Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Wasco County Historical Museum

Address:5000 Discovery Dr.
The Dalles, Oregon
Tel: (541) 296-8600

From American Indian baskets by the hundreds, to photo archives and local genealogical files, this museum is all about the people of Wasco County and the unique history of the Columbia River Gorge.

Once the largest county in the nation, Wasco County is considered a gateway to the interior of western North America. The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and the Wasco County Historical Museum is the official interpretive center for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and is a multimedia, interactive museum. The Museum houses over 26,000 objects including an incredible collection of Native American baskets, household furnishings, and farm tools. One of the more eccentric exhibits here is a collection of 1,200 padlocks which represents one of the many collecting interests of Wasco County.

The Columbia gorge discovery center also teaches about the volcanic upheaval and raging floods that created the gorge, and the unique flora and fauna of the area. If visiting with kids, a Kids Explorer Room offers hands-on fun learning opportunities for children of all ages. It features an archaeological dig for making 'discoveries,' a keelboat model that must be carefully loaded to prevent capsizing, and trunks of Lewis and Clark era clothing for kids to try on. The Wasco County Historical Museum is located at 5000 Discovery Drive the Dalles, Oregon, so come on down and celebrate the history and people of Wasco county.

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center has approximately 8,500 historical objects in its collections. Native American baskets from throughout the region, household furnishings, and farm tools are strongly represented. A unique collection of 1,200 padlocks represents one of the many collecting interests of Wasco County Historical Museum benefactor Ernie Kuck. The Center is interested in expanding its collections in many subject areas and welcomes inquiries from potential donors.