Attractions

Satisfy Your Wanderlust

Get ready to satisfy your feelings of wanderlust. Each of these gorgeous attractions offers another piece of the rich history and culture of The Dalles.
When you are done, you will know what it means to explore The Dalles.
Gorge Discovery Center

Gorge Discovery Center

Open year-round, the Gorge Discovery Center offers an interactive, multimedia experience that brings the rich natural and cultural history of the Columbia River Gorge and Wasco County to life. Through hands-on exhibits, engaging displays, and educational programs, visitors of all ages are invited to explore the forces that shaped this breathtaking region—from Ice Age floods to Indigenous cultures, pioneer history, and local wildlife. Whether you're a curious traveler, a student, or a lifelong learner, the Gorge Discovery Center is a place to connect, discover, and leave inspired to protect the treasures of the Gorge.

Historical Tours

Fort Dalles Museum

Step back in time at Fort Dalles Museum, Oregon’s oldest history museum, proudly welcoming visitors since 1905. Housed in the beautifully preserved Surgeon’s Quarters—the last remaining officer’s house from the original 1856 Fort Dalles military complex—the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into frontier life. With exhibits that showcase pioneer artifacts, military history, and local heritage, it’s a must-visit for history buffs and curious minds alike.

Housed in a glorious Beaux Arts mansion on 5,300 acres high above the Columbia River, Maryhill Museum of Art opened to the public on May 13th, 1940 and today it remains one of the Pacific Northwest’s most enchanting cultural destinations. Maryhill Museum of Art collects, presents and preserves art and historical and natural resources, to enrich and educate residents and visitors of the Pacific Northwest.

Maryhill Museum of Art

Perched above the Columbia River Gorge, Maryhill Museum of Art offers an unforgettable blend of world-class art and sweeping scenery. Explore sculptures and watercolors by Auguste Rodin, European and American masterworks, Native American art, rotating exhibitions, and more. With its stunning hilltop setting and diverse collections, it’s truly one of the Pacific Northwest’s most captivating cultural destinations.

St. Peters Landmark

Old St. Peter’s Landmark

Originally built as St. Peter’s Catholic Church in 1897 and dedicated on St. Patrick’s Day in 1898, this striking red-brick Gothic Revival structure now stands as Old St. Peter’s Landmark—a cherished symbol of local history and architectural beauty. With its towering spire, stained glass windows, and preserved interior, it continues to inspire visitors as a beloved community treasure and historic site.

First Wasco County Courthouse

Original Wasco County Courthouse

As the first courthouse west of the Rocky Mountains, the Original Wasco County Courthouse holds a special place in Oregon’s early history. Originally located at 3rd and Court Streets—where City Hall stands today—the modest building served many roles. The first floor housed the sheriff’s office and three jail cells, while the upstairs courtroom was accessible only by an exterior staircase.

Tsagaglalal - She who watches

Petroglyphs at Columbia Hills State Park

Step back in time with a guided tour of ancient Native American pictographs and petroglyphs at Columbia Hills State Park—some of the most remarkable rock art in the Pacific Northwest. Tours are offered at 10 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from April through October, and reservations are required. To book your spot, call the park office at (509) 773-5007. Be sure to leave a detailed message with your name, phone number, party size, and your preferred tour dates. Your reservation is not confirmed until you’ve spoken directly with a ranger. If you don’t receive a call back, please follow up. Tours are limited to 25 people and fill quickly, so it’s best to reserve two to three weeks in advance. Don't miss this unforgettable opportunity to experience ancient art and history in a truly awe-inspiring setting.

Pulpit Rock

Pulpit Rock

Open year-round, Pulpit Rock is a natural landmark standing about 12 feet tall, shaped over time by the forces of nature. Once a prominent preaching site for missionaries in the 1800s, it now sits right in the middle of the street just south of The Dalles-Wahtonka High School. A unique piece of local history hiding in plain sight, it’s worth a quick stop for a photo and a glimpse into the past.

The Dalles Art Center

The Dalles Art Center

Open Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located in a beautifully preserved historic building—once home to the city’s public library—The Dalles Art Center is a vibrant hub for creativity and community. Designated a historic site by the State of Oregon, the building served as the town library until 1966 and now celebrates art in all its forms. With rotating exhibits, art classes, and events for all ages, the center is always evolving to reflect and engage the community. Whether you're an artist, a supporter, or simply curious, there's always something new to discover at The Dalles Art Center.

The Dalles Dam

The Dalles Dam Visitor Center

Open May through September Weekends only before Memorial Day and after Labor Day Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Admission: Free Explore the powerful story of the Columbia River at The Dalles Dam Visitor Center. Located at 3545 Bret Clodfelter Way, the center offers engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and up-close views of one of the region’s most important hydroelectric dams. Guided dam tours are available—please call 541-296-9778 for the most up-to-date tour schedule. Whether you're a history buff, engineering enthusiast, or just curious about how the river works, this is a great stop for visitors of all ages.

Downtown The Dalles Mural

The Dalles Downtown Murals
Open year-round

Colorful, creative, and rich with history, The Dalles’ downtown murals are a visual celebration of the region’s past. Visitors strolling in from the Union Street overpass are greeted by these striking works of art, which line the path to the Columbia River and tell stories of the people, places, and moments that shaped the area. The underpass project, completed in September 2003, restored vital pedestrian access between the historic downtown district and the riverfront. Today, the murals make that walk not only scenic but meaningful—offering a cultural experience in every step.

The Dalles Fire Museum

The Dalles Fire Museum

Open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed on holidays) Handicap accessible

Located inside City Hall—once home to the original fire department—The Dalles Fire Museum offers a fascinating look at the region’s firefighting history. Completed in August 2009, the museum was curated through a partnership between the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue, and the City of The Dalles. With exhibits featuring vintage equipment, historical artifacts, and stories of local heroes, the museum honors the legacy and evolution of fire service in the community. It’s a meaningful stop for visitors of all ages.

Klindts Booksellers

Klindt’s Booksellers & Stationers

Step into Oregon’s oldest bookstore, where history and charm greet you with every creaky floorboard. Since 1870, Klindt’s has been a beloved fixture in The Dalles—featuring original bookshelves, a cozy atmosphere, and a carefully curated selection of books for every reader. Browse new and out-of-print titles spanning everything from mystery and sci-fi to cooking, baking, and brewing. You’ll also find a delightful mix of cards, journals, stationery, children’s toys, and crafts. Proudly serving the Columbia River Gorge, the Pacific Northwest, and readers around the world, Klindt’s is more than a bookstore—it’s a destination for discovery.