by
Kristin Lodge | Dec 17, 2021
No need to worry about how to entertain visitors or keep students busy during the holidays this year. Four floors of fun at the all-new Discovery Center at Rocky Reach Dam are the answer.
And, admission is free!
“We do get questions about ‘what’s there to do at the Discovery Center?’” said Manager Kristin Lodge. “After just a few minutes of chatting about all we offer, people can’t wait to visit.”
Guests can steer a steamship, crank a turbine, and travel back in time to walk through a Tule lodge.
“I just tell them you have to see it to believe it,” Lodge said.
The Discovery Center tells the story of the amazing Columbia River. And, for the first time, the center is open year-round!
Even if you’ve been to visit since the center reopened in August, you’ll find something new.
Just this week the center debuted its “PowAR” app that offers three new experiences with augmented reality. Using the app on a smart phone or tablet enhances what guests see by adding virtual elements.
With the app – which can be downloaded using the Discovery Center’s free Wi-Fi – guests can “swim” with fish in the river; “watch” a water molecule on its trip through a dam turbine; and “fly” a drone over Rocky Reach Dam.
Again, it’s something you just have to see to believe, Lodge said.
No device? No problem – the tour guides at the Discovery Center have tablets to loan to guests to use during their visit.
The Discovery Center also is the place for folks looking for a cozy spot to watch the snow fall or spot bighorn sheep moving across the hills. Warm drinks, breakfast, lunch and treats are available for purchase at the Rocky Reach Café inside the center.
Both are open Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed Christmas and New Year’s days.)
Guests can enjoy the all-new Discovery Center on their own, or call ahead to arrange a tour for a group, (509) 663-7522, or email discoverycenter@chelanpud.org .
* * *
For more information contact Visitor Services Manager Kristin Lodge at kristin.lodge@chelanpud.org or (509) 663-7522. For information about the Discovery Center visit facebook.com/VisitRockyReach or email discoverycenter@chelanpud.org
Rocky Reach Discovery Center is located seven miles north of Wenatchee on Highway 97A on the west side of Chelan County PUD’s Rocky Reach Dam. There is ample parking for guests, including RVs and buses at 5000 State Hwy 97A, Wenatchee, WA 98801.