The Dalles has small-town charm and some pretty neat surprises that make it well worth exploring. From history to outdoor adventures to nature fun, we’ve found plenty of things to do in the Dalles, Oregon with our family.
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Museums
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum
5000 Discovery Drive, The Dalles
This is one of our family’s favorite spots, and not just because we have several history buffs! The Columbia Gorge Museum has amazing interactive displays about all aspects of the natural and cultural history of the Columbia River Gorge.
We love the Ice Age geology exhibit, including a giant mastodon model and other prehistoric flora and fauna of the Pacific Northwest.
The Native American artifacts collection and Oregon Trail exhibits are also fascinating.
The Discovery Center is also home to the Wasco County Historical Museum and the Raptor Center, as well as an excellent children’s Exploration Room. It’s the perfect place to spend several hours learning together.
Fort Dalles Museum and Anderson Homestead
500 West 15th & Garrison St, The Dalles
This museum sits in an old military complex building and offers a peek into life in the region during the 1800s. It’s one of Oregon’s oldest history museums, full of military artifacts and pioneer history. There are also over 30 antique wheeled vehicles, from surreys to stage coach to automobiles.
Across from the Fort Dalles Museum is the Anderson Homestead, a handbuilt log house, barn and granary from the 1890s. Fort Dalles Museum staff offer tours of the Homestead and admission is included with Museum admission.
The Dalles Fire Museum
313 Court St, The Dalles
The Dalles Fire Museum shares the story of brave firefighters in The Dalles from the late 1850s to the present. There are several displays about the development of firefighting, as well as two historic engines.
The Dalles Fire Museum is located inside The Dalles City Hall and is open the same hours as City Hall.
National Neon Sign Museum
200 East 3rd Street, The Dalles
This extensive collection of neon signs is the personal passion project of one man, housed in the historic Elks Building. Inside you’ll find neon and gold leaf electric signs dating from the 1800s to the present. It’s a unique place to find an unforgettable photo op!
The museum is open by appointment, and on days when the cruise ships stop in the port of The Dalles – call ahead for current hours.
Parks and Outdoor Activities
Sorosis Park
300 E. Scenic Drive, The Dalles
We first discovered Sorosis Park when looking for a viewpoint of The Dalles, but we stayed to enjoy the fun Treetop playground! A giant castle-like structure (newly opened in 2025) offers plenty of playtime fun for kids of all ages.
You’ll also want to check out the Memorial Rose Garden and the Viewpoint for incredible views of the awe-inspiring landscape. See river traffic making its way along, or enjoy beautiful golden hour photography.
Celilo Park Recreation Area
Celilo Park is a historic site where Native Americans have been fishing for over 10,000 years. It’s near the site of the original Celilo Falls, which are now submerged after the construction of The Dalles Lock and Dam in the 1950s.
Celilo Park has a playground, camping sites, fishing, boat ramps and more. You may even see Native American fishing platforms where locals still fish for salmon.
Riverfront Trail and Riverfront Park
The Riverfront Trail runs over 8 miles from the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center to Riverfront Park in downtown The Dalles.
It’s a wide paved trail with plenty of room for bikers, strollers and walkers to enjoy all the varied scenery along the way. There are also restrooms, benches and dog waste stations at various points.
Other points of interest
Downtown The Dalles
The Dalles downtown is an eclectic collection of vintage shops, quirky cafes, and fun galleries. Look for The Dalles Downtown Murals, beautiful public art on display throughout the city, telling the rich history and heritage of the area.
If you’re a book lover, don’t miss Klindt’s Booksellers & Stationers, the oldest bookstore in Oregon. In their large selection of books and sundries, you’re sure to find the perfect souvenir or new reading pick.
We’d also recommend a sweet treat at Shannon’s Ice Cream or Scooper McQuade’s. Shannon’s offers homemade ice creams including gluten free, dairy free and sugar free flavors. Scooper McQuades has delicious ice cream and an arcade for family friendly fun.
The Dalles Dam Visitor Center & Seufert Park
3545 Brett Clodfelter Way, The Dalles
The Dalles Dam is one of the ten largest hydropower dams in the United States. At the Visitor Center, you can learn about the impact of the Dalles Lock and Dam, see fish swimming upstream in the fish ladder and learn more about this engineering marvel.
Patterson Park and Seufert Park are nearby and have picnic areas with scenic views of Mount Hood. The Seufert Park Rose Garden has a beautiful display garden including over 90 rose varieties, right at the end of the Riverfront Trail.
Sunshine Mill
901 E 2nd Street, The Dalles
You can’t miss the Sunshine Mill skyscraper by the rail yard – it’s easily visible throughout most of The Dalles! A former wheat mill, the building now hosts community events and two wineries, Quenett and Copa di Vino. It’s a popular spot for wine tastings in the artisan plaza.
The Dalles Wasco County Library
722 Court St, The Dalles
The Dalles Library hosts dozens of community events for all ages, including escape rooms, live music events and more.
Historic St. Peter’s Landmark
405 Lincoln St, The Dalles
This stone Catholic church was built in 1897, and currently serves as a venue for weddings and other events. Its picturesque features and original stained-glass windows make it a peaceful retreat from the daily hustle and bustle. Public tours are available by appointment.
Granada Theatre
221 E 2nd St, The Dalles
The Granada Theatre is an architectural gem in the 1920s Art Deco Moorish Revival style. It’s a favorite place for local cultural events such as concerts, theater, movies and more.
The Dalles Art Center
220 E 4th St, The Dalles
This historic building was one of the famed libraries funded by Andrew Carnegie in the early 20th century. Besides the classic architectural beauty, The Art Center is a community hub for art classes and displays.
Pulpit Rock photo op
300 Court St, The Dalles
Pulpit Rock marks a historic place where early Methodist missionaries often preached as part of the Wascopam Mission. It’s now part of a traffic circle in The Dalles, but it’s a fun little stop for history buffs to check out.
East Gorge Food Trail
The Dalles offers easy access to the agricultural areas at the east end of the Gorge. Foodies will love exploring the farms, orchards, wineries, breweries, bakeries and more along this Trail.
The Food Trail is a favorite activity from spring through fall, with special events like the Cherry Festival during each season. Support local businesses and enjoy farm to table delights as you explore.
Near The Dalles
Just across the Columbia River on the Washington side of the Gorge there are some excellent places to explore. Here are a few of our favorites:
- MaryHill Museum (Washington): a classy art museum set high on a hill, with a winery right next door. Collections include European and ancient artifacts as well as local art.
- Stonehenge (Washington): Did you know about this local legend? It’s a World War 1 Memorial overlooking the Columbia River.
- Petroglyphs at Columbia Hills State Park (Washington): Ancient petroglyphs and the natural beauty of this Washington State Park make this a great place to visit.
@dinkumtribe This memorial commands incredible views of the Columbia River Gorge. We enjoyed a picnic here near sundown, and nearly had the place to ourselves. “Erected as the nation’s first WWI memorial and dedicated in 1918 to the servicemen of Klickitat County, Washington, who died in the service of their country during the Great War, Hill’s Stonehenge Memorial is a monument to heroism and peace. Hill erroneously believed that the original Stonehenge was constructed as a place of human sacrifice. Concluding there was a parallel between the loss of life in WWI and the sacrifices at ancient Stonehenge, he set out to build a replica on the cliffs of the Columbia as a reminder of those sacrifices and the “incredible folly” of the war.” Have you visited the Stonehenge Memorial? #familyroadtrip #columbiarivergorge #washingtontravel ♬ Dear Little Me – Yaniza
Oregon Trail history at Deschutes River State Recreation Area
East of the Dalles near Biggs Junction there are Oregon Trail ruts that are visible from Interstate 84. Stop and spend a few minutes walking in the steps of history, then continue on to Deschutes River State Recreation.
Deschutes River was where many pioneers prepared to ford the Columbia River by converting their wagons to rafts. Now it’s a popular spot for water sports and camping, but the interpretive signs tell the history. If you look carefully, you may even see wheel ruts nearby.
Explore Hood River
About 20 minutes west of The Dalles, the city of Hood River has even more amazing things to do. Try windsurfing, visit the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum, or drive along the historic Columbia River Highway. Read our full post for even more Hood River ideas.
Enjoy your visit to The Dalles!
Whether you’re a history buff, a craft beer enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys small-town magic, The Dalles has something to make your trip memorable. It’s not flashy, and it’s not overwhelming, but that’s why we love it!
You may also enjoy these posts:
- Road Trip Lunches and Snacks
- Ultimate Road Trip Packing Lists with printables
- Oregon National Parks
- Painted Hills National Monument
- Best Gifts from Oregon
©️ Copyright Jennifer D. Warren 2025.
