Deering Oaks

Deering Oaks is a large public park in Portland spanning 55 acres with a central pond, baseball and tennis facilities, and miles of walking paths. The grounds also include a Victorian-era castle building and are accessible from multiple surrounding streets.

Portland acquired this land from the Deering family in 1879, converting a private estate into public parkland. Subsequent additions of facilities and structures like the Victorian castle shaped the park into its present form.

The Victorian castle from 1894 reflects how the city thought about public spaces and winter recreation in the late 1800s. Walking past this structure today shows visitors how ideas about shared leisure have evolved since the park's creation.

The park has entrances along State Street, Deering Avenue, and Park Avenue for convenient access. Nearby public transportation stops serve the area, and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities throughout all seasons.

The park's pond once had a tidal connection to the ocean and still freezes solid in winter, becoming a skating surface for visitors. This winter activity has continued as a tradition for over a century.