Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum

Looking for a fun and educational day trip from Hood River? Why not look across the water? Head across the river to the Washington side, and take a beautiful 30-minute scenic drive to the town of Stevenson. Here you will find the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center which is a great place to learn about the history of the Columbia Gorge region, and enjoy a fun day with the family in a beautiful town!

Start with the History

Seasoned travelers already know that in order to get the most out of a destination, it’s best to learn some of the history you’re seeing, so you can better appreciate what it is you’re looking at. The Columbia River Gorge is so impressively beautiful, it’s easy to just get distracted by the scenery, however, the human history of the region is equally amazing. From the culture of the original native inhabitants of this fertile region, whose art can still be seen in and around the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center, to the incredible engineering feats of the nearby Cascade Locks, you’ll want to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this area.

Visit the Museum

Located in the town of Stevenson, Washington, the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum is a local historical treasure. As with many small-town museums, its collection is somewhat eclectic, and you’ll probably be surprised to learn that they boast the world’s largest rosary collection! Beautiful exhibits, some interactive, showcase the long history of human habitation in the Columbia Gorge region. Incredible crafts of Native American artists are here, along with the ingenious inventions of pioneers that enhanced their lives along the river. You’ll also see some household items from pioneer days, such as pianos and painstakingly crafted quilts. They also show a great film about the geological history of the Columbia River Gorge.

Enjoy All that Stevenson Has to Offer

The town of Stevenson, though small, is making quite a name for itself as a food destination. This is a prime place to sample the best of this area’s locally sourced cuisine, including river fish, of course! Stevenson has also become well-known for craft brews, wine, and cider, so be sure to stop off somewhere for a pint. It’s a great town for a beautiful riverfront stroll, with the scenic Oregon mountains in the background. When you’re done visiting the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center, retreat to your comfortable Hood River vacation rental. For bookings or questions, contact us today and ask for more activities, attractions and events suggestions.

Visit the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum at 990 SW Rock Creek Drive, Stevenson, WA or reach out to them at (800) 991-2338 or at info@columbiagorge.org.

By Hux – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7686555