Pioneer Courthouse Square

Pioneer Courthouse Square Review

Considered by most to be the living room, public heart, and commercial soul of Downtown Portland, Pioneer Square is not entirely square but rather centered in this amphitheatrical brick piazza. Special seasonal, charitable, and festival-oriented events often take place in this premier people-watching venue. On Sunday vintage trolley (503/323-7363) cars run from the MAX station here to Lloyd Center, with free service every half hour between noon and 6 pm. Call to check on the current schedule. You can pick up maps and literature about the city and the state here at the Portland/Oregon Information Center (503/275-8355. www.pova.com. Mar.-Oct., weekdays 8:30-5:30, Sat. 10-4, Sun. 10-2). Directly across the street is one of downtown Portland's most familiar landmarks, the classically sedate Pioneer Courthouse. Built in 1869, it's the oldest public building in the Pacific Northwest.