Entry No. 1 — the Portland file — filed under: strange monument

Mill Ends Park

A single tree in a 452-square-inch hole in a highway median — planted in 1948 by Oregon Journal columnist Dick Fagan, who wrote it up as the world's only leprechaun colony. Guinness certified it the world's smallest park until a Japanese park finally beat the record in 2025. Over the decades locals have staged miniature events here: butterfly wading pools, a tiny Ferris wheel, even horseshoes.

The move: It takes ninety seconds to see, so make it the punchline of a walk — start at Waterfront Park, end at this absurdly small plot, and argue about whether it counts as a real park while you're standing in it.

• 📍 Downtown Portland
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: SW Naito Parkway & SW Taylor St, Portland, OR 97204

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: Wikipedia · portland.gov

last checked: 2026-07-20