Portland has a rich history, part of which can be attributed to the many historical events that dominated its early stages. Settlement in Portland started in the 1830s when people settled near the Oregon Trail. The city's access to water provided fast and convenient transportation of goods to other areas. As a result, the timber industry became Portland's major economy in its early years. Several companies dealing in timber production were established in the city, attracting hundreds of people. At the turn of the 20th century, Portland had become one of the most established cities in the United States, with many industries thriving. At some point, it was the most populated city in the country, rubbing shoulders with the best cities in the world. Houses for sale in Portland, Oregon, were going at "gold prices," with hundreds of thousands of people living there. Even though the city was doing great in the 1950s, organized crime and racketeering threatened its reputation. However, the state government in conjunction with the city authorities implemented ways to reduce crime in Portland. In the early 1960s, the city became noted for its highly progressive political values. This earned it the reputation as a bastion of counter-culture in Oregon and beyond. In the 1990s, Portland experienced a boom in the tech industry. During this time, tech companies like Intel invested over $10 billion in Portland, expanding its economy significantly.

There is a lot to see and do in Portland. One of the biggest attractions is Washington Park. Even though Portland has numerous parks, Washing Park is the hotspot for both locals and tourists. It is home to several other attractions in Portland, with its great scenery being a site to behold. This is a great place to relax, let it all out, and have a wonderful time with your friends. Sitting on a whopping 420 acres, the park is lively and gives you a wide range of fun activities to engage in. Whether it is biking, hiking, jogging, or horseback riding, Washing Park has all to offer.
Another great attraction is the Lan Su Chinese Garden, which covers over 40,000 square feet of land. The garden was established in 2000 as a means of connecting Portland residents with Chinese culture. This followed a budding relationship between Suzhou and Portland. The beautiful garden is designed to look like gardens in the Ming Dynasty, which is associated with Chinese culture. While here, you can explore the different types of flowers and take pictures.
You can also visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. This is a beautiful interactive museum that ranks among the best places to visit in Portland. It is a great place to visit for families and those that enjoy history and science. The museum is very close to Portland, and is in fact, opposite Portland State University. It offers a unique view into complex aspects of science. You will learn about these concepts simply and insightfully.