Kenton
Overview
Kenton is a historic North Portland neighborhood centered around a charming early 20th-century main street, anchored by the iconic 31-foot Paul Bunyan statue. Originally a company town for the railcar industry, Kenton has reinvented itself as a quiet, walkable neighborhood with a growing roster of cafes, breweries, and restaurants. It's one of Portland's most affordable and authentically unpretentious neighborhoods.
History
Kenton was founded in 1911 as a company town for the Kenton Railcar shops, which built and repaired streetcars for Portland's extensive transit system. Named after the railcar company's owner, the town developed around a main street with a hotel, bank, theater, and mercantile stores — many of which still stand today. Kenton was annexed by Portland in 1912, just a year after its founding. The railcar shops closed in the 1950s, and the neighborhood entered a long period of quiet decline. In 1959, the 31-foot Paul Bunyan statue was erected on Denver Avenue to promote a shopping center, becoming an unexpected Portland landmark. In the 2010s, Kenton began to see new investment, with the main street revitalizing through new restaurants, breweries, and a Saturday farmers market.
Highlights
- Paul Bunyan Statue — a 31-foot fiberglass giant, one of Portland's quirkiest landmarks
- Kenton Main Street — historic early 1900s commercial buildings with independent shops
- Gregory's Food Cart Pod — a beloved neighborhood food cart gathering
- Kenton Farmers Market — a summer Saturday market on main street
- Kenton Park — a community hub with a pool, playground, and sports fields
- Close to the Columbia River, golf courses, and Portland International Raceway
Top Attractions
- Paul Bunyan Statue — A 31-foot fiberglass statue of the legendary lumberjack, erected in 1959 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Kenton Club — A historic bar and event space in a former railcar office building, featuring local art and live music.
- Kenton Park — A 10-acre park with a public pool, playground, sports fields, and a community garden.
Parks & Green Spaces
🌲 Kenton Park
A 10-acre park with a public swimming pool, playground, baseball fields, tennis courts, and a community garden.
🌲 Columbia Park
A 40-acre park with sports fields, a playground, and the Columbia Pool — one of Portland's largest outdoor pools.
🌲 North Portland Park
A 10-acre park with a playground, walking paths, and picnic areas.
🌲 Delta Park
A large park complex on the former site of Vanport, with sports fields and the Portland International Raceway.
🌲 Smith and Bybee Wetlands
A 2,000-acre protected wetland with hiking trails, canoeing, and exceptional birdwatching.
Things to Do
🪓 Paul Bunyan Photo Op
Snap a photo with Portland's quirkiest landmark — a 31-foot fiberglass Paul Bunyan.
🍺 Kenton Club
Grab a drink at this historic railcar-company building turned neighborhood bar.
🌮 Gregory's Food Cart Pod
A beloved North Portland food cart gathering with tacos, burgers, Thai, and more.
🧑🌾 Kenton Farmers Market
A Saturday farmers market (June–September) on main street.
🏊 Kenton Pool
Cool off at the neighborhood public pool in Kenton Park during summer.
🚲 Smith & Bybee Wetlands
Explore one of the largest urban wetlands in the US — hike, canoe, or birdwatch.
☕ Coffee & Cafes
Biju Coffee
A tiny, excellent coffee cart at Gregory's Food Cart Pod serving expertly made espresso drinks.
Café Unknown
A cozy coffee shop on Kenton's main street with excellent pour-overs and a neighborhood gathering space.
🌙 Nightlife & Bars
Kenton Club
Historic bar in a former railcar company office building with local art, live music, and a genuine neighborhood feel.
Mainland Taproom
A cozy taproom on Denver Avenue with rotating craft beer taps and a laid-back atmosphere.
🛍️ Shopping
- Kenton Antique Mall — A treasure trove of vintage furniture, collectibles, and oddities in a historic building.
- Gregory's Food Cart Pod — A beloved neighborhood food cart gathering with diverse cuisine options and covered seating.
💡 Insider Tips
Food Carts & Dining
Gregory's Food Cart Pod on Denver Avenue, plus several carts along Columbia Boulevard