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
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02.06.23
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Old stands of homestead-era trees grow within Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Eastern Oregon. Although some of these trees are not native to the region, many of the over 340 species of birds that visit Malheur annually depend on these trees to nest, feed, and rest. Join Janelle Wicks, (more…)
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02.08.23
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Come on an adventure! Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers investigate science, art, music, stories and culture in a fun, hands-on manner. Don backpacks filled with exciting objects while journeying through the Museum’s nature trails and exhibits. New themes weekly! FEBRUARY 8 – BOOK NOW Burrowing Beasts Why do some High Desert animals live in (more…)
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02.09.23
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
A quieter time for children and adults who experience physical, intellectual and/or social disabilities to enjoy the High Desert Museum after hours. Explore the Museum’s newest exhibits and revisit your favorites. Sensory packs are available to borrow with headphones, fidgets and more. Free for individuals, friends and family With support from Mark and Kathy Kralj (more…)
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02.11.23
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Everyone gets in free! Made possible by (more…)
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02.15.23
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Come on an adventure! Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers investigate science, art, music, stories and culture in a fun, hands-on manner. Don backpacks filled with exciting objects while journeying through the Museum’s nature trails and exhibits. New themes weekly! FEBRUARY 15 – BOOK NOW Turtle and Tortoise Time What IS the difference between a (more…)
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02.22.23
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Come on an adventure! Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers investigate science, art, music, stories and culture in a fun, hands-on manner. Don backpacks filled with exciting objects while journeying through the Museum’s nature trails and exhibits. New themes weekly! FEBRUARY 22 – BOOK NOW Pokey Porcupine With a coat of sharp quills, this High (more…)
Changing
Exhibits
12.17.22 -
5.7.23
Natural History
Under the Snow
In the depth of winter, a deep layer of snow quiets the High Desert’s forests. But under the surface, a secret world comes to life. Under the Snow dives into the snow, where voles, shrews, insects and porcupines build a matrix of tunnels to survive the winter and hide from the predators that lurk just above the surface.
1.28.23 -
10.1.23
Culture, Art, History
Creations of Spirit
"Creations of Spirit" is a one-of-a-kind, celebratory experience featuring the stories of living works of art from seven Indigenous artists. Videos, audio and large projections will immerse visitors in the landscapes and communities in which these objects are used, highlighting the theme of artwork as alive, full of stories and created for specific purposes and people.
11.19.22 -
6.25.22
Art, History
In the Arena
Through the lens of San Francisco Bay Area photographer Gabriela Hasbun, this exhibit documents the exhilarating atmosphere of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo—the only touring Black rodeo in the country—and the showstopping style and skill of the Black cowboys and cowgirls who compete in it year after year.
