One of the best investments of time I made in Portland was at the International Rose Test Garden. It was a place I’d read about briefly online and one that was free of charge to visit. According to Travel Portland, It’s the oldest official continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States, and there are somewhere around 10,000 roses on site.
There’s something soothing about strolling through rose bushes full of vibrant flowers. It’s incredible that this garden is fee free because it’s a really stunning environment that you don’t always get to see. Apart from walking into a space filled with eye-popping colors, the roses smell beautiful, too.
You know that saying about stopping to smell the roses? I couldn’t help but literally do just that – multiple times – while I was there 😛
Oh y’know, just stopping to smell the roses 😛
This article on TIME says that the International Rose Test Garden came into being 100 years ago when someone convinced the local government to create a rose test garden during World War I to preserve species of European roses that might be destroyed by bombs.
The garden sees thousands of visitors from all over the world annually, according to Travel Portland. I was able to go there twice, and both times, there were dozens of people walking around. It’s a pretty romantic spot, but it’s fun to go even if you’re alone or if you’re with friends/family.
Peak viewing season is between May and September. If you’re in Portland during those months, you won’t regret going!
The International Rose Test Garden is located at:
400 SW Kingston Ave.
Portland, OR 97205
It’s also within walking distance to the Portland Japanese Garden, which is another cool place to check out in the city.
For more information on the International Rose Test Garden, click here.
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