When the weather gets warm, hit the streets for this fun fountain tour that the whole family will love. At roughly 2 miles round-trip, the tour is completely walkable, or you can jump on the streetcar for a few dollars and take the stress of your feet. Several fountains are interactive and made for playing in, so the kids will love the tour just as much as the adults. Pick a couple, or take the whole tour for a day of fun in the sun.
1. Animals in pools
Start your tour on SW Yamhill and Morrison between 5th and 6th Avenues. This whimsical fountain features 11 pools stocked with Pacific Northwest wildlife. Featuring otters, ducks and deer, it is fun to check out all the animals on sprawling display.
2. Pioneer Courthouse Square Fountain
Head just down the street to SW Broadway between Yamhill and Morrison to see the cascading falls at the courthouse. This centrally located fountain is fun to watch and provides many people watching opportunities as well.
3. Teacher Fountain
For the first play fountain, head to Director Park at 815 SW Park Avenue to cool off. Play in the water and enjoy the light display at this fun-for-all-ages fountain.
4. Shemanski Fountain
Located on the South Park Blocks between Salmon and Main Street, the Shemanski Fountain, also called Rebecca at the Wall, features biblical character Rebecca.
5. Lovejoy Fountain
Continue to SW 3rd between Lincoln and Harrison to the Lovejoy Fountain. Named after one of Portland's founders, Asa Lovejoy, this lovely park is a great place to stop for lunch.
6. Dreamer Fountain
Located at Pettygrove Park at SW 3rd between Market and Harrison, the fountain was created by Spanish sculptor and long-time Portland professor of art Manuel Izquierdo.
7. Ira Keller Fountain
This fountain resembles waterfalls of the Pacific Northwest and is on display at SW 3rd and 4th between Market and Clay. Considered one of the city's best known landmarks, the park takes up nearly an acre in a prime downtown to give a bit of peace during a busy day.
8. Elk Fountain
Erected in 1900, the Elk Fountain, at SW Main between 3rd and 4th Avenue, is meant to serve as a reminder that elk used to live in this area. Today is a lovely reminder of our city's history.
9. Salmon Street Springs
Head out to SW Salmon Street and Naito Parkway for this all play fountain. Set to change patterns every 20 minutes, playing here never gets old, though it can sometimes be quite crowded on hot days.
10. Bill Naito Legacy Fountain
Featuring interactive jets and upper and lower fountains, this beauty at SW Naito Parkway and Burnside Bridge is fun for all ages.
11. Skidmore Fountain
Built in 1888, Skidmore Fountain, located at Ankeny Plaza at SW 1st Avenue between W. Burnside and Ankeny, is the oldest piece of commissioned art in the city. Meant as a watering hole for people, dogs, and horses, the fountain today is at the center of the Saturday Market.
12. Car Wash Fountain
End your tour at the fun Car Wash Fountain at SW 5th Avenue and Ankeny Street. Though it never actually worked as a car wash, it looks like it could, and you will enjoy cooling off after all your hard work at this fun fountain in the center of it all.
For more information, or to get walking, streetcar or Max route maps, visit the city website.
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