Located just south of Portland, between I-5 and the Willamette River, Lake Oswego is perfectly situated for commuters while still maintaining the charm and elegance of a smaller, rural city. Beautiful, pristine, and full of culture, Lake Oswego is also regarded as the premier place to live in Oregon!
With a population of just under 40,000 residents, and as winner of the prestigious America in Bloom award, the city of Lake Oswego is reputed for its commitment to preserving the city’s natural beauty and promoting local festivals. One visit to Lake Oswego will show why it draws thousands of visitors and is considered one of Oregon’s finest residential areas. Devoted to maintaining their city’s beauty and prestige, residents decorate Lake Oswego’s right-of-ways with hanging flower baskets in mid-May, beautifying the city throughout the summer for residents and visitors alike! The Festival of the Arts, held in June, also draws in approximately 25,000 visitors over the three day festival that features over 1,000 pieces of art from local to international artists. Art featured during the festival is showcased for display, education, and sale while food vendors, live music, wine and beer tents, as well as live entertainment, make the event a popular stop for tourists. Other events include plays from the Lakewood Theatre Company that performs everything from drama, to musicals and comedies year-round at the Lakewood Center for the Arts. Through the summer, Lake Oswego residents and visitors can also enjoy Thursdays’ Movies in the Park to take in an outdoor family movie in July and August, or enjoy live music at the Sounds of Summer and Moonlight & Music Concert series.
Other seasonal events in Lake Oswego include the Christmas Ship Parade, an annual lighted boat parade that runs from Riverplace Marina in Portland to George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego. The Christmas Excursion Trolley rides on the Willamette Shore Trolley allow participants to enjoy hot cider and cookies while watching the Christmas Ship Parade. Holiday Tree Lighting at Bigelow Plaza and Millennium Plaza Park promises to entertain residents as well with caroling, live music and visits from Santa during the holiday season! Learn more about other Lake Oswego community events here!
While lively community events continue year-round, Lake Oswego also maintains strong ties to support its rural, farming roots through continued community outreach and education. Luscher Farm, a city-owned working farm, operates for education outreach through programs such as the Spring Break Farm Camp and Farming Internships, as well as field trips, tours, and an adopt a plot program. Lake Oswego also continues to support its local farming community through the popular Saturday Farmers’ Market, held at the Millennium Plaza Park where residents and visitors can find some of the city’s finest local produce and artesian goods!
Not to be outdone by Portland, Lake Oswego boasts many fine dining experiences featuring northwest fare, including the Oswego Grill, Five Spice Seafood and Wine Bar, and Manzana, for Northwest fare with a Southwest twist. Other popular stops for delicious fare include La Provence Boulangerie & Patisserie, Arabian Nights, Riccardo’s Ristorante, Casa del Pollo, and Nicoletta’s Table and Marketplace, a small, neighborhood market that brings an authentic Italian dinner to Lake Oswego. Visitors can also discover some world renowned wines at World Class Wines in downtown Lake Oswego, or indulged in a variety of local brews at Lake Oswego’s own Stickmen Brewing Company or FlyBoy Brewing.
In addition to Lake Oswego’s many events, urban amenities and sustained farming roots, Lake Oswego residents also can also escape back to nature by exploring any one of the parks and natural areas in the city, including Cooks Butte Park, Bryant Woods Nature Park with a natural area for wildlife, and Springbrook Park which features soft surface trails through beautiful Pacific Northwest forests. Other parks include Foothills Park with a botanical display and wildlife viewing, George Rogers Park with 26 acres that includes a soccer field, Willamette River access, playground, and baseball/softball fields, and Sundeleaf Plaza which is an urban park on Lakewood Bay with beautiful views and a rain garden. Stroll through Roehr Park along the Willamette River for some picturesque views, amphitheater and dolphin rental, or for quick access to the Charlie S. Brown Water Sports Center, where Lake Oswego Community Rowing offers programs in partnership with the city’s Parks & Recreation. Hazelia Field, an athletic field with artificial turf and trail access to the Stafford Basin Trail, is located at Luscher Farm and includes a wetland area, two dog parks, and a playground. Find more parks on the Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation webpage, including information of the Lake Oswego Skate Park and Swim Park.
Outdoor enthusiasts also have ample opportunities year round in Lake Oswego as numerous trails and pathways wind through the city, perfect for walkers, joggers, and bikers, including the Old River Road Pathway. The Oswego Iron Heritage Trail provides visitors with an educational trial that follows Oregon’s pioneer iron industry with informational guides. Find your ideal trial off the Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation website here! Athletes will also find plenty of venues year round in Lake Oswego by visiting the Lake Oswego Public Golf Course or the Indoor Tennis Center. The Public Golf Course offers an 18-hole Par-3 facility with beautiful views and a challenging game for all level of golfers! The Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation also offers many classes and activities for residents of all ages, including art classes, music, dance, sports and fitness courses. Learn more about what is currently offered by visiting the website here!
Visit Lake Oswego and learn first-hand why this beautiful city is considered the premiere place to live in Oregon! Find out more about Lake Oswego by visiting the city website here!