Tiny Tourism: 10 of the World's Smallest Attractions
Bigger isn't always better. These record-holding tiny tourist attractions prove that small things shouldn't be overlooked.
Mill Ends Park, Portland, Oregon
Size: 2 feet in diameter
If there were a park smaller than Portland's Mill Ends Park, it'd have to be a single blade of grass. The park is the creation of Oregon Journal reporter Dick Fagan, who decided to plant flowers in a hole that was originally intended for a light pole that never arrived. He dedicated the park on St. Patrick's Day in 1948, and claimed it was home to "only leprechaun colony west of Ireland."
Not everyone is in agreement about Mill Ends' title, though. Earlier this year, event organizers of "the shortest fun run" in the UK called it a "glorified flower pot" and said the site of their event—Prince's Park in Burntwood—should claim the record instead. At 34 square meters, it's at least big enough for three trees (named Faith, Hope, and Charity) and a bench, making it a little more park-like. Portlanders needn't worry too much: According to John Smith, Greens & Open Spaces Strategic Manager of the Lichfield District Council, "The council has no ambition to challenge the title of the World’s Smallest Park and is pleased to be the record holder of Britain’s Smallest Park."
Click through to see the full slideshow on the website of the Condé Nast Traveler.
Photo of Mill Ends Park courtesy of Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland, OR