Original Wasco County Court House opens on Saturday

By Karl Vercouteren

The Original Wasco County Courthouse is opening on a limited basis for the 2021 tourist season.

The 1859 building at 410 West Second Place, The Dalles, will welcome visitors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Saturday beginning May 1.

The normal three-day opening plus tour boat days usually begins in May. Since the boats are not yet running, the limited reopening looks forward to local visitors looking for something interesting to do. Displays include the sheriff’s office, jail cell with its display of handcuffs and leg irons, and the courtroom that served the largest county ever created in the United States.

Masks are required and COVID-19 precautions will be observed. Admission is free to members and $3 per adult. Families are welcome.