Milwaukie, OR

One of the Oregon communities we know and serve.

About Milwaukie, OR

Before American and European settlers arrived, the Milwaukie area was part of the homeland of the Clackamas Indians, members of the Upper Chinook language group. The area was settled in 1847 by the Luelling family, orchardists from Iowa, and claimed by pioneer entrepreneur Lot Whitcomb, who named it after Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Milwaukie was an early river town. The first steamship built in Oregon, the side-wheeler Lot Whitcomb, was launched at Milwaukie amid a huge celebration on Christmas Day, 1850.

The Bing cherry was developed at the Lewelling farm in Milwaukie and named for the orchard's foreman, Ah Bing. That heritage earned the city the nickname Home of the Bing Cherry.

The Town of Milwaukie was incorporated in 1903 by an act of the Oregon State Legislature. Known as the Dogwood City of the West, Milwaukie sits on the Willamette River in the northwest corner of Clackamas County.

Why Live in Milwaukie, OR?

The MAX Orange Line, which began service in 2015, connects downtown Milwaukie with Portland, with trains every 15 minutes or less for much of the day.
The Milwaukie Farmers Market runs downtown on Sundays from May through October.
Milwaukie Bay Park on the Willamette hosts the city's annual Winter Solstice event, where residents gather by a bonfire to watch the Christmas Ships pass.
The Trolley Trail, a multi-use path following a historic streetcar route, begins at Milwaukie Bay Park and runs south through Oak Grove to Gladstone.
The Milwaukie Station food cart pod sits next to the Main St. MAX station downtown, with covered seating and restrooms.

The Milwaukie, OR Market

Every neighborhood moves at its own pace. Reach out to Shannon Mesritz | Realtor in OR & WA for a current, no-pressure look at what's happening in Milwaukie, OR right now.

Schools in Milwaukie, OR

Milwaukie is served by the North Clackamas School District, which serves the communities of Milwaukie, Oak Grove, Happy Valley and other parts of Clackamas County. Milwaukie High School is located in the city. Confirm school assignment for a specific address with the district.

Local Favorites

Milwaukie Bay Park (Park): A waterfront park on the Willamette River at the north end of the Trolley Trail, home to the annual Winter Solstice Christmas Ships viewing.
Elk Rock Island (Nature area): A rocky island in the Willamette River, part of an ancient lava flow, reachable by a land bridge in summer.
Milwaukie Farmers Market (Market): A Sunday market in downtown Milwaukie running May through October.
Milwaukie Station Food Cart Pod (Food carts): 11301 SE 21st Ave, Milwaukie, OR — A food cart pod next to the Main St. MAX station with covered seating, picnic tables and restrooms.
North Clackamas Aquatic Park (Recreation): 7300 SE Harmony Rd — An indoor water park with a large pool, waterslides and a rock climbing wall.
Milwaukie Museum (Museum): 3737 SE Adams St, Milwaukie, OR — A local history museum in Milwaukie.

Frequently Asked Questions About Milwaukie, OR

Is Milwaukie really the birthplace of the Bing cherry?

Yes. The Bing cherry was developed at the Lewelling farm in Milwaukie and named for orchard foreman Ah Bing.

Why is Milwaukie spelled differently from Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

Founder Lot Whitcomb named the town after Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The spellings of the two cities shifted over time, and the city notes the Post Office Department may have settled on the Milwaukie spelling to reduce misdirected mail.

Can I take light rail from Milwaukie to Portland?

Yes. The MAX Orange Line runs between Milwaukie and Portland, with trains every 15 minutes or less for much of the day.

What school district serves Milwaukie?

The North Clackamas School District serves Milwaukie.

When is the Milwaukie Farmers Market?

The market runs on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., May through October, in downtown Milwaukie.