Fire Museum in City Hall

The Fire Museum in City Hall is a treasure trove of historical information, hidden in plain sight in the town of The Dalles, Oregon. It’s easy to miss, unless you know it’s there or happen to stumble upon it while popping into City Hall.

Dropping into the tiny museum is worth it. It’s a quaint collection, but it’s packed with fascinating tidbits about the area’s fire fighting history. There are two beautifully preserved fire engines, an original fire pole from the old fire house, and a collection of photographs that show the firefighters who served the city in the early 1900s.

The old photographs and scenes from around The Dalles provide an interesting glimpse into the city’s past. The antique fire fighting equipment offers a firsthand look at the technology available to the brave men who fought the city’s fires during the 20th century.

The small but mighty museum is located within the old fire hall that’s attached to City Hall. It was completed in August 2009, and has delighted the visitors who happen upon it ever since. The city partnered with the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and the Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue District to curate the collection.