Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum is a lense through which to appreciate the rich history and ecology of the Columbia River Gorge and Wasco County. With a sprawling 54-acre site along the Columbia River, the museum’s 48,200 sq. ft. facility has earned the prestigious American Institute of Architects Honor Award for its appealing design, offering a family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible space.

Venture through over 11,000 years of history, exploring the Lewis and Clark and Oregon Trails. The grounds, meticulously restored with native vegetation, showcase ninety blooming native plant species adapted to the gorge’s environment. A wildflower database aids identification, while accessible trails provide breathtaking views of the Columbia River and Klickitat Hills.

Inside, immerse yourself in captivating exhibits and films at the on-site theater. The Columbia River Trading Co. beckons with a curated selection of local art, jewelry, toys, books, and more. Make your moments unforgettable by hosting a unique event in the iconic River Gallery, surrounded by raw timber columns and basalt rock walls. The Basalt Rock Café & Catering ensures a seamless experience.

Conveniently located off I-84, the museum offers a spectacular backdrop for weddings, corporate events, or private gatherings.

Good but felt rushed.

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.

40th birthday day trip with family !

Spent the day in this area of the Columbia River....this museum is one of the best. There are so many well displayed sets. It has a get room for kids to draw and sit. The room has a new mural with moving wooden animals for kids and adults too to move from one setting to another. The gift shop is wonderful, no junk just great books and yes toys to relate to Oregon history. At the end of the entry is a floor to ceiling window that looks out towards the river with an elk sculpture. The history of Lewis and Clark, pioneers and the Indian live here in the area. One of my favorite was the display and the short film of basket making and the baskets displayed were beautiful. There is a cafe but with was closed the time we were there, but the time before we did have a little treat. There is admission which is reasonable. So many venues out there for weddings ... this place would be perfect right in front of the huge window, check this place out. If you love history and Oregon history this place is a wonderful place to visit.

Wonderful and very historically informative.

Very nice and clean museum. Plenty of parking and handicap accessible. We did not have enough time to explore every aspect of the museum and it's grounds. The museum exhibits were top notch! We did have time to walk around the pond but did not get to walk to the opposite side of the parking lot to see the old buildings. Wish we had allotted more time in the day for this museum. Great for all ages!

Early History and Culture of the Region.

Well presented interpretive center and museum in a beautiful building. Recommend a visit to get a good overview of the region. Static and video displays. Some video/audion displays are locatd too close to each other and the audio overlaps in certain areas, suggest these be repositioned, but otherwise they are very interesting to watch.

TripAdvisor

March 18, 2024

susanaD9110VE

Good but felt rushed.

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.
January 5, 2024

Anne B

40th birthday day trip with family !

Spent the day in this area of the Columbia River....this museum is one of the best. There are so many well displayed sets. It has a get room for kids to draw and sit. The room has a new mural with moving wooden animals for kids and adults too to move from one setting to another. The gift shop is wonderful, no junk just great books and yes toys to relate to Oregon history. At the end of the entry is a floor to ceiling window that looks out towards the river with an elk sculpture. The history of Lewis and Clark, pioneers and the Indian live here in the area. One of my favorite was the display and the short film of basket making and the baskets displayed were beautiful. There is a cafe but with was closed the time we were there, but the time before we did have a little treat. There is admission which is reasonable. So many venues out there for weddings ... this place would be perfect right in front of the huge window, check this place out. If you love history and Oregon history this place is a wonderful place to visit.
September 25, 2023

chicotgal

Wonderful and very historically informative.

Very nice and clean museum. Plenty of parking and handicap accessible. We did not have enough time to explore every aspect of the museum and it's grounds. The museum exhibits were top notch! We did have time to walk around the pond but did not get to walk to the opposite side of the parking lot to see the old buildings. Wish we had allotted more time in the day for this museum. Great for all ages!
September 25, 2023

slhokie

Good Way to Learn about Geology of Area

We really enjoyed the geological history that was so well presented in this museum. I had never heard of the ice dam that so impacted the formation of the area.
July 12, 2023

Andy5573

Early History and Culture of the Region.

Well presented interpretive center and museum in a beautiful building. Recommend a visit to get a good overview of the region. Static and video displays. Some video/audion displays are locatd too close to each other and the audio overlaps in certain areas, suggest these be repositioned, but otherwise they are very interesting to watch.

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Good but felt rushed.

40th birthday day trip with family !

Wonderful and very historically informative.

Good Way to Learn about Geology of Area

Early History and Culture of the Region.