Things to do in The Dalles

Top Things to Do in The Dalles, OR - The Dalles Attractions

Things to Do in The Dalles

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Top Attractions in The Dalles

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Speciality Museums
The 48,200 sq. ft. facility won an American Institute of Architects Honor Award for its appealing design. The Center is situated on a 54-acre point of land adjacent to the Columbia River and the Historic Columbia River Highway. The site provides walking trails, a pond, and scenic overlooks. Its location in The Dalles, Oregon is an ecosystem transition zone, facilitating the interpretation of both the rain forest west of the Cascade Mountains and the arid region to the east. Live raptor education programs engage all ages in issues related to habitat preservation. The area includes one of the oldest continuously occupied areas in North America (over 11,000 years), immediate proximity to one of the largest rivers on the continent, and access to the Lewis and Clark and Oregon Trails. The multimedia, interactive museum inspires appreciation and stewardship of the natural and cultural treasures of the Gorge and Wasco County. Exhibits focus on the volcanic upheaval and raging floods that created the Gorge, the unique flora and fauna of the region, and eleven thousand years of cultural history. Collections include hundreds of American Indian baskets from throughout the Pacific Northwest, photo archives (partially available on-line), and local genealogical files available in the William G. Dick Library. In addition to touring the many fascinating exhibits, visitors can spend time viewing films in the theater located on site. If you plan to spend the day at the Discovery Center and Museum, you can relax during a lunch or coffee break at the Basalt Rock Cafe.
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Susan A
    24 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went late in the day so it was our fault for feeling rushed, but there was also a private party going on. Whoever was with that private party made us feel rushed, trying to hurry us along through the exhibits. It made me feel rather uncomfortable. We arrived at 3:45 and they closed at 5 even though we weren't the only ones who decided to go late. I think they should have offered a diacounted rate for end of the day visitors.
    Written 18 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mrbryan
    Portland, OR115 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An amazing museum. The exhibits were tremendous, and the enthusiasm of the collector was transcendent. We started off with a short video, and then we were led through the museum by its creator. He told us personal stories, educated us as to the history of neon signage, and displayed a small portion of his awe inspiring collection. You don't need to be a neon enthusiast to enjoy the museum, just a person who is open to interesting things. We drove out from Portland to go here, and it was definitely worth the trip.
    Written 17 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Claudette
    Arvada, CO38 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a wonderful find for my friend and I while on a girls trip. We stopped here and did a wine tasting and ended up staying a couple hours! Vicki, one of the owners was fabulous ! She shared her knowledge of the history of this really cool old mill and her passion for the Quenett Wines and The Dalles area. Amazing antiques and decor throughout the building. Vicki says they also do outdoor movie night as well! Definitely worth stopping at this incredible place.
    Written 19 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Aln357
    Anacoco, LA522 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not a traditional army fort. This fort was established to help people settle at the end of the Oregon trail. This was used until the 1850s and turned into a museum by around 1905. A lot to see for $8 dollar, a person
    Written 8 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • half-Brit
    Oregon Coast49,686 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This time when I was in The Dalles, Old St Peter's Landmark was open! Hooray!

    Hours are limited so check their website ahead of time. This is well worth a short visit. It's just lovely inside. It was built around 1900 and used to be a Catholic church. Our docent -- sorry I didn't get her name... short, 60-something woman -- was very knowledgeable and friendly. We had a nice time chatting about the former church. She also suggested a couple of other attractions in town that she thought might be of interest to us.

    Make the effort to visit. It's free but donations are welcome.
    Written 20 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jerry W
    53 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a drive on highway 30 between Corbett and Dodson, Oregon. A map detailing the waterfall and sight locations are available on the internet titled “Historic Columbia River Highway”. The road is crooked and at places very narrow and parking is limited at the waterfalls, especially the spectacular Multnomah Falls. We drove this highway during a heavy rain and still feel that it was well worth it.
    Written 12 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • rdsm77
    Tucson, AZ406 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The drive to The Dalles was wonderful following the Columbia River. Highly recommend. We stopped off at Riverfront Park and walked out to the beach. Drove thru some pretty neighborhoods and stopped at a couple nifty thrift stores.
    Written 26 November 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AeneasAtSea
    Salt Lake City, UT576 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Spanning the Columbia River Gorge several miles east of The Dalles (city), the Dalles Dam was built in 1957-62. The reservoir it created covered multiple petroglyph sites, and some panels were removed and relocated to Columbia Hills State Park. From the visitors center (exit 87) you can take a tour (if you are a US citizen with ID). Free 1-hour tours are offered, but only on certain days and hours between May 1 and Sept 30, and must be booked in advance.
    Written 7 August 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Micky F
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had a blast on the course, well-marked and groomed, great views the entire time because this park is on the hillside.
    Written 6 December 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • cwhite1963
    Vancouver, WA86 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very nice place to stop. The lady inside was very nice and informative.
    Has a great shaded area next to it for walking dogs
    And letting kids run off energy.
    Written 5 July 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ms julie
    Dobson, NC87 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Free. Small. Unique ‘mankiller’ pump. Worth the stop. Charming small town walk about. Stopped every block by strangers to chat.
    Written 18 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • STEVE C
    seattle washington135 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    better than Toppenish in every way. Keep on adding the murals, please. The Dalles is a real hidden gem.
    Written 18 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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