Skip to content
visitorfun
BusinessesGrow
MuseumsHistory BuffFamily FavoriteRainy-Day Pick

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum

5000 Discovery Drive · The Dalles, OR

Why you should go…

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum is the official interpretive center for the Columbia River Gorge, located on a 54 acre site above the Columbia River in The Dalles, Oregon. Opened in 1997, the 48,200 square foot building includes exhibits on the area's geology, Ice Age prehistory, Native American basketry, and Lewis and Clark's exploration, alongside the Wasco County Historical Museum wing. The grounds include walking trails, a pond and scenic overlooks, and the museum is wheelchair accessible.

  • #museum
  • #history
  • #native american
  • #geology
  • #family

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    The Dalles

    Free

    Columbia River Gorge town whose chamber of commerce also runs the official visitor center.

    3.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Klickitat County

    Free

    The north shore of the Columbia River Gorge, with whitewater, wind sports, hiking and small towns.

    14 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Packer Orchards

    Under $25

    A fourth-generation family farm near Hood River with u-pick fruit, a farm market bakery and seasonal family events.

    14 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Museums
    Quirky Fun

    Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum

    Under $25

    Hangar museum of still-flying antique planes and still-driving classic cars and motorcycles near Hood River.

    16 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    Cascade Locks Historical Museum

    Free

    A volunteer-run riverside museum on the history of the Columbia Gorge locks, railroads and steamboats.

    33 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Quirky Fun

    North American Bigfoot Center

    Under $25

    Quirky museum devoted to Bigfoot research and lore, curated by a Finding Bigfoot investigator.

    57 mi awayMore like this