About Electric Letterland: Walking Tour of Portland’s Historic Neon

Nothing matches the beauty of vintage neon. Take a twilight journey down Portland’s oldest streets to see the city’s most imaginative, historic neon gems. Steeped in architectural significance and a playful, pioneering spirit, these glowing beauties create a magical nightscape, connecting to Portland’s sordid past, the richness of urban life, and a humble yet other-worldly, totally analog hand-made craft. On this tour, you’ll learn some local history, how neon signs work, and see beautiful vintage designs in the form of colorful, gas-filled glass tubes.

Photography and lively Q&A are encouraged. Be prepared to walk 1.5 miles for approximately 2 hours, with a rest stop. The tour starts just before twilight, rain or shine, as neon looks great on a rainy night.

NOTE: Please bring photo I.D., as the tour ends at a neon-filled bar.