Sprawling between the Columbia Gorge and Mount Hood, Gresham is an independent city and eastern suburb of Portland. It was incorporated in 1905 and served as an important agricultural area, with berries, grapes and vegetables all cultivated here. Today, Gresham is renowned for its public parks and scenic nature trails and is home to the Mount Hood Community College campus.
Things to do in Gresham
Take a step back in time at the Gresham History Museum, which occupies an ornately decorated Carnegie Library building that dates back to 1913. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it houses everyday artefacts and old photographs that illustrate the people, events and industries that have made Gresham what it is today.
On the southern edge of Gresham’s historic downtown area is Main City Park, where you’ll find children’s playgrounds, a skate park and a dog run. Within the park’s bounds is a small Japanese garden featuring a wooden pagoda and an enchanting bridge. For more recreational facilities, head to the Gradin Community Sports Park to play soccer, baseball or softball.
North-east of Gresham is the Mount Hood Community College, which operates a planetarium and sky theatre where you can learn about our solar system. On the southern edge of the campus is an aquatics centre with both indoor and outdoor pools. Keen golfers can enjoy a round on the nearby Gresham Golf Course or practise their swing at the grassed driving range.
Getting around Gresham
Gresham is around 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Portland and 20 minutes from Portland International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America. Buses and trams connect to Gresham while the downtown area is ideally navigated on foot. Renting a car gives you greater freedom to explore the area.