Columbia Gorge Discovery Center

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum is the official interpretive center of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.  It rests on a stunning 54-acre point of land overlooking the Columbia River and the Klickitat Hills, and occupies a 50,000-square-foot building recognized with an award from the American Institute of Architects.  One of only six accredited museums in Oregon, The Discovery Center offers cultural and natural history exhibits, programs, and educational opportunities regarding the geology of the Columbia River Gorge, including the Ice Age, as well as the Native American and pioneer histories of Wasco County, including Celilo Falls and Lewis and Clark.  Outdoor spaces include trails through restored native landscaping, a picnic area, a pond and scenic overlooks.

The mission of the Discovery Center is “To inspire appreciation and stewardship of the Columbia River Gorge and Wasco County.”  Exhibits, films and public programs bring the past to life, interpreting 10,000 years of human occupation of the region.  Guided tours through restored native landscaping on the museum grounds teach the value of sustaining and enhancing the environment, as well as conserving soil and water.  Schoolchildren participate in the Adopt-An-Acre program, in which they eliminate invasive species and restore native habitat.  A program emphasizing the value of native wildlife features live, indigenous raptors in public presentations. 

• Visitor center on site
• Fee required
• ADA accessible
• Trained guides available
• Interpretive signage