Museum Hours

9:00 to 5:00   ~    Daily

All programs are included with paid admission.

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Public Programs

New Raptor Education Program

As we are training our education birds, the program schedule will vary.  Please call ahead to inquire about raptor programming.

New in 2008, the Discovery Center offers live birds of prey programming to visitors, in collaboration with Wildlife Rescue of the Gorge and Rowena Wildlife Clinic.   

When Jean Cypher, D.V.M. of the Rowena Wildlife Clinic called in Spring 2007 to see if we would be interested in having a bald eagle to display, we had not dreamed of where it might lead. This phone call resulted in a lot of conversations between the Discovery Center administrator, Cypher, Chris Tolotti of Wildlife Rescue of the Gorge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Migratory Bird Division, and Oregon Fish and Wildlife Department.

 The idea for a full-scale education and exhibit project evolved over the next six months. The plan meets several needs. It affords the clinic a new avenue for educating the public about raptors and their habitats, provides a place for non-releasable injured birds that must otherwise be euthanized, and offers the Discovery Center a new attraction that meets their mission to inspire appreciation and stewardship of the Gorge. 

The bald eagle is strictly an exhibition bird, allowing the public a relatively close view of a very large raptor. Its 24’x48’ enclosure allows it room to exercise, although its wing injury limits it to hopping and flapping its wings, rather than flying.

 In addition to the eagle exhibit, several birds are in training to become education birds. Each is an injured bird, unsuitable for release into the wild. These include a great horned owl, a screech owl, a saw-whet owl, an American kestrel, a red-tailed hawk and a peregrine falcon. All of these birds are the property of the federal government.

 Raptor programs are available for scheduled public programs, visiting school groups, adult tour groups, and through virtual field trips via videoconference.

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Adopt a Raptor!

In order to expand the public's appreciation and knowledge of raptors and to help fund the stewardship of the birds in our Raptor Education Program, we have established the Adopt a Raptor Program. By symbolically adopting a Discovery Center raptor, you help with the care and feeding of these avian educators. And, don't forget, a Raptor Adoption makes a great gift for the animal lover in your life!

How much does it cost to care for a raptor including food, supplies and medical care?

You may adopt a raptor on a monthly or yearly basis at the rates listed above. In return, you'll receive:

• A personalized adoption certificate bearing the name of the adopter and a photo of "your" bird.

• A case history of your chosen bird, as well as the natural history of its species.

To adopt a raptor, please print out and complete this form with your check, money order or credit card information. Thank you for your contribution!

    UPCOMING EVENTS

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays (except holidays)

Bald Eagle Interpretive Program

Meet in the Discovery Center River Gallery. 11 a.m. Included with paid admission; free for members.

September 15

Harvest Moon Walk

Meet in front of the Discovery Center. An interpreted walk down the Riverfront Trail for all ages to explore nature by moonlight with museum educators Steve Thompson and Linda Turner. 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. Please leave pets at home. For more information, call (541) 296-8600.

September 20

Historic The Dalles Days Costume Ball

6 p.m.-10 p.m. 

Waltz the night away in your 1850s finery at the Discovery Center!

 As part of Historic The Dalles Days, the 1858 Costume Ball will be a magical evening complete with ballroom dancing to music of the era by a string quartet, horse-drawn carriage valet service and an optional buffet dinner.

 The Costume Ball is a fundraising event for the Discovery Center, as well as a celebration of the significant and colorful history of The Dalles. Tickets are $25 per person, and $12 per person for the optional candlelight dinner, which will be served until 8 p.m. and feature traditional cuisine of the day. The Highstrung String Quartet will play throughout the night. Valet parking by Classic Carriages of The Dalles will be available until 7 p.m.

 To buy tickets or for information on acquiring costumes, call the Discovery Center at 296-8600. For more information about all Historic The Dalles Days events, see www.historicthedalles.org.

December 10

Holiday Open House

Enjoy holiday music while the children visit with Santa or make crafts.  Free cookies and cider for all.  Optional dinner buffet in the Basalt Cafe.  5 p.m-8 p.m.  For more information, call (541) 296-8600.

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