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Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, The Dalles

4.7

Must see · Specialty Museum · Museum

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The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum is the official interpretive center and history museum about the Columbia River Gorge located on 54 acres (22 ha) in The Dalles, Oregon. Opened in 1997, the 48,200-square-foot (4,480 m2) Center features exhibits about the area's geology, Ice Age prehistory, Native American culture and basketry, exploration by Lewis and Clark and others on the Oregon Trail, settlement, transportation and natural history. The Wasco County Historical Museum is a 17,200 square-foot exhibit wing which tells the history of the people of Wasco County, Oregon.

The center also offers live raptor programs, a research library, meeting rooms, auditorium, gift shop and cafe. The site includes a handicap accessible paved interpretive trail with vistas of the Columbia River Gorge and the Klickitat Hills.

Arrange to visit Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum and other attractions in The Dalles using our The Dalles day trip planning website.
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Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

418 reviews

Google

4.7

By Charles H

Very informative, especially if you are a Lewis and Clark fan. Attended an excellent rapter show given by a wildlife specialist. Wonderful display of the Lewis and Clark trip including maps and...

Very informative, especially if you are a Lewis and Clark fan. Attended an excellent rapter show given by a wildlife specialist. Wonderful display of the Lewis and Clark trip including maps and... more »
By tomn691

Well worth a stop to learn more about everything from the interesting geologic history of the gorge to the experiences and hardships of the Oregon Trail settlers to the Native Culture AND they have a.... more

Well worth a stop to learn more about everything from the interesting geologic history of the gorge to the experiences and hardships of the Oregon Trail settlers to the Native Culture AND they have a.... more »
By livewell2day

We enjoyed the warm welcome we received from the front desk person. She was cheerful, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable. The museum exhibits were done with such care and detail. We learned many...

We enjoyed the warm welcome we received from the front desk person. She was cheerful, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable. The museum exhibits were done with such care and detail. We learned many... more »

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Google

By R R

This spot is STUNNING. The scenery and discovery center are absolutely beautiful. I loved learning about the raptors and watching the demonstrations with the animals. The proximity to the bike path was fantastic for exploring nearby restaurants and enjoying beautiful views of the gorge we just learned about. We found an awesome little brewery with amazing food just a few minutes down the path.

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By Andrew Bachmann

Nice museum with some nice set pieces and artifacts. Several videos to watch that can take a while. There was a live kestrel when we went. Outside there is a nice picnic area, but it was quite windy so we ended up eating in the car. Friendly staff. Nice view from here too.

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By Michelle Gardner

We hosted our wedding at the Discovery Center. Tiffany and her team were wonderful. Twelve days before our wedding, our prior venue backed out and we were left scrambling. Thankfully, the Discovery Center was available. In less than two weeks, Tiffany and her team helped us prepare the perfect setting for our wedding and reception. The staff were delightful and friendly, they were incredibly thoughtful in helping us sort through all of the details and everything went off without a hitch. In addition to the beautiful scenery and stunning hall, our guests enjoyed touring the exhibits during the reception, and a few enjoyed the quiet of the theatre to escape all the fun of the dance floor. This venue has literally everything you need for the perfect wedding day - including stunning photo locations.

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By Trent Larson

This is my favorite museum on the Columbia River. If you get chance based the presentation times I recommend listening to a bird of prey live presentation with live birds they house on site. Very thorough displays of flora, fauna, and human life along the river up to modern times.

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By Cassy Todd

This place is amazing! My son is 3 and wasn't at the age of appreciation of the exhibits but he definitely enjoyed running around. We loved the exhibits. But I definitely have a deep appreciation of the staff, especially Tiffany Bates who went above and beyond for me and my family to celebrate my Mother's life! She and all the staff was so helpful to us, and really just amazing to give us such a proper celebration! We will definitely be visiting again on our travels! Thank you definitely rate 10+ ❤️

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