Historic Downtown St. Helens
Nestled along a scenic stretch of the Columbia River, roughly 30 miles northwest of Portland, St. Helens is one of Oregon's most storied small towns. The city sits on the western bank of the Columbia — one of the great rivers of the American West — where the water widens and the views stretch across to Washington State. That riverfront setting has shaped St. Helens since its earliest days.
Founded in the 1840s and incorporated in 1889, St. Helens served as a vital hub for river trade, logging, and commerce throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Columbia County Courthouse, a landmark of the downtown district, has stood watch over the community since 1906 and remains one of the most photographed buildings in the region. The historic Courthouse Square and the surrounding blocks retain much of their original character — brick storefronts, wide sidewalks, and a genuine small-town atmosphere that's increasingly rare.
St. Helens gained wider recognition when it was chosen as the filming location for the 1998 Disney film Halloweentown, and the town has embraced that legacy with its beloved annual Spirit of Halloweentown festival each October — drawing visitors from across the Pacific Northwest to celebrate in the very streets where the movie was made.
Today, the historic downtown district is home to a growing community of independent shops, restaurants, and creative businesses — each one adding to the fabric of a town that has always been defined by its people and its river.
Small Businesses in the District
Support local — here are some of the independent businesses that make downtown St. Helens worth exploring:
- Real-eyezing Art — Tattoo and piercing parlor.
- 2Cs Vendor Mall — Multi-vendor marketplace with unique finds.
- Columbia Theater — Historic downtown theater.
- Gnome Grown — Local 'flower' shop.
- Beyond the Forest — Cafe gifts and goods.
- Sweet Starling — Gifts and more.
- Wiggle Butz — Pet supplies and accessories.
- Spilt Ink Gallery and Gift Shop — Art gallery and gifts.
- Pretty Nice Deli — A pretty nice deli.
- Lightning Treats & Sweets — Desserts and sweet treats.
- Cuts+ — Hair salon and styling.
- Scandalous Salon — Full-service hair salon.
- Bemis Printing — Local print shop.
- Jilly's Beverly Hills Shopping — Women's clothing and accessories.
- Plymouth Pub — Neighborhood pub and gathering spot.
- Freebird Salon — Hair and beauty services.
- Klondike Tavern — Classic tavern atmosphere.
- Crooked Creek Brewery — Craft beer brewed locally.
- Lotus of Bangkok — Thai cuisine downtown.
- Big River Taproom — Taproom with river views.
- Riverfront Books — Independent bookstore on the waterfront.
Know a business we should add? Get in touch and we'll include them.