Wonder
A Volcanic Exploration
dan de Comer
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.
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
-
05.09.26
7:00 am - 9:00 am
The Museum provides an excellent habitat for migratory bird species. Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day by joining Museum staff and volunteers to explore the Museum grounds looking for warblers, raptors and other birds. 7:00 am to 9:00 am Coffee and light breakfast items provided. This event is closed. (more…)
-
05.10.26
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Mothers and those who serve as mothers receive free Museum admission! The Museum is also open to the general public. (more…)
-
05.17.26
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Museum will close at 3:00 pm so our staff can prepare for the Schnitzer Prize of the West Reception. We’ll see you on May 18 at 9:00 am! (more…)
-
05.20.26
5:00 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 exhibitions and revisit your favorites. Sensory packs are available to borrow with headphones, fidgets and more. 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm FREE for individuals, friends and family (more…)
-
05.23.26
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Get ready for Raptors of the Desert Sky and so much more! (more…)
-
09.17.26
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Save the Date! The Waterston Desert Writing Prize Ceremony returns September 17! Hear from the winner and the 2026 keynote speaker, enjoy a reception with light appetizers, and stay for a book signing following the program. The Waterston Desert Writing Prize (the Prize) was established in 2014, inspired by author and poet Ellen Waterston’s love (more…)
Changing
Exhibits
11.15.25 -
6.28.26
Art, History
Drawn West: A History of Promoting Place
Explore a century of salesmanship, when artists and cartographers alike crafted an image of the West that depicted both fact and fiction in this visually engaging exhibition featuring 50-plus maps, artworks and advertisements from the Museum's collection.
02.7.25 -
1.3.27
Science, Nature
Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration
An original exhibition, Under Pressure takes visitors on an educational, insightful and thought-provoking journey into the forces that make volcanoes among the most majestic and often misunderstood natural wonders of the world, while exploring their individual stories and temperaments.
04.11.26 -
10.11.26
Art
Miguel Almeida: Las Manos que dan de Comer
In a new, site-specific installation for High Desert Museum, Boise, Idaho, based artist Miguel Almeida shares vibrant mural, large scale sculptures and hand drawn animations, offering a window into the daily lives of the people that harvest the fresh fruits and vegetables bound for our local markets and dinner tables.
5.5.26 -
6.7.26
Art, Natural History
Kids Curate 2026
For Kids Curate, third and fourth graders from La Pine Elementary focused on the diverse perspectives of fire—from an agricultural tool to community threat to natural process. Come enjoy the students' artworks!
The Institute of Museum and Library Services named the High Desert Museum as one of six recipients of the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities.
The Museum was recognized for providing dynamic programming and services through community outreach, working to create programs that offer rich educational programming and expand museum access.
