Guests are welcome to tour starting Aug. 25; community celebration is postponed

information released by Chelan PUD

The wait to see Chelan County PUD’s all-new Discovery Center at Rocky Reach Dam will be a little shorter. The center and Rocky Reach Park will reopen to the public at noon on Aug. 25. However, the celebration that was planned in the park for Aug. 28 will be postponed due to safety concerns as the number of COVID-19 cases spike.

“We’re thrilled to be able to welcome guests back to the completely remodeled Discovery Center,” said Visitor Services Manager Debbie Gallaher. “While the celebration will be delayed, the reopening actually will be sooner.

“The staff and I can’t wait to share the amazing new display areas and exhibits with the community!”

The Discovery Center is taking all precautions to safely welcome guests back to the center starting Aug. 25. Gallaher said safety plans include cleaning throughout the day and hand sanitizing stations. Masks are required for guests visiting the Discovery Center. Staff also will wear masks.

For the first Saturday of operations, guests will need to reserve a time for a 90-minute visit at the Discovery Center. Email_discoverycenter@chelanpud.org to request a tour time. No reservations are required for any other day.

“We want to make sure people feel safe visiting us to enjoy all the wonderful new ways to learn about hydropower,” Gallaher said.

The Discovery Center will operate 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, year-round. Visiting the park and center is free, offered by Chelan County PUD as another benefit of public power.

It’s been nearly two years since the community said farewell to the beloved former museum and center. Since then remodeling has created about one-third more display space including outside exhibits sheltered under an extended roof and a second-floor deck with great views of the Columbia River.

There are four floors to explore, offering opportunities to experience something new every time you visit, Gallaher said.

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Learn more at facebook.com/VisitRockyReach and chelanpud.org, or call the Discovery Center at (509) 661-4960.

The Discovery Center at Rocky Reach Dam is located seven miles north of Wenatchee on the Chelan County side of the Columbia River.

5000 State Hwy 97A
Wenatchee WA 98801
(509) 661-4960