Gresham History Museum
Just a short drive from downtown Portland, the Gresham History Museum captures the rich heritage of this pioneer town. Wander through the beautifully restored Queen Anne-style Morse residence, which was built in 1884 and now houses historical exhibits. Learn how Gresham transformed from a small farming settlement to the economic hub it is today. Kids will love exploring the vintage general store, post office, and schoolhouse on the grounds. History buffs will appreciate the museum’s impressive collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs chronicling Gresham’s past. Don’t miss the exhibit highlighting Gresham’s famous sons, the acclaimed cartoonists Joe Shuster and Joe Siegel, creators of Superman. Before you leave, stroll the grounds and enjoy lovely views of Mt. Hood in the distance. Bring your group to step back in time at the Gresham History Museum.
Gresham History Museum
410 N Main Ave, Gresham, OR 97030
(503) 661-0347
Main City Park
Nestled alongside the serene Johnson Creek, Main City Park is Gresham’s largest park at nearly 90 acres. Mature Douglas firs tower over the lush picnic areas and sports fields, providing welcome shade on hot summer days. Meandering trails weave through the park, perfect for a leisurely stroll or jog. The park’s Skate Park boasts one of the largest skating surfaces in Oregon, attracting skaters from throughout the region. Two off-leash dog areas provide pups plenty of room to roam and romp. Other amenities include tennis and basketball courts, a softball field, and playgrounds for the kids. Main City Park’s scenic location, right in the heart of Gresham, makes it a popular gathering spot for the community. Bring your youth group here to play Frisbee on the great lawns, then enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch under the tall trees. With so much to do, Main City Park is a Gresham treasure.
Main City Park
NE Fourth St & NE Holladay St, Gresham, OR 97030
Gordon Creek Trail
For a breath of fresh air, hit the Gordon Creek Trail, a nearly 5-mile walkway through serene natural areas in northeast Gresham. This flat, paved trail meanders alongside Gordon Creek, passing through wetlands filled with native plants like skunk cabbage and swamp rose. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting herons, woodpeckers, and hummingbirds fluttering about. Benches are conveniently placed along the trail, perfect for taking a quick break. Interpretive signs describe the creatures dwelling in these urban wetlands and explain the importance of healthy riparian habitats. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails but must be kept out of the creeks. For a shorter walk, access the trail from Main City Park. Or start near downtown at the Max station for the full experience. However you access it, Gordon Creek Trail lets you appreciate Gresham’s wilder side.
Gordon Creek Trail
NW Wallula Ave & NE Roberts Ave, Gresham, OR 97080
Highland Hills Park & Community Gardens
Nestled in the base of Gresham’s buttes, Highland Hills Park offers pleasing green space in an unexpected spot. Mature cedars shade the paths winding through this secluded 7-acre park. Kids will enjoy scrambling over the park’s unique stone “play canyon,” carved to mimic the Columbia River Gorge. Adjacent to the park sprawl the Highland Hills Community Gardens, where locals tend 200 garden plots bursting with flowers and veggies. It’s a pretty spot to meander through the gardening beds and see what’s growing. The park hosts summer concerts in a natural stone amphitheater, a charming setting to sway to live music. With its lush gardens and scenic trails, Highland Hills Park is a peaceful urban oasis.
Highland Hills Park & Community Gardens
800 NE 201st Ave, Gresham, OR 97030
The Gorge White House
Nestled along the Sandy River, the Gothic Revival-style Gorge White House looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. Constructed in 1883, this historic mansion served as a boarding house before becoming a private residence. Wander the grounds and enjoy views of the river from the home’s riverside dock. Peek in the windows and admire the detailed woodwork and original glass. Though you can’t enter the home, the sprawling lawns are open to the public. It’s a sweet spot for a picnic lunch or family photos. The home’s remote forested setting provides a nice nature escape, yet it lies only 10 minutes from downtown Gresham. Meandering trails lead through the adjacent natural area, perfect for wildlife viewing. Discover this enchanting historic hidden gem along Gresham’s riverfront.
The Gorge White House
4650 SE 172nd Ave, Gresham, OR 97030
Zimmerman House
History buffs will relish a visit to the handsome Zimmerman House, one of Gresham’s most historic homes. Built in 1920, this Colonial Revival-style house belonged to the Zimmerman family, pioneers who helped transform Gresham from wilderness to farmland. Period furnishings fill the home, transporting you back to the early 20th century. Check out the massive walk-in icebox in the kitchen where the family stored food before refrigeration. Kids will get a kick out of the early telephone and Victrola record player on display. The Zimmerman House lies within Gresham’s Historic Downtown district, packed with charming brick buildings dating to the early 1900s. After touring the house, stroll the shops and restaurants lining Main Street to soak up Gresham’s rich heritage.
Zimmerman House
606 NW Wheeling Ave, Gresham, OR 97030
(503) 618-3000
Gresham Farmers Market
For fresh-picked produce straight from local farms, make a beeline to the Gresham Farmers Market, open Saturdays from May through October. Vibrant flower bouquets, crusty artisan breads, aromatic spices, and tempting sweets fill the market’s stalls, all grown or prepared within the region. This quintessential farmers market also features live music and cooking demos using seasonal ingredients. It’s a lively scene where the community gathers to shop, snack, and socialize. Let the kids spread out on the grass while you browse the booths. The market’s central location makes it easy for your group to visit. Swing by before a show at Mt. Hood Community College’s theater or after browsing downtown’s shops. Don’t miss this tasty way to taste the flavors of the region.
Gresham Farmers Market
NW Miller Ave & NE 3rd St, Gresham, OR 97030
Mt. Hood Jazz Festival
Every July, Gresham celebrates jazz with a free three-day music festival at Main City Park. Local, regional, and national jazz artists take the stage, dishing up smooth jazz, funk, blues, soul, and more. Pack a picnic dinner and lawn chairs to make an evening of it. Kids will dig the instrument “petting zoo,” where they can try out saxophones, trumpets, and percussion pieces. Adults can browse the arts & crafts fair featuring jewelry, pottery, and other handcrafted items. The festival’s relaxing, family-friendly vibe makes it a Gresham favorite. Capture the cool jazz mood as you sway and snap fingers to toe-tapping tunes in the park.
Mt. Hood Jazz Festival Main
City Park, NE Fourth St & NE Holladay St, Gresham, OR 97030
Powell Butte Nature Park
For fantastic views of Mt. Hood and the Cascades, journey to the top of Powell Butte at Powell Butte Nature Park. At 630 feet tall, this ancient volcanic dome towers over the landscape, providing a scenic perspective. Meandering trails lace across the butte through meadows awash in wildflowers in spring. Abundant birdlife flits through the woods. On clear days, the panoramic vistas stretch all the way to Mt. Adams in Washington. It’s a moderate hike to the summit, a satisfying trek with a big reward. Mountain bikers love Powell Butte’s 20 miles of singletrack trails that twist down the hillsides. The challenging runs plunge through forested ravines and zip over rocky outcrops. Riders of all levels can find thrilling downhill rides. With its sweeping views and fun trail system, Powell Butte Nature Park lets you play in Gresham’s backyard playground. Your group will love this scenic urban escape.
Powell Butte Nature Park
SE 162nd Ave & SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97233
Plan Your Trip With Charter Bus Company Gresham
Now that you’ve discovered some of Gresham’s incredible hidden attractions, it’s time to start planning your group visit. Charter Bus Company Gresham can provide safe, comfortable transportation for your crew around Gresham and beyond. Our modern fleet of buses includes everything from full-size coaches to compact minibuses. All our vehicles are impeccably maintained and driven by skilled, licensed professionals. You’ll enjoy a smooth, stress-free ride as we shuttle your group directly to the sights. Choose from buses equipped with cushy reclining seats, private restrooms, TV/DVD, WiFi, and more. We’ll work with you to select the perfect transportation for your group’s size and needs. Then leave the driving to us while you sit back and relax! To learn more and receive a personalized quote, call Charter Bus Company Gresham at (971) 304-0402. Let’s start planning your memorable group visit to uncover Gresham’s captivating charms.