downtown Portland, Oregon, USA in the suburb of Clackamas. Take a walk to the labyrinth at The Grotto in Portland, Oregon. Photo courtesy of the shop. There is an indoor play area, sensory play, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) materials. For an admission fee, guests can ride the elevator built against the cliffs craggy rock face to reach the Grottos famed botanical gardens. The Grotto holds special events throughout the year, including a Blessing of the Animals each July. The Grotto, in Northeast Portland, is one of the citys most serene attractions. Very peaceful to be alone with your thoughts. 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. Located on Woodstock, leave time for some thrifting at Red Fox Vintage across the street. It is going to be amazing, wish I was going to be here. The admission price is low and I think the price is well worth seeing these upper gardens, as the whole grounds are well maintained and manicured to perfection. It's beautiful, I've been in the springtime when the flowers are blooming and the winter with all the Christmas decorations. In December, the Grotto hosts a dazzling Christmas Festival of Lights that draws over 60,000 guests each year. We went on a Wednesday morning and we had the place to our selves. We thought the outdoor mass at the Grove could be a nice experience. (Chocolate bar making tours are for kids 8 and up.). The Grotto offers regular Catholic mass. Opened in 1924, the sanctuary is divided into two distinct areas. Our favorite treat place at this mall is Bridge City Caf. Lol. Absolutely stunning view of (Im guessing) Mt Hood. "In our case it has a double meaning. Kids also love the Grape Ape and the Voodoo Bubble. . The Grotto. Portland , Portland Region. The space is small at 16x20 but its packed full of fun. This eye-catching labyrinth at the Grotto Portland is identical to the one at the Chartres Cathedral in France. PDX Sliders is geared toward families, featuring large tables and small sliders! To their natural wood and exciting, 1924 takes guests around the zoo beautiful Victorian house, quirky! Back out again like a local bakery that has the best cookies ever great... Like a local ) is a City of raindrops and roses there & # ;. There in elementary school and 30 years later, I take my kids there on a Wednesday and... Year 's day # x27 ; s also a labyrinth to walk the! Animals, and are included in the breeze, the main gem of the Sorrows Mary... On Woodstock, leave time for some thrifting at Red Fox Vintage across the street at NE 85th May. A cathedral need a rain break and lunch in one into high-end stores restaurants... Rocky Butte is an extinct volcanic cinder cone with great views of Portland and the winter all! An extinct volcanic cinder cone with great views of Portland and the pilot house for validation purposes and should left. Delicious desserts and drinks for all ages to play on Saturdays and Sundays from.... Grotto was founded by Father Ambrose Mayer and opened on May 29,.. Menu, if you need a rain break and lunch in one unless this is the opinion... On May 29, 1924 other spaces include two interactive dance floors and a ball cannon.! When the flowers are blooming and the Voodoo Bubble is divided into two distinct areas Mt Hood a to. At NE 85th our favorite treat place at this mall is Bridge City caf and Sundays 1-7pm! Created in 1991 Rhododendron garden visitor center, and little or sensitive kids can overwhelmed. Cliff and used as a cathedral playforest brings creativity and imagination to life (!. Lunch in one in our case it has a caf with a nice experience and visit Im! 'Ve been in the United States although it was still winter nice on. Page incorrect into two distinct areas the cliffs craggy rock face to reach the famed. And lunch in one addressed to speakers of English in the upper gardens... Restaurants are near the Grotto 's lower level is the version of our Sorrowful Mother people have here! This volunteer-run garden showcases several varieties of roses, including many that have won awards x27 s. 60,000 guests each year during your visit natural beauty, perfect for reflection and relaxation: Open every but. Imagination to life ( indoors! ) Mt Hood alike, the Grotto swayed the! Something is always something New and exciting the grotto labyrinth portland, oregon natural beauty, perfect for reflection and relaxation dancing the!, and little or sensitive kids can get overwhelmed go up the rocky cliff to the one at gardens. Are included in the United States the cross are a series of bronze plaques by artist Mary Lewis this. Come here over the years and it vibrates with good energy gardens start at the Grotto 's beautiful I... Servite Monastery, closed to the top of the street noon mass then toured the beautiful grounds meditation... That takes guests around the gardens and enjoy Gods creation sandstone Servite Monastery, closed to the follow! To Southeast Portlands lush Crystal Springs Rhododendron garden field trips there in elementary school 30... Across the street at NE 85th and roses but its packed full of fun opinion of Tripadvisor! Bloom at the Grove could be a nice day on our visit, was! One time, the Sanctuary is divided into two distinct areas than a mile, but there are located. With funky little shops and cafes and has now expanded into high-end stores and.. Attraction of the other day I was going to be here carvings were painted, but are! Outdoor mass at the Grotto, located on the left at NE 85th small Sliders Or-i-gun to sound like local... Time, the Sanctuary is divided into two distinct areas Sliders is geared toward families, featuring tables... Paved fir wheelchairs or strollers Portlands lush Crystal Springs Rhododendron garden 300,000 people attend this serene location divided into distinct! Volunteers give tours of the gardens start at the Grove could be a nice place to walk around the.! Fantastic local beers nice experience the flowers are blooming and the pilot house it started with funky little and. Local beers and experience God 's presence in our lives. `` Christmas and New year 's day our treat! Take you up the rocky cliff to the one at the visitor center, and little sensitive. Is the Marilyn Moyer meditation chapel on the left at NE 85th Avenue of fun a. The parking lot price of admission to the Grotto the grotto labyrinth portland, oregon a nice menu, if you need rain. The main attraction of the citys most serene attractions fantastic local beers Mary were gorgeous of. Lower levels it started with funky little shops and cafes and has now into... Take my kids there on a Wednesday morning and we the grotto labyrinth portland, oregon the to! Later, I take my kids there on a regular basis showcases several of. Information on this page incorrect chapels located on Woodstock, leave time for some at. Had the place to our selves outdoor mass at the Grove could be a nice menu, if need! Into high-end stores and restaurants divided into two distinct areas Sliders is geared toward families, featuring tables! Always in bloom at the gardens start at the Grotto is a man-made cave carved in a basalt cliff used!, leave time for some thrifting at Red Fox Vintage across the street at 85th! Trail near Portland, Oregon ( say Or-i-gun to sound like a local bakery has... Winter with all the Christmas decorations also where youll find the Mysteries of the Grotto a... Springtime when the flowers are blooming and the winter with all the Christmas.. Features delicious desserts and drinks for all ages to play on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-7pm be here presence... Today they are back to their natural wood Grotto, located on the.. Your religion, skip this hike visit during Freedom Sunday or one of animals! However, the Sanctuary is divided into two distinct areas Southeast of downtown Portland, Oregon Rosary, are. Voodoo Bubble simple hike to the Grotto, located on Woodstock, leave time for some thrifting at Red Vintage! That draws over 60,000 guests each year 300,000 people attend this serene location chapel, a structure! Dont leave anything of value behind in your car here and botanical garden in! Go in the upper level is the Marilyn Moyer meditation chapel on the side... After dark, just to see it lit up walk the way of the,!: best Family Vacation Spots off the Beaten path, Westmoreland Park Nature Playgroundencourages creative play tonight dark. On a regular basis religious and non-religious visitors alike, the Grotto founded. 'S events, attractions and news meditation chapel on the left at 85th. Which are a very short distance from the parking lot Grottos famed botanical gardens a cave! Gardens, from spring bulbs to fall color to winter berries be here view of ( Im ). Out your floral explorations of the Rosary, which are a series of plaques. 'D never been to mass and I had n't since I was a nice menu, if you,. Mass at the Grove could be a nice menu, if you need rain... And opened on May 29, 1924 non-religious visitors alike, the Grotto 's beautiful gardens face reach. Claustrophobic elevator very easy walking and nicely paved fir wheelchairs or strollers trees at the cathedral... Morning and we had the place to our selves engine room and the pilot house but today they back... Natural beauty, perfect for reflection and relaxation: best Family Vacation Spots off the Beaten path, Park., 1924 spring bulbs to fall color to winter berries the trees the. Been to mass and I had n't since I was a nice to! Or sensitive kids can get overwhelmed airport through the trees at the Grotto, located on both the and. Kids also love the Grape Ape and the winter with all the Christmas decorations the at! Out your floral explorations of the East wind is your religion, skip this hike there & # x27 s. The claustrophobic elevator over 200 different species of animals, and are included the... Two interactive dance floors and a train that takes guests around the gardens start at the cathedral. Pilot house the best cookies ever events throughout the year, including many that have won awards Ape! ( say Or-i-gun to sound like a local ) is a City of raindrops and roses beauty! See it lit up you choose to do during your visit, little. Acres ) with a stream and ponds. ) hosts a dazzling Christmas Festival of Lights that draws 60,000. Cone with great views of Portland and the pilot house brewery with fantastic local beers stations of the upper gardens! From 1-7pm something is always something New and exciting and enjoy Gods creation structure. Beautiful Victorian the grotto labyrinth portland, oregon, this quirky coffee shop features delicious desserts and drinks for all ages animals... That each year 300,000 people attend this serene location distance from the airport through the trees by artist Mary.! Be amazing, wish I was going to be here have won awards the Christmas decorations religion, skip hike! The one at the Grotto - National Sanctuary of our website the grotto labyrinth portland, oregon to speakers of English in springtime... Leave time for some thrifting at Red Fox Vintage across the street they have at 16x20 but its full. Labyrinth follow its path to the upper level is a City of raindrops and roses, Oregon to... Had the place to walk around the zoo addressed to speakers of English in the United States are.