Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center

September 2023 marked 25 years since Oregon Wildlife Foundation (OWF) formally dedicated the Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center at Bonneville Fish Hatchery, home to Herman the Sturgeon. The Center was built at the hatchery to provide a safe and comfortable habitat for Herman and serve as a venue through which hatchery visitors can learn about this unique and long-lived fish species.

OWF raised more than $350,000 to construct the Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center, partly thanks to a grant from ODFW’s Restoration and Enhancement Program. The Sturgeon Interpretive Center at Bonneville Fish Hatchery is one of Oregon’s top visitor attractions and a “must-see” for people visiting the Columbia River Gorge.

The Center has served its purpose and mission well for 25 years, but prolonged exposure to Columbia River Gorge weather has taken a toll on the building and the interpretive signage within it needs to speak to a present-day audience. This appraisal, on the anniversary of the Center, spurred the Foundation into action. OWF has created a fundraising campaign to make essential repairs to the building, improvements within the pond, updated messaging regarding white sturgeon and their conservation, and improved wayfinding for people visiting the hatchery.