About the Museum
Plan Your Visit
Check out current exhibits and daily programs, find directions, rates, hours and more.
Education
Teach & Learn
Lifelong learning starts here! Explore teacher trainings, memorable field trips and unique school programs.
Join the HDM Family
Make an Impact
Volunteer, become a member or donate to support arts, education, wildlife and more.
The Museum
Wildlife,
History & Art
Otters, porcupines, owls, oh my! Encounter wildlife up close, explore the history and culture of the wild West and take in beautiful art. The High Desert Museum is a cultural gem set on 135 acres of awe. It’s no wonder visitors voted us one of the best things to do in Bend Oregon!
Upcoming
Events
Upcoming Events
- 08.20.17 - 08.21.17
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
On Monday, August 21, Oregon will be the first state in the US to witness a total eclipse of the sun. Join OSU-Cascades, the High Desert Museum, Central Oregon STEM Hub and others to celebrate this rare event! Enjoy a family-friendly campout at Culver High School which is in the path of totality! Festival activities (more…)
- 08.26.17
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
In preparation for our annual High Desert Rendezvous the Museum will be closing at 2:00 pm today. Thank you for your understanding. (more…)
- 08.26.17
5:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Join us for the 28th annual High Desert Rendezvous, a rip-roaring evening including dinner, silent and live auctions, raffle, gambling, hosted saloon and dancing. Central Oregon’s longest-running fundraiser supports the Museum’s educational programs. This year’s Honorary Chairs are Todd and Lorri Taylor. This year’s Master of Ceremonies is Bob Shaw, NewsChannel 21’s chief meteorologist / (more…)
- 09.02.17
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Learn how designers, engineers and architects are taking a page from nature’s book, and create some designs of your own in this family-friendly exhibition. September 2, 2017 through February 17, 2018 (more…)
- 09.02.17
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Vultures play a very important ecological role by recycling carrion, reducing the spread of some diseases and helping to control pests. Celebrate International Vulture Awareness Day and learn more about these intriguing scavenger species! 1:00 pm—5:00 pm (more…)
- 09.04.17
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Last chance for Raptors of the Desert Sky, Desert Dwellers and other summer programming! (more…)
Changing
Exhibits
10.1.16 -
9.3.17
Art, History
From the Vault: Pat Courtney Gold Baskets
Beautiful baskets featuring traditional basketry techniques and contemporary design motifs created by Wasco artist Pat Courtney Gold.
1.28.17 -
9.10.17
History
WWII: The High Desert Home Front
Discover the role the region played in the war and the war’s local impact.
5.27.17 -
11.12.17
Art
Beyond Fences
Photographer Brown W. Cannon III explores what it means to be a cowboy.
2.18.17 -
12.2.17
Art, Natural History
Legendary Landscapes
A community-curated photographic exhibit of High Desert landscapes and the stories behind their names.
7.27.17 -
8.26.17
Art, History
Art in the West
Annual exhibition and auction of exemplary Western art.
9.2.17 -
2.17.18
Kids, Natural History
Innovation Lab: Design Inspired by Nature
Learn how designers, engineers and architects are taking a page out of nature's book, and create some designs of your own in this family-friendly exhibition..
10.13.17 -
4.8.18
Art, Natural History, Wildlife
Dinosaurs Take Flight: The Art of Archaeopteryx
Enter the world of Archaeopteryx, a famous fossil that has informed our current understanding of birds and flight.
