Mill Ends Park

Mill Ends Park, located in downtown Portland, Oregon, holds the distinction of being one of the world's smallest parks. Situated in the median strip of SW Naito Parkway near SW Taylor Street, this tiny urban oasis measures just 2 feet (0.61 m) in diameter with a total area of 452 square inches (0.292 m²).

The park's history dates back to 1946 when Dick Fagan, a columnist for the Oregon Journal, noticed a hole in the concrete where a light pole was meant to be installed. Taking matters into his own hands, Fagan planted flowers in the hole and began writing about it in his column called "Mill Ends".

Over the years, Mill Ends Park has become a beloved Portland landmark. It was officially dedicated on St. Patrick's Day in 1948 and became a city park in 1976. The park's name comes from the column Fagan wrote, referring to the leftover pieces of wood at lumber mills.

Despite its small size, Mill Ends Park has been the site of various whimsical events and installations. These have included tiny decorations for holidays, a miniature swimming pool for butterflies, and even a small Ferris wheel. The park is maintained by Portland Parks & Recreation and has its own watering schedule.

In recent years, Mill Ends Park has undergone some changes due to urban development. In 2006 and again in 2021, the park was temporarily relocated during construction on Naito Parkway. It has since been returned to its original location, albeit six inches west of its previous spot.

While Mill Ends Park held the Guinness World Record for the smallest park from 1971 to early 2025, it recently lost this title to a smaller park in Nagaizumi, Japan. Nevertheless, it remains an iconic Portland attraction, embodying the city's quirky and creative spirit.