The Dalles Dam, built in 1957, produces enough electricity to power 800,000 homes. Access to this power came at a price, however. The dam's reservoir, Lake Celilo, flooded the culturally rich area around Celilo Falls, which was for thousands of years a Native American meeting place and fishery. In Seufert Park, east on the frontage road, is the Dalles Dam Visitor Center.
The Dalles Dam & Lock
Columbia River Gorge
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
4.54 MILES
This excellent museum covers the history of the gorge, from its creation by cataclysmic floods to the hardships pioneers had traversing it, to early…
13.83 MILES
If you've ever wondered about that expression, 'What in Sam Hill?,' here's your answer: this museum in a hilltop mansion was founded by Sam Hill (1857…
Columbia Hills Historical State Park
2.56 MILES
Some of the most famous remaining pictographs (painted figures) along the Columbia River are at this Washington state park, site of a Native American…
Deschutes River State Recreation Area
11.27 MILES
The Deschutes River, Oregon's second largest, cuts through central Oregon and meets the Columbia at this fine state park, 15 miles east of The Dalles…
16.9 MILES
Not one for small gestures, businessman Sam Hill built a full-scale replica of Salisbury Plain's Stonehenge on the cliffs above the Columbia River…
9.21 MILES
On top of Rowena Crest are spectacular views and vast meadows now preserved as a wildflower sanctuary. Governor Tom McCall Reserve, on Rowena Plateau, is…
History Museum of Hood River County
19.18 MILES
This worthwhile museum depicts the history of Hood River County and the mid-Columbia River region, with displays on Native American artifacts and quirky…
3.24 MILES
This museum was once part of an 1856 fort and is Oregon's oldest history museum. It's a fascinating place full of historical items; highlights include an…
Nearby Columbia River Gorge attractions
2.54 MILES
Housed in the magnificent, late-1800s Elks building, this fun, 'flashy' and educational museum is a fantastic new addition to The Dalles. You'll start…
2. Columbia Hills Historical State Park
2.56 MILES
Some of the most famous remaining pictographs (painted figures) along the Columbia River are at this Washington state park, site of a Native American…
3.24 MILES
This museum was once part of an 1856 fort and is Oregon's oldest history museum. It's a fascinating place full of historical items; highlights include an…
4. Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
4.54 MILES
This excellent museum covers the history of the gorge, from its creation by cataclysmic floods to the hardships pioneers had traversing it, to early…
9.21 MILES
On top of Rowena Crest are spectacular views and vast meadows now preserved as a wildflower sanctuary. Governor Tom McCall Reserve, on Rowena Plateau, is…
6. Deschutes River State Recreation Area
11.27 MILES
The Deschutes River, Oregon's second largest, cuts through central Oregon and meets the Columbia at this fine state park, 15 miles east of The Dalles…
13.83 MILES
If you've ever wondered about that expression, 'What in Sam Hill?,' here's your answer: this museum in a hilltop mansion was founded by Sam Hill (1857…
16.9 MILES
Not one for small gestures, businessman Sam Hill built a full-scale replica of Salisbury Plain's Stonehenge on the cliffs above the Columbia River…