Last weekend Troutdale celebrated the ribbon cutting for its new visitor center and updated museum — both housed in a renovated rail depot at the edge of downtown.

City leaders and members of the Troutdale Historical Society had beaming smiles as they unveiled the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center and Depot Rail Museum Saturday, April 30. Both are located inside the historic Troutdale Rail Depot, 475 E. Historic Columbia River Highway. The museum occupies the original ticket counter and office side of the building, while the visitor center is in the original freight loading area.

The new visitor center is the latest in Troutdale's efforts to launch a new tourism brand — Explore Troutdale. The center has information on things to do within the city, Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge regions. There also is a collection of merchandise for purchase.

A highlight of the space is the stunning restoration of the Multnomah Falls painting, a 100-year-old piece of art that once hung in Council Chambers at the former City Hall building.

The Troutdale Rail Depot was built in 1907 after a fire destroyed the original depot. The building was moved from its original location on the north side of the tracks to its present home in 1976.

The Visitor Center will officially open Thursday, May 19. It will be staffed 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Monday.