About the Museum
Our Mission
The mission of Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum is to inspire stewardship of the Columbia River Gorge and Wasco County, and to encourage active life-long learning about our shared environment and the preservation, collection and interpretation of the cultural and natural history of the region.
Preserving, Protecting and Interpreting Gorge History
The beautiful 48,200 square foot facility opened in 1997 as the Official Interpretive Center of the Congressionally-designated Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. The Museum is situated on a 54-acre point of land adjacent to the Columbia River and the Historic Columbia River Highway.
Our grounds provide wheelchair accessible trails that encircle the beautiful Adkisson pond and access to scenic overlooks. The Museum is located on the east end of the Columbia River Gorge in an ecosystem transition zone–between the temperate rainforest west of the Cascade Mountains and the arid Shrub Prairie/White Oak forest region to the east–providing the perfect context for visitors to learn about the complex ecology of the region.
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The Museum’s multisensory and wheelchair-accessible exhibitions inspire appreciation and stewardship of the natural and cultural treasures of the Gorge and Wasco County.
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We are home to the Wasco County Historical Museum and its important collection of local artifacts, photographs, books and documents as well as historical exhibits that bring the past to life. Collections include hundreds of Native American baskets from throughout the Pacific Northwest, a large historic photo archive and local genealogical files available in the William G. Dick Library. Please contact our Collections department for more information.
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Discovery Center Exhibits include immersive exploration of the volcanic upheaval and raging floods that created the Gorge, the unique flora and fauna of the region–including a life-size replica of a Columbian Mammoth and other amazing ice age creatures that once roamed here. Through our Raptor Program, visitors can experience first hand the magnificent creatures flying through the landscape today. Exhibits also explore eleven thousand years of cultural history, including Native American life, Lewis & Clark and other explorers, Oregon Trail pioneers, ranchers and the naturalists and entrepreneurs that have made this region what it is today.
The Architecture
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The Museum building was designed by the esteemed Portland-based architecture firm, Hacker Architects. The firm won the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Northwest & Pacific Region Honor Award (2001), AIA Portland Chapter Citation Award (1997), and the AIA Portland Chapter Craftsmanship Award (1997) for its design showcasing regional materials, like basalt rock and native wood. The stunning River Gallery, with its wall of glass and map of the Columbia River Gorge embedded in the floor with polished black granite, frames stunning views of the river and the Klickitat Hills of Washington. The building’s strong, simple forms nestle gently into the 54 acres of native plants and trails that surround it, immersing visitors in the landscape while they learn about the cultural and natural history of the Gorge.
Columbia River Trading Co.
Our museum store, The Columbia River Trading Co., has a delightful collection of locally made art, ceramics, clothing, toys and books that reflect the cultural and natural history of our region.
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MUSEUM MEMBERS RECEIVE A DISCOUNT!
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum members receive a 10% discount on all Museum Store purchases, excluding consigned items, plus invitations to exclusive Member Sales.
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No time for the museum, but would love to browse the store? You never have to pay admission to stop in and shop at Columbia River Trading Co.
The history behind the creation of The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum.
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Bill Hulse, retired Wasco County Judge, was a founding Board Member and steadfast supporter of the Discovery Center. To read his memoirs about the development of the Discovery Center project, click here.