The Grotto is a great destination year-round for tour groups.

On May 29, 1924, Portland's Archbishop Christie blessed the grounds of The Grotto as "...a place for all peoples of the earth," dedicating this Sanctuary to the peace of humanity. Today, The Grotto remains a place of peace and quiet reflection for all people regardless of religious affiliation. Few metropolitan areas are fortunate enough to have such a beautiful and serene 62-acre botanical garden near the heart of their city that is open for all residents and visitors, especially one that regularly welcomes over 250,000 people from all walks of life each year.

We have a Tour Coordinator on staff who can personalize your visit to The Grotto. We offer a peaceful break for groups of many varieties and sizes--from sacred pilgrimages to stopovers for stretching your legs and taking a break. A visit to The Grotto will be a nurturing experience for your group tour.

Schedule your visit in advance, and a volunteer Tour Guide can be arranged to greet you and offer your group a history of The Grotto. Tour Guides can also, if desired, offer a personalized tour of the grounds. There is no charge for the services of our tour guides. Minimum group size for tour guides is 8 people.

The Grotto offers a spectacular natural gallery in the woods, with more than 100 beautifully sculpted statues and shrines nestled among towering firs and flower-lined pathways. The dramatic cliffside presence, award-winning architecture and spectacular views of the Cascade Mountains offer inspiration for all who visit this sanctuary.

While there is no admission to the gardens and buildings on the lower level of The Grotto, you have the option of purchasing tokens for your group to visit the upper level gardens and experience the spectacular view, stroll along the pathways, or take time to sit in the serenity of the Meditation Chapel. If you arrange this option in advance through our tour coordinator, the bus driver and your group coordinator will be given complimentary admission to the upper level gardens.

Day-time tours of the grounds are offered year-round. There are also special tour options during various seasons, including the Christmas Festival of Lights which runs each evening (except Christmas Day) from the day after Thanksgiving through December 30.

Special arrangements can be made to meet the needs of your group, including arranging for a meal or meeting facilities in our Conference Center. A limited number of wheelchairs are also available for your use while visiting the grounds.

We are less than ten minutes from the Portland Airport, and central to any journey that will take you through the Portland area on your way to the great travel destinations the Northwest has to offer.

We have ample parking to meet your parking needs at no cost to you.

To schedule your visit, or for further information,
call 503-254-7371 and ask for the Tour Coordinator,
or e-mail: volunteer@thegrotto.org