Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center

There’s much to learn about the dramatic cliffs nesting the powerful and historically important Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest; the Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center is one way to access that information in a fun and informative experience.

The museum is located in Stevenson, Wash., not far from the river’s banks. It’s an ideal place to spend an afternoon, between bouts of hiking, wine tasting, visiting local towns and trying out area breweries.

The museum touches on several aspects of the gorge, from its history to the native culture in the area, the environmental impacts of damming the river for hydropower and more. Exhibits cover some of the more major and well-known pieces of history, like the famed Lewis and Clark expedition, as well as some areas not as explored, like the formation of the gorge and the area’s ancient petroglyphs.

The exhibits run through a historical timeline of the gorge, starting with its geology and ancient human history, running through Lewis and Clark and leading to modern times, when humans have left an indelible mark on this fascinating natural area. Oddly, the museum also houses the world’s largest collection of rosaries, which for some visitors is a draw all its own.