Columbia Gorge Economic Development Association

Demographics :: Culture

Area Culture

The Columbia River Gorge region offers an abundance of cultural attractions: choose from a diverse array of activities at one of the many cultural venues located throughout the region. Those who crave a wider variety can easily venture into Portland for a daytrip or overnight stay. Browse through this section to learn about the popular attractions that enrich the cultural fabric of the region.

Museums | Festivals/Events | Performing Arts Theaters | Wineries | Art Galleries

Museums

The Columbia Gorge's unique geologic, natural, and cultural history is highlighted in museums that dot the region. From east to west, the museums vary as widely as the terrain.

To the east, one can appreciate fine art while exploring Sam Hill's vast and surreal mansion, now known as the Maryhill Museum of Art. At the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center located just west of The Dalles, visitors can experience the cataclysmic creation of the Gorge while paying respect to the historically important Wasco County. Read on for more information on these and other regional museums.

For more detailed information, contact:
Columbia Gorge Visitors Association
P.O. Box 1037, Stevenson, WA 98648
1-800-98-GORGE

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, The Dalles, Oregon
In a stunning setting high on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River, the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center/Wasco County Historical Museum is the official interpretive center for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Its exhibits bring to life the tremendous volcanic upheavals and raging floods that created the Gorge and sculpted the environment of a spectacular diversity of vegetation, wildlife, and people who have called the Columbia Gorge home.

Visitors can step back in time and learn about the overlapping experiences of Native Americans, explorers, traders, missionaries, military, emigrants, and settlers: the rigor and delight of the Native American hunting and gathering lifestyle; the excitement and hazards typical of emigration on the Oregon Trail; the bustle and energy of a Lewis and Clark expedition camp-site; and the joy and hardship of early settlers.

Educational programming for all ages includes guided tours, demonstrations, seminars, field studies, classes and workshops. Other public offerings include storytelling, lectures, concerts and films. For more information, call (541) 296-8600 or visit: www.gorgediscovery.org

Cascade Locks Historical Museum - Cascade Locks, Oregon
The Cascade Locks Museum, which specializes in historic paddle boats, pays tribute to the rich maritime history of the western Columbia Gorge. The museum is located in Port Marina Park in Cascade Locks. For more information, call (541) 374-8535.

Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center, Stevenson, Washington
The Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center includes exhibits which explain and demonstrate the unique history, archaeology, Native American culture, and environment of the Gorge. From Interstate 84, take exit 44 and cross the Bridge of the Gods - continue heading east on Washington Hwy 14. Make a left on the access road to the north. For more information, call (509) 427-8211, or visit www.columbiagorge.org

Hood River County Museum - Hood River, Oregon
Hood River County Museum exhibits a collection of early pioneer tools and artifacts which contribute to understanding the region's history. The museum is located in Hood River's Port Marina Park. For more information, call (541) 386-6772

Gorge Heritage Museum - Bingen, Washington
Explore the history of the first pioneers and Native Americans to inhabit Klickitat County and the western end of the Gorge. The museum is located on 202 East Humboldt, Bingen. For more information: (509) 493-3573

Fort Dalles Museum - The Dalles, Washington
Presents displays and artifacts from the US Army garrison based in The Dalles in the 1860's. The museum is located on 15 th and Garrison in The Dalles. For more information contact: (541) 296-4547

Klickitat County Museum, Goldendale, Washington
This classic Victorian mansion in Goldendale features farm equipment, pioneer furnishings, tools and artifacts. The museum is located on the north side of Broadway (Hwy 142). For more information: (509) 773-4303

Maryhill Museum, near milepost 100 on Hwy 14, Washington
Maryhill Museum, built as a private residence by Sam Hill, is one of the premiere attractions in the Columbia Gorge. Hill was one of the designers of this stately building as well as one of the founders of the original Columbia River Highway. The museum features a large collection of Rodin sculptures, prehistoric Native American tools and baskets, royal furnishings from Romania and Russia, and much more. From Interstate 84, take the Biggs Junction exit, head north on Hwy. 97 until the junction with 14, head west three miles. For more information: (509) 773-3733

Sherman County Museum, Moro, Oregon
The Sherman County Museum contains a variety of memorabilia from the early settlers of Sherman County. An Oregon Trail exhibit portrays the life and times of the individuals who first settled in Sherman County. Farm machinery, tools, household items, and more are on display. From Interstate 84, take Hwy 97 south to Moro. For more information: (541) 565-3232

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Performing Arts / Theaters

Columbia Center for the Arts: CAST
The home base of C reative A ttention S eeking T hespians (CAST), Hood River's community theater group. CAST has over 300 members who organize, coordinate and perform in local productions as well as working to attract other production companies from outside the area. Located at 215 Cascade Ave in Hood River, the Columbia Center for the Arts not only as a home to CAST, but also as a gallery and a location for readings given by Northwest authors and a variety of other cultural happenings. For additional information about CAST contact: (541) 387-8877

Skamania Performing Arts- Carson, Washington
Skamania Performing Arts Foundation offers musicals, music, dinner theatre, comedy, and a guest artist series. For more information: (509) 427-7047

The Theatre Company of The Dalles- The Dalles, Oregon
This perfomring theater group puts on three productions a year. For more information: (541) 370-2513.

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Festivals & Events

The Columbia River Gorge Region is home to many exciting festivals which celebrate the history, traditions and unique beauty of the area.

The Gorge Artists Open Studios event, held in April, offers a self-directed tour of "artists in their native habitat." The tour features original works by artists living and working in the Columbia River Gorge. For more information visit: http://www.gorgeartistsopenstudios.com

Hood River First Fridays and The Dalles Third Fridays events are held throughout the spring and summer.

Hood River Valley Harvest Festival is one of the larger festivals held in the area. Started in 1982 this annual event features locally-grown Hood River Valley apples and pears, as well as arts and crafts. The Harvest Fest is held each year in October. For more information contact: Hood River Chamber of Commerce at (541) 386-2000

July is peak season for festivals and events. On the east end, The Fort Dalles Rodeo is held annually at the Milt Tumilson Memorial Arena. This rodeo is the official event of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. For more information contact: 1-800-255-3385

To find out more about the region's events and festivals visit the Gorge Networks community calendar or call the Columbia Gorge Visitor's Association at: 1-800-98-GORGE

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Wineries

A popular way to explore the diverse terrain of the Gorge region is to take an afternoon drive to one of the local vineyards. There are vineyards on both sides of the river offering tours and tastings of their award wining vintages. Visitors can also tour and taste the goods at the Full Sail Brewery, one of the most successful micro-breweries in the Northwest. For a listing of local wineries and events, visit www.columbiagorgewine.com

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Galleries

Columbia Art Gallery
The Columbia Art Gallery is located in downtown Hood River. It features rotating exhibits of work by Columbia River Gorge residents. Call for information on exhibits and showing times: (541) 386-4512 or visit http://www.columbiaarts.org

The Dalles Art Center
The Dalles Art Center is located on 4th Street in The Dalles, OR. The building which houses the center was built as a library in the early 1900's with a donation from Andrew Carnegie. Since 1967, the building has served as a gallery for local and regional artists to display their work. For more information on rotating exhibits and art classes offered through the center call:
(541) 296-4759 or visit http://www.thedallesartcenter.org

Golden Art Gallery
The Golden Art Gallery is located at 103 E Main Street in Goldendale, Washington. It features exhibits from local artists participating in the Golden Art Guild. For more information on artists, the gallery, and events, call (509) 773-5100 or visit http://www.thegoldenartgallery.com

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