Once inhabited by the Atfalati people, Tigard is now a sprawling suburb on the outskirts of Portland. It was first settled by Europeans in the 1840s and known as East Butte, with its most noteworthy family being the Tigards. Not only did Wilson Tigard build a local school and general store but he renamed the settlement “Tigardville” in 1886.
Things to do in Tigard
Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places is John Tigard House, a Queen Anne-style residence that was constructed in 1880. It now functions as a museum for the Tigard Historical Society, with its parlour furnished as it would have appeared in the late 19th century. Browse the multimedia exhibits on display in the former bedroom before strolling through the adjacent apple orchard.
In the heart of Tigard is Fanno Creek Park, a picturesque wooded area traversed by walking trails. The Fanno Creek Trail extends into neighbouring Woodard Park, where you’ll find a children’s playground framed by oak trees and ponderosa pines. Further west lies Dirksen Nature Park, which features a nature play area and a beaver habitat.
South of Tigard is Cook Park, which provides a setting for the annual Tigard Festival of Balloons. It lies along the banks of the Tualatin River, with a boat ramp available for getting out on the water. Directly across the river are the fairways and greens of the Tualatin Country Club, which was laid out in the early 20th century on the designs of George Junor and H. Chandler Egan.
Getting around Tigard
Tigard is around 20 minutes' drive from the centre of Portland and 30 minutes from Portland International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Tigard Transit Center and buses travel throughout the city.