We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
All 7 The Dalles Attractions »

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center

5000 Discovery Drive, The Dalles, OR 97058
541-296-8600
Ranked #2 of 6 attractions in The Dalles
4.5 of 5 stars 18 Reviews
Type: Science Museums, History Museums, Museums
Update attraction details
Write a Review

18 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    11
    6
    1
    0
    0
Date Rating
Montana City, Montana
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2012 NEW

While traveling with my family and also an aunt who grew up in the area, we visited the discovery center. We each learned something we didn't know. My 6 year old son loved the mammoth and the interactive section. Would recommend seeing. They also have a great trail system there for walking along the river.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by MTCityGirl for The Dalles
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2012 NEW

Bigger and better than I thought it would be. Excellent if you are into local history.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Jazzganggirl for The Dalles
The Dalles, Oregon
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

Lots of things for everybody to see and learn about. Has many different exhibits. Wasco County history library is here and you can find story of people who lived here. Very helpful. You can go in there free.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by Coleclan for The Dalles
Victoria, Canada
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2012

A wonderful building on a very pretty site, housing two museums for the price of one. We found the Columbia Gorge wing, with its exhibits on geology, ice age animals, aboriginal history, Lewis and Clark and early settlers quite interesting and well done for the most part. The audio presentations I found to be too loud, as the endlessly looping... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
spd2@embarqmail.com
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Beautiful setting full of historical memmorabilia and also a great place to attend a wedding.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by Sding73 for The Dalles
Black Diamond, Wa.
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 April 2012

two in one ...lewis and clark and ice age. Spent 2 hours in there

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 10 more reviews by Donna H for The Dalles
Snellville, Georgia
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 March 2012

If you are interested in the geology and history of the Columbia Gorge, this place is a must see. Plan on 2-3 hours, though. We arrived at 3:30 and they close at 5:00 so we didn't get to see it all. good displays and lots of films on Lewis & Clark, the Oregon Trail and the Indian culture. We were... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Grandpa117 for The Dalles
Bend, Oregon
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 January 2012

Great! We appreciated the local history...especially as a former local. Having been born in The Dalles, it was a nice reminder of where I came from. Make sure you take the outdoor walk! Best part!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 13 more reviews by Sued1955 for The Dalles
Vancouver, Washington
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 January 2012

Although we did not tour the entire museum, we were not impressed with the admission price. Cool bird at the front, gift shop has some cool, but pricey stuff. In my opinion the admission price should be about half of what it is. Nicely laid out, beautiful building and scenic area, cafe had decent food and not too spendy.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Falmouth, MA
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
54 helpful votes 54 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 December 2011

Museum Directors Take Note: The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center is fantastic. I wish that every region in North America had one or more museums like this one. What's so special about the Discovery Center? An attractive setting. Interactive exhibits that are well-planned and well-presented. An appreciation of both the natural environment and human history and how the two work together.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Columbia Gorge Discovery Center also viewed

Fort Dalles Museum
4 of 5 stars 5 Reviews
The Dalles, OR
The Dalles
4 of 5 stars 8 Reviews
The Dalles, OR
 
Horsethief Lake State Park
4 of 5 stars 2 Reviews
The Dalles, OR
Columbia River Gorge
5 of 5 stars 74 Reviews
Hood River, OR
 

Been to Columbia Gorge Discovery Center? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family holidays start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »