• What is the origin of the name "The Dalles"?
    • The city's name is derived from the French word 'dalle', which refers to the columnar basalt rock or flagstones found in the area.
  • What natural features shaped The Dalles?
    • The Columbia River flowed over the rocks, creating a long series of major rapids in the area.
  • Was there a Native American presence in The Dalles?
    • Yes, there was a large Native American trading post on Quenett Creek.
  • Did famous explorers visit The Dalles?
  • What role did missionaries play in The Dalles?
    • Jason Lee, a Methodist missionary, evangelized the Wasco Indians, leading to the establishment of Fort Dalles.
  • How was The Dalles connected to the Oregon Trail?
    • Until 1846, The Oregon Trail stopped in the area before continuing to Portland.
  • When did The Dalles become a city?
    • In 1857, the settlement became a city and officially changed its name to The Dalles in 1860.

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1. Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum


Explore regional history, geology, and wildlife exhibits in a scenic setting.

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum

© Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum

The museum's mission is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of the Columbia River Gorge and Wasco County. The 48200 square foot Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum building, which was honored by the American Institute of Architects, is set on 54 acres of land, adjacent to the river and the Historic Columbia River Highway. The natural garden is in the transition zone between the forests of the Cascade Mountains and the arid areas to the east. There are walking trails with scenic views of the gorge. Exhibits explain how volcanic activity and floods shaped the gorge. The Columbia River Trading Company sells handcrafts from the region as well as books, art, jewelry and toys.

5000 Discovery Drive, The Dalles, Oregon 97058, Phone: 541-296-8600

2. Fort Dalles Museum and Anderson Homestead


Walk along historic buildings and discover pioneer artifacts and military history.

Fort Dalles Museum and Anderson Homestead

© Fort Dalles Museum and Anderson Homestead

The Fort Dalles Museum and Anderson Homestead is situated in what remains of the 1856 Fort Dalles military complex. A barn, shed and two homes, including the surgeon's quarters, have been restored and depict life in Oregon in the 1800s. Tools and personal items from the complex are among the articles on display. The Anderson Homestead which was built in Pleasant Ridge in 1895, was moved to the museum in 1971. It comprises a log house, granary and barn. Entry is included in the museum entrance fee. The museum also has a collection of wagons, antique vehicles and vintage cars, including a stage coach, covered wagons and horse-drawn hearses.

500 West 15th & Garrison St., The Dalles, Oregon 97058, Phone: 541-296-4547

3. Sunshine Mill Artisan Plaza and Winery


Savor handcrafted wines in a beautifully restored historic mill.

Sunshine Mill Artisan Plaza and Winery

© Sunshine Mill Artisan Plaza and Winery

Wheat was milled in the Sunshine Mill for 130 years. It was the first building in The Dalles to use electricity, by virtue of its Thomas Edison motor, which can still be seen in the mill. The Sunshine Biscuit Company was started on the premises which used the flour that was milled. The Quenett winery began operation in the disused mill in 2002, followed by the Copa di Vino winery in 2009. Wine tasting and antipasto platters are offered on the premises, which are also available for hire for functions such as weddings. The massive silos make an interesting backdrop for photo shoots.

Sunshine Mill Artisan Plaza and Winery, 901 East Second Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058, Phone: 541-298-8900 ext. 1

4. The Dalles Dam


See a massive hydroelectric dam and learn about the Columbia River’s power.

The Dalles Dam

© David Gn/stock.adobe.com

The Dalles Dam spans the Columbia River about two miles east of the town and links Wasco County, Oregon to Klickitat County, Washington. The dam was built between 1952 and 1957 by the US Army Corps of Engineers. It generates hydroelectricity and is managed by the Corps. The reservoir has been named Lake Celilo and stretches back 24 miles. Celilo was the name of the Native American trading and fishing village that was submerged, along with several waterfalls, when the dam flooded. Forty panels of rock carvings were removed and installed in the Columbia Hills State Park on the Washington side of the river.

5. The Dalles Murals


Walk along downtown and admire colorful murals depicting local history.

The Dalles Murals

© LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/stock.adobe.com

The Dalles Murals initiative began in 1993 in order to pictorially preserve the historical events in the area. Sixteen murals were painted around The Dalles' downtown area by various artists, native to the north west. Thirteen of the murals have 'voice boxes' which elaborate on the illustrations. In 2013, a project to light up all the murals was begun. The murals cover topics such as Native American history, the exploration of the area by Lewis and Clark, the pioneers on the Oregon Trail and the Celilo Falls and village. Postcards of the murals, as well as limited edition wines, are sold to raise funds for the project.

6. Old St. Peter's Landmark


Visit a stunning 19th-century church with original stained-glass windows.

Old St. Peter's Landmark

© Siegfried Schnepf/stock.adobe.com

St Peter's Catholic Church was built in 1897. By the 1970s, there were plans afoot to replace it with a bigger church with easier access for senior citizens. The incumbent Monsignor wished to demolish the original church and sell the bricks. Concerned citizens formed the Old St Peter's Landmark and raised the $25000 needed to buy the church and all its contents, including the pipe organ and stained glass windows. They offered a membership subscription and sold $1 postcard 'bricks' and copies of a Rooster book written for the occasion. Admission is free though donations are welcome. The church is hired out for weddings, music concerts and other events.

Old St. Peter's Landmark, 405 Lincoln St. (3rd & Lincoln Streets), The Dalles, OR 97058, Phone: 541-296-5686

7. Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail


Enjoy breathtaking views while walking along this scenic historic route.

Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail

© jovannig/stock.adobe.com

The historic highway was built between 1913 and 1922, as the first scenic highway in the USA. By 1960, a section, about 50 miles from The Dalles, had been replaced by the I-84. The twelve-mile section was abandoned and the tunnels filled with rocks. In the 1980s, an initiative was undertaken to restore and preserve the section of the historic highway as a series of three hiking trails and a bike path. During the restoration, graffiti that had been written by snowbound motorists in 1921, was discovered. In 2000, the historic highway was designated a National Historic Landmark and in 2002, the trail was listed as a National Recreation Trail.

8. National Neon Sign Museum


Look at vintage neon signs and explore the history of illuminated advertising.

National Neon Sign Museum

© National Neon Sign Museum

As a result of his work in the electrical advertising field, David Benko not only gained knowledge but amassed a collection of samples of the industry. When he was looking for a venue to house his collection, The Dalles' councilors offered him the historic three story Elk Lodge building for $1 if he could stimulate tourism in the town. In 2018 the National Neon Sign Museum opened with 20000 foot of pre-electric and electric signage, gold leaf and plastic advertising, signage and ephemera on display. The museum chronicles the role advertising played in the culture, history and economy of the country.

200 East 3rd Street, The Dalles, OR 97058, Phone: 541-370-2242

9. Wonderworks Children's Museum of the Gorge


Let kids explore hands-on science and creative play exhibits.

Wonderworks Children's Museum of the Gorge

© Wonderworks Children's Museum of the Gorge

The Wonderworks Children's Museum of the Gorge was started by two mothers who wanted their children to learn by doing. The first five exhibits were housed in the Carnegie Library and made use of all five senses. The museum suffered mixed fortunes until 2009 when it acquired a 5000 square foot facility with the option to purchase. Since then the building has been bought and 2000 square feet of activities developed. These include a creativity zone, a dinosaur corner, a quiet area to read and learn and various themed play areas. Visitors can practice being magicians, actors, puppet masters and musicians. All ages are welcome, including infants.

206 Madison Street, The Dalles, OR 97058, Phone: 541-980-5922

The Dalles is 2.5 hours from Portland, OR.



Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming flowers. The Dalles Inn – A centrally located and comfortable stay. Explore Columbia Hills Historical State Park – See Native American petroglyphs and scenic hiking trails.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for outdoor activities. Cousins' Country Inn – A family-friendly stay with a rustic charm. Visit the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center – Learn about the history and natural wonders of the area.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, fewer crowds, and stunning foliage. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott The Dalles – A modern and convenient stay. Tour the Sunshine Mill Winery – Enjoy local wines in a historic setting.

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