Plan your visit to discover the Gorge!
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The Discovery Center & Museum is the Official Interpretive Center for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area designated by Congress in 1986. CRGNSA is an 80 mile corridor that runs along the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington. This stunning scenic canyon spans from the rainforests of the Western Cascade Range to the beginning of the Dry Grass White Oak Scrub Prairie with cliffs as high as 4,000 feet, multiple beautiful waterfalls, abundant spring wildflowers, striking geologic features, historic landmarks and many hiking and cycling opportunities.
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​For more on the National Scenic Area: www.fs.usda.gov/r06/columbiarivergorge
LOCATION
5000 Discovery Drive, The Dalles, Oregon 97058
The Discovery Center is located on the eastern end of the National Scenic Area, just outside of the historic town of The Dalles, Oregon. (For more on the fascinating history of The Dalles, click here.
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FRONT DESK
541-296-8600
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DRIVING DIRECTIONS
Take I-84 East or West bound to Exit 82, turn right on the Historic Columbia River Highway (Hwy 30), follow Hwy 30 for 1.5 miles, turn right on Discovery Drive and follow to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum.
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HOURS
Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
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Basalt Café CLOSED 7/21-7/25 and will resume normal hours 7/28!
Open Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 3 pm.
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Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
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ADMISSION
$12.00 General
$10.00 Seniors (62+)
$6.50 Scheduled Groups of 10+
$7.00 Ages 6–16
FREE Ages 5 & under
FREE CGDC&M members
FREE Café dining & shopping at Columbia Trading Co.
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RAPTOR PRESENTATIONS
The live raptor presentations are included with Museum admission. Schedules vary seasonally so check the Raptor webpage or call the visitor’s desk at 541-296-8600 before planning your visit.
Basalt Rock Café
Don't worry about packing a lunch! We've got you covered. Stop into the Café for a cup of soup and sandwich after your nature walk. Better yet, stop by to relax with your friends, split a cheese plate and enjoy a nice cold local beer or one of the local wines we carry.
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Curious about what else we have to offer? Click on the button below to view our full menu. Admission is not required for a Coffee or lunch break in the Café.
Pictured: Turkey Sandwich
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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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.
Plan a Group Visit
Groups of 10 or more that are scheduled in advance receive a significant discount on admissions. Groups can also schedule special educational experiences, guided tours, a Raptor Encounter, order a catered lunch and more! For information and to book your group, contact Tiffany Bates, our Events and Catering Manager at 541-296-8600 ext. 209 or events@gorgediscovery.org.
School Field Trips & Youth Educational Programs
The Discovery Center’s award-winning Educational Program offers exciting museum-based school field trips as well as in-school educational experiences and outdoor ecology/STEM programs. ​​
Building Map
To help you plan how you want to spend your time, we have provided a downloadable map of our facility to give you an opportunity to preview the museum’s layout. As you can see, there is a lot to experience, so be sure to allow yourself enough time. We are here to help you make the most of your visit, so please do not hesitate to ask our Visitor Services staff if you have any questions while exploring.