When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Min Zidell Healing Garden
Why Min Zidell Healing Garden is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Min Zidell Healing Garden, located on the campus of the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, Oregon, is a serene and thoughtfully designed botanical teaching garden that offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. Spanning 12,000 square feet, this garden acts as an oasis amid the urban landscape, particularly within south Portland. A prominent highlight of the garden is its beautiful labyrinth, which provides visitors a meditative walking experience promoting mindfulness and healing. Another notable feature is the Sokenbicha tea house, which enriches the garden’s ambiance and invites guests to relax and enjoy peaceful refreshments. At the heart of the garden stands a striking bronze sculpture of Sun Simiao, a renowned 6th century Chinese medicine physician, symbolizing the healing heritage the garden celebrates. The Min Zidell Healing Garden is dedicated to those seeking restoration, education, and personal growth, making it an ideal spot for friends to gather, reflect, and rejuvenate in a tranquil environment. The garden is open to the Portland community and operates Monday through Saturday during daylight hours, providing accessibility for casual visits, contemplative walks, or educational purposes.
Here's what people think of Min Zidell Healing Garden
As of recent, Min Zidell Healing Garden holds a 4.5-star rating based on 21 reviews.
Reviews of the Min Zidell Healing Garden reflect an overall positive reception, as indicated by its 4.5-star rating from 21 reviewers. Visitors commonly praise the garden for its peaceful and calm atmosphere, describing it as an urban sanctuary where one can find respite from the surrounding city bustle. The labyrinth and tea house are frequently highlighted as unique and enriching aspects that enhance the visitor experience, supporting relaxation and healing practices. Positive reviews emphasize the garden’s beauty, its role as a healing space, and the opportunity it offers for both quiet reflection and learning about the integration of natural and holistic medicine. However, some negative feedback points to occasional issues such as limited operational hours, which may restrict visits for certain individuals, and the garden’s location within a rougher neighborhood area, which some find less inviting outside of daylight. A few visitors have mentioned that the garden could benefit from more amenities or signage to improve accessibility and visitor engagement. Overall, the Min Zidell Healing Garden is regarded as a valuable and calming destination in Portland for healing and companionship, with most visitors appreciating its unique cultural and natural elements despite minor drawbacks.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
D H
Cute small garden. The security guard said it was free and open to the public. A bit unkept but that's better for the beneficial insects anyway.
Nicole Miller
A lovely and welcoming place for healing and meditation. It's peaceful and open for the community to share and learn.
Teresa Gryder
This garden is part of the NUNM campus, and it is fenced but the gate is almost always open. It contains a wide array of medicinal herbs from western, Ayurvedic and Chinese cultures, though they are not all marked. There are also some colorful sculptures. There is a circular open area which is used for Tai Chi classes and other activities. There is also an open shelter with benches where you can meet when it is raining. This is a lovely space in an otherwise urban area.
Fiona van Dahl
Relaxing little park with beautiful roses in many colors, and interesting placards about herbal healing. I parked in the little lot across the street.
Ronderrick Moore Sr.
Great place to meditate or listen to your headphones if you live in the neighborhood.
How to reach Min Zidell Healing Garden
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Why Min Zidell Healing Garden may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Min Zidell Healing Garden with your friends? The Min Zidell Healing Garden offers a unique setting that goes far beyond traditional parks or meeting spots, making it an ideal place for groups seeking a meaningful and tranquil gathering. Nestled in the vibrant urban area of south Portland on the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) campus, this garden serves as an oasis of calm amidst the city bustle, blending natural beauty with healing energy. The garden’s serene environment invites reflection, conversation, and connection, encouraging groups to slow down and share a peaceful experience together. Unlike typical outdoor venues, the garden’s focus on healing through nature enriches the atmosphere, fostering a collective sense of wellness and renewal. This makes it especially well-suited for celebrations, thoughtful conversations, or simply spending quality time with loved ones in a calming, artfully designed environment. Whether reconnecting with old friends or bonding with family, the Min Zidell Healing Garden creates a memorable backdrop that inspires a deeper sense of community.
What activities can you enjoy at Min Zidell Healing Garden? The garden is rich with intentional features that cater to reflection, exploration, and group interaction. A central highlight is the expansive labyrinth designed in a Celtic Knot pattern that dominates the courtyard. This labyrinth invites visitors to walk a contemplative path, ideal for groups to explore mindfulness together, sharing the calming rhythms of the walk while stimulating meaningful conversation. Surrounding the labyrinth, several bronze sculptures—including one honoring the 6th-century Chinese medicine physician, Sun Simiao—add a cultural and historical depth to the experience, making exploration both educational and inspiring. For those interested in relaxation and socialization, seating areas strategically placed throughout the garden offer the perfect spots for regrouping and discussing insights or simply enjoying nature’s embrace. Additionally, the Sokenbicha tea house on the premises invites visitors to partake in a soothing tea experience that complements the garden’s healing philosophy. This blend of art, nature, and interactive spaces makes activities at Min Zidell Healing Garden especially enriching for groups, combining movement, contemplation, and social bonding.
Why is Min Zidell Healing Garden the perfect place for a group meetup? The garden’s layout and design inherently encourage connection among people. Its combination of open spaces and intimate corners accommodates various group sizes and dynamics, making it easy for friends or family to gather without feeling overcrowded. The garden’s peaceful setting encourages open communication, making it ideal for both lighthearted social gatherings and more profound, contemplative conversations. Additionally, the garden’s botanical elements, which merge Eastern and Western medicinal plant traditions, stimulate curiosity and offer topics for exploration and learning that can be enjoyed collectively. Positioned within the NUNM campus, the garden benefits from a quiet yet accessible urban location, providing convenience for city dwellers while still feeling like a hidden gem. The garden’s regulated hours and respectful visitor policies ensure a safe, controlled environment conducive to undisturbed group enjoyment. Altogether, these elements create a harmonious setting that supports meaningful interactions, making any meetup not just fun but also enriching.
How does the environment enhance your visit to Min Zidell Healing Garden? The garden’s environment is designed to promote healing, calm, and rejuvenation, which profoundly affects the quality of group experiences. Its 12,000 square feet of green space include native and medicinal plants, artful landscaping, and quiet water features that contribute to an atmosphere of peacefulness. Being surrounded by natural beauty opens pathways to reduce stress and increase positive feelings, which can enhance group dynamics by fostering openness and empathy. The garden’s strategic integration of art, such as impressive bronze sculptures, adds visual interest and creates opportunities for group discussions on topics like history, healing, and culture. Moreover, the labyrinth’s intentional design offers a physical and symbolic journey that can be transformative for those who walk it together. This environment not only beautifies the space but also deepens the visitor’s experience, making gatherings here more than just social events—they become opportunities for collective healing and personal growth.
What practical considerations make Min Zidell Healing Garden a convenient and accessible meetup spot? The garden’s location in Portland is easily reachable by public transportation or car, positioned just south of downtown near the Ross Island Bridge, making it convenient for urban visitors. With clearly defined operating hours—Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closing on Sundays and major holidays—it allows for well-planned visits that fit different schedules. The garden’s size provides ample space to spread out, which is especially valuable for groups wanting a relaxed, non-crowded atmosphere. Because it is part of an educational institution, the NUNM campus is well maintained and safe, offering clean facilities and a sense of security for visitors. The garden’s access policy welcomes the Portland community, inviting public enjoyment while respecting the need for tranquility, so groups can expect a balance between openness and peacefulness. Together, these practical details assure that Min Zidell Healing Garden is not only beautiful and meaningful but also a highly functional and accommodating choice for gatherings.
What makes Min Zidell Healing Garden a unique cultural and educational experience for groups? The garden stands out as a living crossroads where natural medicine traditions from both East and West converge. Its sculptures and plant selections tell stories that can engage groups intellectually and emotionally. For example, the bronze statue of Sun Simiao, a revered figure in Chinese medicine, invites discussions on ancient healing practices and their modern relevance. This blend of cultural elements enriches the garden beyond being a simple natural space, positioning it as a place of learning and respect for holistic health. Visitors can absorb knowledge about medicinal herbs, natural healing philosophies, and historical health practices in a setting that feels immersive rather than academic. By sharing these insights, groups not only enjoy the garden visually and socially but also gain a deeper appreciation for holistic wellness and cross-cultural traditions. This makes the garden an inspiring destination for friends or family interested in holistic health, culture, and the arts.
How does the Min Zidell Healing Garden foster mindfulness, wellness, and reflection among visitors? The garden’s design purposefully incorporates features meant to stimulate mindfulness and healing. The labyrinth serves as a meditative tool, encouraging slow, intentional walking that can clear the mind and reduce anxiety. Being in a space dedicated to healing creates a psychological cue that helps visitors shift into a relaxing and open mindset. Gardens are well-known for their therapeutic benefits, such as lowering stress hormones and boosting mood, effects the Min Zidell Healing Garden capitalizes on with its lush plants and soothing layout. The presence of art and cultural symbols adds layers of meaning that invite introspection and dialogue within groups. Together, these features make time spent here beneficial not only socially but also on an individual and collective wellness level, offering moments for personal insight and the strengthening of emotional bonds among friends or family.
What do the reviews reveal about experiences at Min Zidell Healing Garden? With a rating of 4.5 based on 21 reviews, most visitors praise the garden’s peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained grounds. Reviewers often highlight the labyrinth and sculptures as particularly memorable features that offer both aesthetic pleasure and reflective opportunities. Visitors appreciate the garden as a calm respite within the busy city, making it a valued spot for contemplative walks or meaningful conversations. Some reviews point out its unique role as a healing space connected to the university’s mission, giving it a purpose-driven vibe that enhances the visitor experience. This feedback from previous guests confirms that the garden consistently delivers on its promise to be a place of healing, learning, and gathering, adding confidence that your group will enjoy a peaceful and enriching outing here.
In conclusion, Min Zidell Healing Garden is an outstanding venue for hosting a meetup with friends or family because it combines natural beauty, cultural depth, and therapeutic design in a safe and convenient urban location. It offers a variety of activities that cater to both active exploration and relaxed socializing, making every visit meaningful. The garden’s environment promotes wellness and mindful connection, turning an ordinary gathering into a rejuvenating experience. The positive community reception and accessible amenities further support its suitability as a memorable and restorative meeting place. Whether celebrating an occasion, fostering deeper connections, or simply enjoying nature together, the Min Zidell Healing Garden provides an unparalleled setting for your group to rally and thrive.