Here is our list of the best company retreat ideas in Portland, Oregon.
Company retreat ideas in Portland are entertaining activities you can use to help workers take a break from work in the Portland region. Examples include the Oregon Zoo, the Lan Su Chinese Garden, and The Grotto. The purpose of these activities is to bring your workers closer and forge strong bonds while reducing work-related stress and increasing productivity.
These ideas work for corporate retreats, executive retreat ideas, and group retreat activities. The activities are similar to Portland company outings and activities for groups in Portland.
This list includes:
- corporate retreat ideas for big groups in Portland
- corporate retreat ideas for small groups in Portland
- company retreat entertainment ideas in Portland
- company retreat locations in Portland
- staff retreat activities in Oregon
- team retreat ideas in Portland
Here we go!
List of company retreat ideas in Portland
As the largest city in Oregon, Portland boasts vibrant art exhibits, a rich history, and incredible natural parks. From Portland International Raceway to The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and Forest Park, here is a list of the best company retreat ideas to engage your team in the Portland region.
1. Ultimate Trivia Showdown
Ultimate Trivia Showdown is one of the best team retreat ideas in Portland. You can use the retreat idea to encourage friendly competition in your workforce. Attendees who are expecting typical trivia are in for a surprise. For 90 minutes, a fun host will lead your team through high-energy quiz game twists that will challenge even the brightest teammates. Players will learn the importance of creative thinking and teamwork through the event.
Learn more about Ultimate Trivia Showdown.
2. The Art of Storytelling
If you want a workforce with impeccable storytelling skills, then book The Art of Storytelling. In the 90-minute workshop, a team of storytelling experts, including actors, academics, and comedians, will give attendees vital tips for telling compelling tales. Your workforce can apply these techniques in professional and personal settings. After learning a formula for crafting and delivering engaging tales and hearing examples, attendees will get the chance to practice and perfect writing stories as a group. You can book The Art of Storytelling for workers of all experience levels.
Learn more about The Art of Storytelling.
3. The Great Guac Off
If you have not tried The Great Guac Off with your team, then you are missing out. In this 90-minute retreat idea, your team will partake in a fun guacamole-making competition. But first, a fun host will engage your team in mini-competitions such as Trivia-cado. Then, participants will start the mash-off. You can use factors such as taste and presentation to determine the winner. The Great Guac Off package includes all the essentials you need for a fun retreat, such as dippers, group photos, and prizes. You can also add catering to your package for an extra price.
Learn more about The Great Guac Off.
4. Oregon Zoo
Home to over 2,585 animals from over 215 species, the Oregon Zoo is an excellent location for staff retreat activities in Oregon. The 64-acre zoo boasts an extensive range of specialized gardens and animal exhibits that will interest attendees. In addition, your team will see and interact with 15 endangered and seven threatened species. Some of the exhibits you can explore with your team include the African Rainforest, Cascade Crest, Cougar Crossing, Elephant Lands, and the Predators of the Serengeti. For a more immersive retreat, check out the zoo’s calendar of events. After the zoo tour, you can let participants grab their choice of meals and drinks at the in-house eateries.
Learn more about Oregon Zoo.
5. Portland Art Museum
As the seventh oldest museum in the U.S, a team retreat to the Portland Art Museum will fascinate art lovers. The entire museum covers about 240,000 and 112,000 square feet of gallery space. Art lovers will enjoy the collection of over 50,000 artworks in the permanent collection and special exhibitions that reflect art history from ancient times to the present day. Attendees can check out art collections from different eras, artists, and genres, such as Asian, American, Northwest, and photography. A team tour to the Portland Art Museum will encourage creativity among your workforce.
Learn more about Portland Art Museum.
6. Washington Park
If you have a diverse team, then you should add Washington Park to your list of corporate retreat ideas for big groups in Portland. The 410-acre public urban park boasts different attractions and amenities perfect for memorable team retreats. Given the variety of attractions, you can let participants choose the ideal activity in the park or select a few ideas that your team will enjoy. For example, animal lovers can enjoy a stroll in the Oregon Zoo as other team players partake in an archery competition at Archery Range.
Attendees can also tour the Hoyt Arboretum, the International Rose Test Garden, and the Portland Japanese Garden. You can also hold a team picnic at the picnic sites throughout the park. If you have a large team of workers, then be sure to reserve picnic tables. You can also engage your team in competitive retreat activities such as tennis and soccer. Washington Park is the perfect location to connect your team with diversity, culture, and wonders of nature.
Learn more about Washington Park.
7. Forest Park
As one of the largest urban forest reserves in the U.S, Forest Park tops the list of company retreat ideas in Portland for nature lovers. The over 5,100-acre park stretches eight miles on the hillside and overlooks the Willamette River. Visitors enjoy over 80 miles of recreational trails where attendees can hike and cycle. Participants may also be lucky to catch the over 62 mammal species and 112 bird species that frequent the park. Given the vast park area, attendees can wander. You can choose one trail that your team will use. One of the most recommended trails is the Wildwood Trail which spans 30.2 breathtaking miles leading to the Colombian River. Forest Park does not charge an admission fee, and you can add the park to your list of free corporate retreat ideas for big groups in Portland.
Learn more about Forest Park.
8. Lan Su Chinese Garden
With a mission to inspire and educate visitors on the rich and authentic Chinese culture, Lan Su Chinese Garden is a great team retreat idea. The Lan Su Chinese Garden collection presents plant species native to China, over 50 tree specimens, and unusual perennials and plants. You will also find curated collections of peony, magnolia, rhododendron, bamboo, and camellia. The collection of plants has a long history, with some reflecting the work of gardeners and scientists throughout the years. Also, be sure to pass by Lake Zither, an 8,000-square feet central feature.
If you are looking for company retreat locations in Portland, then you can consider the garden’s events venue. Your team will enjoy the picturesque bridged lake, walkways, open pavilions, and stunning architectural details.
Learn more about Lan Su Chinese Garden.
9. Pittock Mansion
A tour of Pittock Mansion is a company retreat idea where your team will learn the history of Portland and marvel at the architecture. The French and Victorian Renaissance-style mansion is a 23-room estate on 46 acres. Some of the rooms that your team will tour include the Turkish smoking room, a library, a music room, and a sewing room. Nestled in the West Hills, the mansion captures the views of the Cascade Mountains and downtown Portland. You can also check out the Pittock Mansion’s permanent art collection, which includes personal artifacts and furnishings from the early 20th century.
Learn more about Pittock Mansion.
10. Portland International Raceway
A team visit to Portland International Raceway tops the list of company retreat entertainment ideas in Portland for speed enthusiasts. The 1.97-mile track hosts annual events such as the IndyCar Series and the NASCAR Pro Series West. Here, your team can experience drag racing, motorcycle road racing, cruise-ins, and motor cross. You can check out the calendar of events at Portland International Raceway and book an activity that interests your team. The venue also hosts charity events that raise money for great causes.
Learn more about Portland International Raceway.
11. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is an interactive technology and science museum in Portland that is perfect for history and science lovers. Your team will enjoy attractions such as the USS Blueback, Turbine Hall, Life of Sciences Hall, and the Featured Exhibit Hall. You can also tour the Planetarium and the Earth Science Hall, which features two specialized laboratories and geology exhibits. The museum also features an auditorium with a large screen theatre where you can hold your private company retreats. After the museum tour, you can let attendees enjoy meals and drinks at the Theory Eatery. In addition, attendees will enjoy views of the Marquam Bridge, Tilikum Crossing, and the downtown Portland skyline.
Learn more about The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.
12. Portland Japanese Garden
If you have a team of nature lovers, then a tour of the Portland Japanese Garden is an excellent choice. The garden, which overlooks the city, provides visitors with a tranquil environment. The 12-acre retreat venue features eight garden styles, including the Tea Garden, the Strolling Pond Garden, Sand and Stone Garden, and the Natural Garden. Your team will enjoy the authentic Japanese Tea House, intimate walkways, streams, and a stunning view of Mt. Hood. You can let your team explore Japanese art through the garden’s in-house art exhibitions.
For more immersive staff retreat activities in Oregon, you can pass by the Cultural Village, where attendees will experience traditional Japanese arts through performances and demonstrations. You can finish the team retreat by grabbing Japanese food and drinks at the Umami Café. A team retreat to the Portland Japanese Garden will promote diversity and inclusion in your company.
Learn more about Portland Japanese Garden.
13. The Grotto
Renowned as The National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother, The Grotto is a sanctuary and Catholic outdoor shrine that celebrates Mary. Boasting a place of prayer, peace, and natural beauty, the 62-acre sanctuary includes a church, trails, and botanical gardens. You can book your team a guided tour where attendees will learn the religious and spiritual significance of the artwork, chapel, gardens, and statues. Attendees who want to catch views of the Cascade Mountains, Columbia River Valley, and Mount St. Helens can visit the upper botanical gardens. The Grotto also features a gift shop where your team can shop for jewelry, books, and Grotto merchandise. You can also host a large team retreat at the in-house full-service conference center.
Learn more about The Grotto.
14. Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Tom McCall Waterfront Park tops the list of fun team retreat ideas in Portland. The 30-acre park next to the Willamette River offers a range of fun activities for teams. Participants can relax as they catch the stunning views of the Portland skyline, jog, boat watch, cycle, or skate. Attendees can also check out monuments at the park, such as the Founders Stone, Battleship Oregon Memorial, and the Police Memorial. Given the proximal location, Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a primary venue for festivals and events. You can browse the calendar of events and book annual events such as the Oregon Brewers Festival, Waterfront Blues Festival, or the Portland Rose Festival.
Learn more about Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
15. Portland Farmers Market
With seven different locations in Portland, the Portland Farmers Market tops the list of corporate retreat ideas for small groups in Portland. The farmer’s markets open all year round, albeit with varying schedules. Your team can browse over 200 vendor stalls, including bakeries, meat and seafood providers, cheese makers, farms, and specialty food producers. Through the shopping experience, your team will contribute to the success of local food growers and help create a sustainable local food system. You can also let attendees sample the different eateries at the market and experience Portland’s cuisine.
Learn more about Portland Farmers Market.
16. Battle Creek Cellars
Battle Creek Cellars is the perfect retreat option for wine lovers in your workforce. The company’s wines showcase Portland’s dedication to winemaking and farming. Visitors will taste an exclusive wine collection, including the Pinot Noir, which boasts delicious flavors. Your team will also love Willamette Valley’s tasting room which features welcoming and comfortable modern aesthetics. As they bond, you can let attendees watch a game at the Battle Creek Cellars tasting rooms.
Learn more about Battle Creek Cellars.
17. The Columbia River Gorge
When browsing the list of company retreat entertainment ideas in Portland, you can never go wrong with a tour of The Columbia River Gorge. Your team will escape the city’s hustle and bustle and recharge for work. The recreational destination stretches more than eighty miles through the Cascade Range and is a remarkable team sightseeing venue. The 292,500-acre gorge offers hiking trails and picturesque viewpoints. The 4,000 feet deep and 80 miles long valley marks the state line between Washington and Oregon. The Columbia River Gorge has a diverse collection of ecosystems and is renowned as the most scenic part of the lower Columbia River. Be sure to get your camera ready and take pictures of the stunning waterfalls, including the Oneonta Gorge, Multnomah Falls, and Latourell Falls.
Learn more about The Columbia River Gorge.
18. Portland Aerial Tram
As part of Portland’s official transit system, the Portland Aerial Tram is a retreat idea where your workforce will catch the awe-inspiring Portland cityscape views. Through the four-minute ride, your team will capture views of the Willamette River and the entirety of Portland. The cabins travel at 22 miles per hour and rise 500 feet during the trip. While the aerial tram is functional throughout the day, be sure to visit in the early morning or late evenings and catch the sunrise or sunset.
Learn more about Portland Aerial Tram.
19. Escape Games PDX
Escape Games PDX offers teams challenging and fun escape games. For 60 minutes, players will work as a team to solve puzzles, figure out clues, and escape before time runs out. Featuring five unique and interactive rooms, Escape Games PDX has all-weather activities that you can enjoy with your team.
Examples:
- Prison Heist- You are retiring from your criminal career. But before then, you need to carry out one last heist. You will escape prison, disable security, and steal goods within 60 minutes. While Prison Heist is a challenging experience, beginner escape room players will enjoy the game.
- Amnesia- You will find yourself in a laboratory with zero memory recollection. You are set to partake in a clinical trial. Unfortunately, you only have 60 minutes to gather your mind lest you will disappear for good. Amnesia is an escape room game that is ideal for players who are looking for a challenge.
If you are on the search for company retreat locations in Portland that will foster collaboration among your workers, then you can not go wrong with Escape Games PDX.
Learn more about Escape Games PDX.
Conclusion
With a wide variety of interesting tourist spots, Portland offers retreat ideas that will interest every team player in your workforce. Whether you have outdoorsy, history lovers, or art lovers in your company, you will have a great time exploring the city as participants bond. You will get to know why the culture-rich city tops the list of the most desirable places to live in the U.S. Company retreat ideas in Portland will boost work morale, help teams settle conflicts easily, and create an enjoyable workspace.
Next, check out Portland team building experiences and corporate event ideas in Portland.
Grace He