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
- 06.28.17
3:00 pm - 4:15 pm
This program is FULL. Join acclaimed creative writing teacher John Calderazzo, Emeritus Professor at Colorado State University, for a high-energy workshop designed to generate fresh writing in a variety of genres. This will be prompt-based and desert-inspired, so come ready to write! Participation is limited to the first 20 registrants. John served as the guest judge of the (more…)
- 06.28.17
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Award presentation and readings by the winning author and finalists. Inspired by poet and author Ellen Waterston, this award honors writing that illustrates artistic excellence, sensitivity to place and desert literacy. The reception starts at 6:00 pm and the program begins at 6:30 pm. 6:00 pm—8:30 pm Free Hosted wine bar and hors d’oeuvres (more…)
- 06.30.17
8:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Join an exciting evening expedition in search of bats on our grounds using echolocator equipment. Bring weather-appropriate clothing and a flashlight to be prepared for touring the Museum after hours. 8:30 pm—10:00 pm Members $5, non-members $10 (more…)
- 07.04.17
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Independence Day Museum Closed (more…)
- 07.08.17
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Join in the fun with Bend Community Contra Dancers and lessons from Dance Caller Ron Bell-Roemer. 11:00 am—2:00 pm (more…)
- 07.11.17
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Oregonians love the wild beauty of our coastline, but finding truly local seafood can be hard, even on the coast. The US imports approximately 90 percent of its seafood and ships out nearly as much to the global market. So why aren’t we eating more local seafood? Why do we consider seafood more of a (more…)
Changing
Exhibits
5.6.17 -
7.23.17
Kids, Natural History, Wildlife
Scat and Tracks
The interesting messages animals leave behind and how to spot and interpret them.
7.27.17 -
8.26.17
Art, History
Art in the West
Annual exhibition and auction of exemplary Western art.
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.
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.
