Skidmore Fountain
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Skidmore Fountain

3.9
·263 reviews·Portland, United States

Portland's oldest public art, this historic bronze fountain is a central landmark, especially vibrant during the weekend market.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Market buzz, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
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Skidmore Fountain

Skidmore Fountain

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Market buzz, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Portland's oldest public art, this historic bronze fountain is a central landmark, especially vibrant during the weekend market.

3.9
(263 reviews)

"A historic landmark, especially vibrant during the weekend market, though its operational status can be inconsistent."

Vertical photo
TIP

🛍️ Explore the Market

Don't miss the Portland Saturday Market nearby for unique crafts and local finds!

💧 Fountain Status Check

The fountain may not always be running; check recent visitor posts for updates.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

3.9 · 263 reviews

Type

Park

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Bronze Fountain

Historic Bronze Fountain

Downtown Portland

Portland's oldest public art, this inscribed bronze fountain is a beautiful piece of city history.

Portland Saturday Market

Portland Saturday Market

Adjacent to the fountain

A bustling weekend market featuring handmade crafts, art, and food from local vendors.

Architectural Details

Architectural Details

Fountain itself

Admire the intricate carvings and inscriptions on this 19th-century landmark.

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Planning Your Visit

Check Fountain Status

The Skidmore Fountain's operational status can be inconsistent. While it's a historic landmark, some visitors report it not running. Always check recent visitor photos or local updates before planning your visit around its water features. Reddit

Embrace the Saturday Market

The fountain is a central point for the vibrant Portland Saturday Market. If visiting on a weekend, expect crowds and a lively atmosphere. Plan to explore the market stalls for unique crafts and local goods. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Saturday mornings
Why
Market buzz, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter, good for photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Mas de 300,000 personas al año visitan a la virgen María en este lugar. #contentcreator #ceciliacastellanos #milagros #hispanos #portland
@cecilia.castellanos
4.7K likes • 110.5K views

🛍️ Explore the Market

Don't miss the Portland Saturday Market nearby for unique crafts and local finds! Instagram+1

💧 Fountain Status Check

The fountain may not always be running; check recent visitor posts for updates. Reddit

You smell that 😂🤮🤢 #relatable #portlandoregon #fypシ゚viral #keonloyuk #503portland #pnw #oregon #downtownportland #seattletiktok #blowthisup
@keonloyuk
1.3K likes • 18.8K views
Never a dull moment 🙃 Find me @portlandsaturdaymarket this year on 1st & Ankeny in front of the Skidmore Fountain!
whatifcreations
46 likes • 908 views

🚶‍♀️ Walkable Downtown

Great spot for walkers, close to other downtown attractions. Reddit

📸 Photo Backdrop

Offers a cool backdrop for photos, especially with the market. Reddit

Big baller i gave him a singular dollar he def deserves more but im broke go show him some love next saturday market at skidmore fountain in downtown portland
g00fy.guru
115 likes • 2.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🛍️ Explore the Market

Don't miss the Portland Saturday Market nearby for unique crafts and local finds! Instagram+1

💧 Fountain Status Check

The fountain may not always be running; check recent visitor posts for updates. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkable Downtown

Great spot for walkers, close to other downtown attractions. Reddit

📸 Photo Backdrop

Offers a cool backdrop for photos, especially with the market. Reddit

🎨 Local Art Hub

See local artists' work at the Saturday Market near the fountain. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

3.9
(263 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Skidmore Fountain is a historic landmark, though its operational status can be inconsistent. Visitors appreciate its role as a central point for the vibrant Portland Saturday Market, offering unique crafts and food. However, some reviews mention concerns about the cleanliness and safety of the surrounding downtown area, particularly regarding homelessness.

"So, this fountain is not running at the moment, and I'm not sure if it ever even runs anymore. The area itself although looks cool and has cool things happening around it such as the Saturday Market and the Skidmore Market, it is also pretty scary and ghetto with the homeless and drugs in the area. I decided to include photos of the Skidmore Market with the photos of the fountain as I didn't see anything on Google maps for the Market, which I think is quite important. I learned from a vender at the Saturday Market that some people believe the Skidmore Fountain has been around even longer than the Saturday Market. Personally, I don't know if that is true or not, but what I do know is this is the first time I've ever heard of the Skidmore Market. The vendor also said that what makes the two different is one of the markets(Saturday Market) requires the are sold there to be hand-made while the Skidmore Market does not. The two Markets are divided by the Blue/Red Max line on SW 1st St."

Eats !

"America needs more fountains! Loved stumbling across this in downtown Portland. Worth checking out for a cool backdrop."

Dominick

"Looks like an industrial place not well kept. Came to catch train for the airport. Needs improvements in terms of cleanliness."

T Seth

What People Like

Historic landmark
Saturday Market proximity
Photo opportunities

What People Dislike

Fountain not running
Downtown cleanliness
Safety concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Skidmore Fountain is located in downtown Portland, easily accessible by public transport. The MAX Light Rail (Blue and Red lines) stops nearby at the 'Old Town/Chinatown' station. It's also a walkable area for those staying downtown. InstagramReddit

Several parking garages are available in the downtown area near the fountain. Street parking can be limited and metered. Consider public transit or ride-sharing for convenience. Reddit

Yes, it's a central landmark and a great starting point for exploring nearby attractions like the Portland Saturday Market, Old Town, and the waterfront. Instagram

Absolutely! If you're visiting the waterfront, Pioneer Courthouse Square, or the Pearl District, Skidmore Fountain is within walking distance for many. Reddit

The MAX Light Rail is highly recommended. The 'Old Town/Chinatown' station is just a short walk away. Buses also serve the downtown area frequently. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Skidmore Fountain is a public art installation and a landmark, so there is no admission fee to view it. TikTok

As a public outdoor landmark, Skidmore Fountain is accessible at all times. However, the water may not always be running. Reddit

The Portland Saturday Market, located near the fountain, is free to enter. You only pay for any items you wish to purchase from the vendors. Instagram+1

The market typically runs every Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM, weather permitting. It's a key reason many visit the fountain area on weekends. Instagram+1

While the fountain itself doesn't host ticketed events, its location makes it a focal point for the lively atmosphere of the Portland Saturday Market and other downtown activities. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light for photography. Weekdays are less crowded, providing clearer shots of the fountain itself. TikTok

Yes, but it's always polite to ask vendors for permission before taking close-up photos of their work or stalls. Instagram

Its historic bronze design and central location make it a picturesque landmark. The surrounding market adds vibrant color and activity to your shots. TikTokInstagram

Generally, casual photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be mindful of your surroundings. TikTok

You can capture classic shots of the fountain, candid moments of people enjoying the area, and vibrant scenes from the adjacent Saturday Market. TikTokInstagram

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

Reports vary; some visitors note it's not running, while others have seen it operational. It's best to check recent visitor photos or local news for the most current status. InstagramReddit

It's a large, open-air market with hundreds of vendors selling handmade goods, art, jewelry, and food. It's a lively and popular weekend destination. Instagram+1

Visitor experiences vary. Some find the area vibrant, while others express concerns about homelessness and cleanliness. It's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in the evenings. InstagramReddit

Explore the Saturday Market, walk along the waterfront, visit nearby historic buildings, or enjoy the downtown Portland atmosphere. Instagram

Children might enjoy the fountain as a landmark and the excitement of the Saturday Market. However, some visitors have noted safety concerns in the surrounding areas. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the fountain itself doesn't have food, the adjacent Portland Saturday Market offers a variety of food vendors selling snacks, meals, and drinks. Instagram

You can find diverse options, from sweet treats like freeze-dried candy to savory snacks and international cuisine. Instagram

Yes, the downtown Portland area surrounding the fountain has numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries catering to various tastes and budgets. Instagram

There are no specific restrictions against bringing your own food. You can find public seating or enjoy a picnic in nearby parks if available. Reddit

Food prices can vary. The Saturday Market offers a range of options, some more budget-friendly than sit-down restaurants in the immediate vicinity. Instagram

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