Location: The Dalles
Top Things to do in The Dalles
- 1. Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum
- 2. Fort Dalles Museum and Anderson Homestead
- 3. The Dalles
- 4. Sunshine Mill Winery
- 5. Old St. Peter's Landmark
- 6. Dalles Dam
- 7. Fire Museum in City Hall
- 8. 15 Mile Winery
- 9. The Dalles Lock and Dam Visitor Center
- 10. Wonderworks Children's Museum of the Gorge
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The 10 Best Things to Do in The Dalles, United States
The Dalles /ˈdælz/ is the county seat and largest city of Wasco County, Oregon, United States. The population was 13,620 at the 2010 census, and is the largest city on the Oregon side along the Columbia River outside the Portland Metropolitan area.
Restaurants in The Dalles
1. Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 334 reviews
The 48,200 sq. ft. facility won an American Institute of Architects Honor Award for its appealing design. The Center is situated on a 54-acre point of land adjacent to the Columbia River and the Historic Columbia River Highway. The site provides walking trails, a pond, and scenic overlooks. Its location in The Dalles, Oregon is an ecosystem transition zone, facilitating the interpretation of both the rain forest west of the Cascade Mountains and the arid region to the east. Live raptor education programs engage all ages in issues related to habitat preservation. The area includes one of the oldest continuously occupied areas in North America (over 11,000 years), immediate proximity to one of the largest rivers on the continent, and access to the Lewis and Clark and Oregon Trails. The multimedia, interactive museum inspires appreciation and stewardship of the natural and cultural treasures of the Gorge and Wasco County. Exhibits focus on the volcanic upheaval and raging floods that created the Gorge, the unique flora and fauna of the region, and eleven thousand years of cultural history. Collections include hundreds of American Indian baskets from throughout the Pacific Northwest, photo archives (partially available on-line), and local genealogical files available in the William G. Dick Library. In addition to touring the many fascinating exhibits, visitors can spend time viewing films in the theater located on site. If you plan to spend the day at the Discovery Center and Museum, you can relax during a lunch or coffee break at the Basalt Rock Cafe.
Reviewed By 2TravelBears - Lacey, Washington
We visited the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum in October. Prices were reasonable ($7 for seniors). The exhibits are very well done and quite informative. I especially liked the dioramas. There are some paved walking paths outside with some terrific views of the hills and river.
2. Fort Dalles Museum and Anderson Homestead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
This museum served as a military fort in the mid-1800s. Opened as a history museum in 1905 Anderson Homestead dates back to 1890-house, privy,granary,barn Antique Horse Drawn Vehicles and Early Automobiles
Reviewed By MartyW60 - Concord, New Hampshire
I visited all the buildings that are part of this museum and was pleased with every one. At The Anderson Homestead I was greeted by a docent in period dress who gave me a brief history of her time at the house and offered me a freshly made cookie while I wandered around. The house had interesting collections and antiques throughout. At the museum itself, I was particularly taken with the huge collection of arrowheads which had been collected along the riverbanks of the region and the collection of brands from the ranches. There was so much interesting local history documented in this museum. Also interesting were the carriages and various modes of transportation in the back sheds and barn. Fort Dalles Museum was definitely worth the stop.
3. The Dalles
Overall Ratings
4 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By chimayred - New Durham, New Hampshire
sort of a "way station" type of city, bridge to WA state, cool dam, the drive up from Crater lake was pretty nice to amazing, with views of Mt. Adams and Hood at times, endless high desert, ravines/canyons. City itself wasn't a hub of world class excitement, but it was scenic and there was enough to do to make it a destination for a day or a long stop over en route to somewhere else. I suspect as well if you are an outdoorsperson, it could be a helluva place to live....
4. Sunshine Mill Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
The Sunshine Mill now houses Quenett and Copa Di Vino wineries owned and operated by James and Molli Martin, both from The Dalles. Quenett Winery released its first vintage in 2002 and burst onto the wine scene with its outstanding vintages of Sangiovese and Zinfandel. The word Quenett comes from the journals of Lewis and Clark, who camped along luscious and fruitful banks of the Columbia River and learned from the local Indians that the word Quenett meant "Steelhead."
Reviewed By jdjay - Little Rock, Arkansas
The tasting room is located in the old Sunshine Mill and it really is interesting to see how the flour Mill has been refurbished and is now home to Copa Di Vino and Quenett Wineries. The tastings are very reasonable; 5 pours for $7. You can choose a while or red flight. The wine was good, but not outstanding. Charcuterie plates are also available. Come for the decor, even if you aren't interested in the wine. Many antique items from the old mill are on display and there are chandeliers made of wine bottles and other eclectic items on display. Well worth a visit.
5. Old St. Peter's Landmark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By ThomasTCat - St. Louis, MO
We would have loved to walk inside this historic church, but it was closed on Mondays and every time we had the chance to go there, it was not open. Even the Chamber of Commerce wasn't aware of the limited hours at St. Peter's. I would recommend checking that out before bothering to go there, although the outside of the church is very nice.
6. Dalles Dam
Overall Ratings
4 based on 38 reviews
Board a brightly colored open-air train to view portions of the longest dam in the United States, and then watch, via closed circuit TV, live images of fish using the fish ladder.
Reviewed By TiffMateas - Orange County, California
The views are gorgeous! Whether checking out the adorable little town full of cute eateries and well-maintained "mom n pop" lodgings, or the great photo ops of the surrounding mountain ranges in the distance, this is a lesser known gold mine. The historical significance of the dam is quite interesting also. The whole area from the Washington side to the Oregon side is definitely worth a visit.
7. Fire Museum in City Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By plaidbagel - Walla Walla, Washington
It's free, so check this out. It's small but lots to read and see. It's walking distance from several restaurants downtown.
8. 15 Mile Winery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Winery and Tasting Room for 15 Mile Winery open every weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 11-5pm Located along the northeast edge of Dufur Valley, and homesteaded by Absolom Bolton, this fertile farmland is home to 15 Mile Winery. Our family, now in its fifth generation on this land is proud to bring you our premium wines. Our grapes are estate grown by Dan Bolton and the wines are made by our owner and winemaker Colter Bolton. We enjoy what our history and hard work have given us an we hope you do too! Our tasting room is located in Downtown, The Dalles. Winery tours for our off site winemaking facility can be scheduled by emailing us at the provided email address!
Reviewed By CamasGary - Camas
Small winery in the Dalles Oregon, with some excellent Reds - Merlots, Cabs and blends. Colter is a young winemaker with a lot of experience passed down from parents- full of passion, Personable, family run business. You'll love this place.
9. The Dalles Lock and Dam Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By AdventurePoser - Oregon Coast, Oregon
Come check out the Dalles Lock and Dam Visitor Center. The architecture and sheer engineering is incredible. Parking is plentiful as well. Afterwards go into the historic old town section of the Dalles for lunch and perhaps sample a local brewery.
10. Wonderworks Children's Museum of the Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Judy G - Portland, Oregon
I recently visited Wonderworks for the first time with a 3 year old and a 14 month old. I was looking for a place where my girls could use up some energy in a safe environment, and this was perfect. The two girls had a blast, and so did I! There were lots of interesting things that captured their imaginations, and the lady in charge obviously loved sharing experiences and being around young children. Favorites activities were the dinosaur slide (it is really fast), the play store and cafe, the musical instruments up on the stage, the available arts and crafts, and the dress up corner. Lots of fun is packed into a small, very well organized space. We will definitely go back!
There is no food service available, but there is a place to take a break and give your children a snack. Please note that Wonderworks is a nut free facility when you pack your goodies.
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