Searching for small-town charm just minutes from Portland? Head to Milwaukie! Nestled along the Willamette River, Milwaukie blends scenic beauty, craft culture, and a laid-back vibe. Explore local breweries, stroll riverfront parks, or catch a ride on the MAX to downtown Portland—Milwaukie is a hidden gem with easygoing appeal.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Milwaukie is from late spring through early fall (May to October). These months offer mild weather perfect for farmers markets, waterfront strolls, and outdoor events.
How to Get There
- By Car: Located just south of Portland along OR-99E, Milwaukie is easily accessible from I-205 or I-5.
- By Light Rail: The MAX Orange Line connects Milwaukie to downtown Portland in under 30 minutes.
- By Air: Portland International Airport (PDX) is about 25 minutes away by car or rideshare.
Where to Stay
- Milwaukie Inn Portland South – Budget-friendly, clean, and conveniently located along Highway 99E.
- Lakeshore Inn – Cozy waterfront lodging in nearby Lake Oswego, just minutes from Milwaukie.
- Airbnbs & Guesthouses – Discover charming local stays ranging from riverside cottages to urban lofts.
Top Attractions
1. Shop Fresh and Local at the Milwaukie Farmers Market
Rating: ★★★★★
The Milwaukie Farmers Market is a busy community market held in downtown Milwaukie every Sunday morning from May through October. The market features over 80 vendors selling a wide range of fresh farm products such as fruit, vegetables, herbs, plants and flowers, dairy products, fresh meat and eggs, and a variety of home-cooked and freshly prepared foods. The market also sells handmade clothing, jewelry, arts and crafts, and handcrafted décor. Located on the corners of Main and Harrison, the community-focused farmers market is the longest-running market in Oregon.
10723 SE Main St, Milwaukie, OR 97222, Phone: 503-407-0956
2. Step Into the Past at the Milwaukie Museum
Located in the historic George Wise House and managed by the Milwaukie Historical Society, the Milwaukie Museum is dedicated to the history of Milwaukie and the surrounding area. The house in which the museum is based was built in 1865 on a farm near Lake Road and was later relocated to its present location on Adams Street. The house-museum features several exhibits and historical items, including several Native American Indian artifacts, an old #3 horse-drawn streetcar, a Lewelling Cherry Tree, and the Clair Kuppenbender Research Library. The Milwaukie Museum is open on Saturdays.
3737 SE Adams St, Portland, OR 97222, Phone: 503-659-5780
3. Tour, Taste, and Stock Up at Bob’s Red Mill
Bob's Mill Store is a historic mill dating back to the 1970s that produces stone-ground flour from whole grains using old-fashioned grinding and milling techniques. The spacious 325,000 square foot facility is comprised of the manufacturing plant, the laboratory, the company headquarters, and the distribution center, and visitors can enjoy guided tours of the mill and learn more about whole grains and the milling process. The Whole Grain Store & Bakery is the mill’s on-site shop that sells a variety of products made by the mill from whole wheat bread and oatmeal to health bars, and a range of memorabilia and souvenirs. The Whole Grain Store Café serves healthy fare for brunch and lunch.
Bob's Red Mill , 13521 SE Pheasant Ct, Milwaukie, OR, 97222, Phone: 503-654-3215
4. Catch a Flick and Play Games at Wunderland Milwaukie Cinemas
Wunderland Milwaukie Cinemas is a family-owned recreational center with old-fashioned arcade games, jumbo plush crane machines, classic alley games, and discounted cinema shows. The center has something for everyone from challenging racing car games and target and hunting games to bowling games and classic arcade games. The Wunderland cinema features mainstream movies at discounted prices, including 3D movies, and an exciting themed arena offers laser tag with the latest technology.
11011 SE Main St #7684, Milwaukie, OR 97222, Phone: 503-653-2222
5. Browse Comics, Collectibles, and More at Things From Another World
Things From Another World is a quirky store selling a wide range of comics and graphic novels, cult toys, and statues, and pop culture objects. Founded in 1979 by Mike Richardson, the comic bookstore has grown from one store to several shops around the country and is now the third-largest comic book retailer in the United States. Collectors, treasure-hunters, and pop-culture aficionados will delight in the wealth of classic comics, one-of-a-kind graphic novels, world-famous toys, and other items such as models, apparel, gifts, and souvenirs.
10977 SE Main St, Milwaukie, OR 97222, Phone: 503-652-2752
Where to Eat
6. Grab a Classic Dog or Burger at Roake's
Roake's is a vintage-style roadside shack that specializes in hot dogs and burgers with signature sauces and toppings and handspun shakes. Founded in 1937 by Roy Dowell, Roake’s has grown into an institution that is famous for serving the best hot dogs in Portland. The family-friendly restaurants have comfortable décor and warm and welcoming staff and serve freshly prepared and hot-off-the-grill hot dogs and burgers, an array of sides, and non-alcoholic beverages.
18109 SE McLoughlin Blvd, Milwaukie, OR 97267, Phone: 503-654-7075
7. Cruise Through for Shakes and Comfort Food at Mike’s Drive-In
Established in 1971, Mike's Drive-In is a classic burger joint that serves all-American fare in a laid-back, family-friendly setting. Based in a distinctive red-and-white building, the eatery serves a menu of classic comfort food like hearty burgers and fries, fish and chips, fried baskets, hot specialty sandwiches, an array of sides, and fresh salads. Sweet treats range from decadent sundaes, floats, and malts to banana splits and over 30 varieties of milkshakes including Fresh Berry Shakes to Caramel Toffee Crunch Sundaes.
3045 SE Harrison St, Milwaukie, OR 97222, Phone: 503-654-0131
8. If You’re Hungry for Slow-Smoked Flavor, Feast at Buster’s Texas-Style Barbecue
Buster's Texas-Style Barbecue is a local restaurant chain with a rustic, Western-themed that specializes in Texas-style BBQ, homemade chili, and sizzling steaks off the grill. The restaurant has steakhouse-style décor with leather banquette seating, dark wood finishes, Texan-Western accents, and soft lighting, and a separate saloon area with lottery games. The restaurant serves a saloon menu of light bites and small plates such as potato skins, poppers, and onion rings, as well as a full menu of Texas-style BBQ, grilled meats and chicken, and hot chili. A full-service bar offers craft beers by the bottle and on tap, casual wines from around the world, high-end liquors and spirits and classic cocktails, and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, daily.
17883 SE McLoughlin Blvd, Portland, OR 97267, Phone: 503-652-1076
Plan Your Trip