columbia gorge interpretive center

Not an ordinary museum. Very informative with something for everyone! Located close to Skamania Lodge. Explore indoors and outdoors.. Worth your while.

The center was very informative on the history of the gorge and the people ( Native American) and their customs. The film on the Gorge was was well done.

“This is a great introduction to the Columbia Gorge.” The comment came from our daughter, and summarized the museum’s great tour of the history, culture, and development of the Columbia Gorge. We have come repeatedly to introduce visiting guests to the area. Besides, it may be the best museum value in the Portland/Vancouver area.Located off Highway 14 on the North Shore of the Columbia, near Stevenson, the first floor introduces some of the area history of the First People’s, and evidences of their culture. Harvesting of salmon on the Columbia is seen in the huge McCord fish wheel, and Native American hand netting. A demonstration of the giant Corliss steam engine which turned early lumber mills was one of our favorites.The mezzanine theater showed a film “Forged Through Time,” a history of the gorge. Wall pictures depict the eruption of Mt. St, Helens, and pictures and memorabilia show early settlers and pioneers. A treasure is the World War I Jenny, one of the few flyable models in the world, a plane that my father flew as a young aviation enthusiast in the 1910’s and 20’s.Unusual Asian furniture, a rosary collection, and a quilt collection complete the collection of the second floor, in addition to a video on the future of the Gorge. There are many additional displays outside the museum.The best museum value in the Portland, Vancouver area? We purchased a one-year family membership from Groupon for twenty dollars--as of this date still available. They sent the pass after our purchase and first visit, and when our year is up we will purchase another if still available.After our visit we have enjoyed good food at four or five of the family diners and restaurants in Stevenson.

A state-of-the-art museum just outside of little, old Stevenson and just down the road from Skamania Lodge, the museum showcases Native American history and culture, the role salmon fishing and harvesting has played in the Columbia River, machinery, some eccentric collections donated by local folks, natural history and local artists' works. Local money built this impressive, lovely museum and sustains it. If you are driving through Stevenson, spend a surprising, pleasant hour here.

Gorgeous building and interesting museum. Great location just below Skamania Lodge. Would recommend seeing this.

Geology and early Indian civilization history; not a children's inter-active museum, but contains interesting displays. Worth the cost. Not about the fish and the dams, but gives important aspects of the region.

We just spent two nights in Hood River. One thing we did was visit the Col Gorge Interp Center. We have spent time in Gorge, but first time to this place. We even stayed at Skamania Lodge a couple years ago and did not visit.Entertainment Book has a coupon for on free entry after a paid entry. So we took that along. We left Hood River about 1:30 Thurs crossed to Wash side and ad we headed for Stevenson saw this terrible black cloud down the Gorge. Pretty soon we ran into it, so drove over half way in a driving rainstorm. We pretty much has Center to ourselves. So wife could fiddle her way along through the many exhibits. It is very well done and wife really liked it. Some of the equipment was interesting to me like the huge pump, the 1915 or so Mack truck, and the fish wheels. They were full size, not to replicas.During my work life with Forest Service spent many hours in the Gorge, mostly on roads and other facilities. Center was in final planning stages then but not built till after I retired. so was glad to finally see it. I think they did a very good job of telling story of the Gorge.

We had read about the Interpretive Center so wanted to stop and see it. It is an interesting mix of amazing and odd. The odd is a room full of rosaries that someone in the area collected. You haven't lived until you see a rosary with a skull instead of a crucifix. Odd is the word that describes this exhibit. The rest of the center was surprisingly interesting covering the local history. The people at the desk were very friendly and helpful. The grounds and the building itself are beautiful. We spent about two hours here and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We learned a lot, even the history teacher in our midst learned new information. This was one of our favorite finds on our trip.

This museum has very nice exhibits, an indoor waterfall, and a nice gift shop. I loved the Native American and Lewis and Clark exhibits, which were put together very well and drew you in to their story. There is an airplane, an old lumber mill, lots of good history information, even a huge rosary collection if you are into that kind of thing. One could easily spend several hours here.

Absolutely a must do if in the Gorge area. Be sure to watch the films and listen to the oral histories. Really came away with a good feeling of how the area evolved. Exhibits cover all aspects of the changing area, geological and economic aspects as well as population shifts. Probably not that interesting for kids, not an interactive museum - lots of reading and good films. If you can, be around when they run the mill engine! Staff was fantastic. Be sure to check out the stuff outside too! $8 for srs, $10 for adult.

Very informative film, lots of interesting displays. Liked the Native American artefacts. Helpful staff.

We were hesitant after reading some of the reviews, but it was well worth the price of admission. I had read reviews so I was anticipating the native american section, which we enjoyed. It was a lot about the history of the area from the development geographically (make sure you see the film on the mezzanine),to the native americans, Lewis and Clark and the settling of the area. It was really neat to see things and to learn about the area that we have visited so many times. We brought our son who is 7 and struggles with attention at times; he loved it and enjoyed both of the films. The outside is a bit rough as it is large machinery with no labels (other than the train engine and a few in the front of the building), but it was still really neat to see everything. Overall, a great place to stop.

Start your exploration of the gorge right here! It will give you a much greater appreciation of the area. This museum is informative, interesting, and includes many artifacts from the Columbia River Gorge exploration and settlement. The displays are interesting and informative. The museum and its displays reflect an artistic quality which elevates it above many museums.Great for the whole family!

On a whim, during a break in a business conference, we tucked into this charming museum. What a lovely surprise it was! Filled with photographs and natural history elements, we were charmed for hours. Additionally, there were collections from local residents, including the most remarkable rosary collection imaginable (who knew?!). There is a short film documenting the geological history of the area - well worth the few minutes of your time. Most of all, the staff is delightful and enthusiastic. Twice, they pointed us back inside to see several items of interest that we had missed. Make sure to see the tapestry hanging above the cougar...remarkable!

They have a working steam engine that you can watch run, and excellent native American artifact collection, a huge Rosary collection, great staff and provide a great service to the local community. If you are not into museums and history, then skip it, but if you are - then I'm pretty sure you will find something to interest and entertain you!