The serene city is home to many weird and wonderful experiences.
It's no surprise that a city whose population proudly displays a bumper sticker proclaiming "Keep Portland Weird" would have many strange and unusual outlets for entertainment. If the Museum of Modern Art or the renowned Portland Rose Garden are too tame for your sight-seeing pleasure, don't worry. You will find plenty of weird things to do in the city of Portland, Oregon.
Visit the Shanghai Tunnels
A series of tunnels with a dark history lies beneath the streets of Portland's Chinatown and Old Town districts. For nearly 100 years, from 1850 to 1941, it was not unusual for sailors, loggers and other working men to disappear from Chinatown and Old Town saloons, to be dragged through the maze of underground tunnels and sold into slavery. The practice was referred to as "Shanghaiing" and modern day visitors to Portland can now tour these infamous tunnels and get a close look at the shadier side of Portland's history. Guided tours of the tunnel are offered every weekend by the Cascade Geographic Society.
Cascade Geographic Society
Portland, OR 97209
503-622-4798
shanghaitunnels.info
Play Vintage Video Games
The Ground Kontrol arcade is a must-see weird destination for travelers who enjoy playing video games from the 1980s and beyond. Packed with classic games like Pac-Man and Galaxian, Ground Kontrol also boasts the largest pinball room in the North West, according to the website Uniquely Portland.
Ground Kontrol
511 NW Couch St.
Portland, OR 97209
503-796-9364
groundkontrol.com
Shoot a Round of Mini-Golf
Miniature golf may not seem like that strange of an activity, but when you're playing in a pirate-themed, glow-in-the-dark course the game can get a little weird. This unusual miniature golf experience is provided by Portland's, Glowing Green Miniature Golf. The scary surprises and life-sized pirates are enhanced when you wear the 3D glasses provided by Glowing Greens. The course is open daily during the summer and welcomes large parties with reserved tee times.
Glowing Greens
509 SW Taylor St.
Portland, OR 97204-1208
503-222-5554
glowinggreens.com
Eat a Bacon Doughnut
Portland's Voodoo Doughnut restaurant is a local icon. Menu items include a "voodoo doll" doughnut oozing with raspberry jelly, a bacon maple bar and doughnuts topped with breakfast cereals, crushed cookies and even bubblegum. Some of the doughnuts are adult-themed and the ambiance at both Voodoo Doughnut locations is as interesting as the menu. Voodoo Doughnut is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you visit either location, you're sure to rub elbows with Portland regulars and tourists alike.
Voodoo Doughnut
22 SW 3rd Ave.
Portland, OR 97204
503-241-4704
1501 NE Davis St.
Portland, OR 97232
503-235-2666
voodoodoughnut.com
Tags: Voodoo Doughnut, Ground Kontrol, Cascade Geographic, Cascade Geographic Society, Chinatown Town, Doughnut Portland