columbia gorge discovery center & museum

A really great little museum on the edge of The Dalles - lots of Oregon Trail history, as well as a well crafted series of exhibits regarding the native Americans of the area.

Spend a couple of hours on your way through town. If you are unfamiliar with the history of the area, it is a good introduction. Nice trails to wander around on. Raptor shows on weekends. Snacks available. Nice facility. Could use some better lighting on some displays. Most of the displays are interpretive rather than artifacts.

We were in town for some family events and wanted to get out and try a few things in the area. This is one of the best musems I have ever been too. I nrmally do not like this tyoe of thing, find it boring but they have done a great job here, lots of things like coffee/lunch and shoping you can do there as well. Really nice place!

Enjoyed the many exhibits they had, especially the special Smithsonian temporary exhibit on the Bracero Program. Spent 2 hours exploring the Lewis and Clark exhibit, watching the live raptor show, appreciating the Native American exhibit, learning more about the local history of The Dalles area and having fun at the photo booths. This museum is situated by the River Front trail, so take some time to go for a walk too. Beautiful scenery. Enjoy on a rainy or hot day! Read more on my travel blog at roadtripswithmymom.com

Thank you for making a special trip down the gorge to visit us! We appreciate your positive and thorough review of our museum (and love your title)! We look forward to seeing you again very soon. Best,Kristen MayDirector of Visitor Services

I traveled this Museum last spring with my son's 5th grade class. I have passed by this Museum many time and we have not taken the time to stop. It was well worth the visit. Lots of history of the gorge and some interactive exhibits. There are also some interpretive trails. We did not have the time to go on some of longer hikes, but we would like to return someday. Well worth your time to stop. Check out Spooky's pizza as well.

The museum is well planned, easy to get around, and a fun excursion. Should be on your "things to do" when in the area.

Lots to see here. Local history and the Oregon Trail and Lewis and Clark exhibits. Also live Bird of Prey and other talks.

It was raining when we arrived in Hood River so we headed to Columbia Gorge Discovery Center to spend some time indoors with our 9 year old. The center wasn't busy so we spent a lot of time visiting the exhibits, participating in the activities in the Kid center and visiting the eagles thanks to the National Park Ranger that took us on the tour.

The presentation and information is great. I suggest anyone who is not familiar with the gorge to get this lesson. Well worth it.

Various exhibit rooms all different but part of the area's history. Well presented with various activities.

Thank you for taking the time to write a review of the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum! Your feedback is invaluable and appreciated. Hope to see you again soon!

We spent two hours here and it gave us a good idea about what the area is about especially watching the video about Clark and Lewis. They were the explorers sent out by Roosevelt to map the region and generally report on wild life, plants and tribes. The museum was also nice and cool as it was in the 90's outside!

Good overview of the area. The museum gave a good description of the area and what things you could do..

The museum is good and has many interesting features but I have to agree with earlier post it's a little disjointed and jumps around.That said there are many interesting things to see and watch, there is an interesting film on how the gorge was formed and also the native Americans fishing.The birds of prey presentation was great and the lady giving it was enthusiastic and passionate about what she was talking about well worth the time.