The Grotto - A Place of Solitude, Peace and Prayer

Tucked away in the woods, built into a 110 ft cliff in NE Portland is one of our top attractions, The Grotto. Visiting will allow you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, bringing you back to what Portland felt like before the hype of “Portlandia.”

The Grotto is a National Catholic Shrine and Botanical Garden, located on 62 acres. It includes the Chapel of Mary, Gift Shop, Conference Center and Visitors Center located on the lower or plaza level. Purchase elevator tokens to the upper level to find the manicured gardens, religious artwork, cliff-side Meditation Center with panoramic views of the Columbia River, Cascade Mountains including Mt. St. Helens, and the Portland International Airport.

Guided tours are available during the summer months, on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30am and 2:00pm. Group Tours also available year round, but you should schedule them at least 2 weeks in advance. Fully accessible, wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and service dogs are allowed throughout.

Hours: Open daily 9am to anywhere from 4:30pm-6:00pm, depending on the time of year. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas

Lower garden, chapel, visitors center and gift shop are free to visit and experience.

Upper Level Garden: General Admission $6.00 (ages 13-54)

Senior (55+)/Military $5.00

Youth (ages 6-12) $3.00

Children under 6 are free

Visit during the holidays and witness the Festival of the Lights, the largest Christmas Choral Festival in the world. Running from the Friday after Thanksgiving through December 30th.

Hours: Nightly 5:00pm-9:30pm (festival grounds close at 10)

Tickets: General Admission $11.00

Senior (65+)/Military $10.00

Children (3-12) $6.00

Children (2 and under) Free

Address and Directions: 8840 NE Skidmore Portland, OR 97220

Free parking is located off Sandy Blvd and NE 85th.