

with us!

World

Wonder
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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05.21.22
7:00 am - 9:00 am
This program has been canceled. The Museum grounds host a diverse population of migrating songbirds. Come before the Museum opens to experience the serene pleasure of strolling for sparrows. Tour independently or join a wildlife specialist or natural history volunteer to help you identify the birds. Coffee, tea and pastries provided. 7:00 am — 9:00 (more…)
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05.24.22
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! Buzzing and Blossoming – CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW Let’s learn about pollinators! We will (more…)
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05.27.22
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
The High Desert Museum first opened its doors to the public in May 1982! Join in a celebration of four decades of wonder with festivities for all, including the exhibition opening of Lair: Light and the Art of Stephen Hendee. Our Rimrock Café will be open, and we’ll be joined by your favorite food and (more…)
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05.28.22
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Lair is an immersive exhibition created for the High Desert Museum by artist Stephen Hendee. Hendee’s sculptures explore the spaces in which we live, both physically and virtually. Inspired by natural sciences, architecture, science fiction and digital culture, he uses color, light and space to create simulations of virtual worlds that transport the viewer to (more…)
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05.30.22
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
On Monday, May 30, we’ll fly into summer with our engaging summer programs! (more…)
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06.03.22
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Grab your headlamps and join us outside at the High Desert Museum to celebrate sundown, the transition between day and night when crepuscular and nocturnal wildlife stir. Learn how a dark night sky free from artificial light pollution is critical for wildlife. This family-friendly event will include telescope tours, owl visitors, insect discoveries, bat watching, (more…)
Changing
Exhibits
5.28.22 -
11.27.22
Art
Lair: Light and the Art of Stephen Hendee
Immerse yourself in a futuristic world of light and sound. The glowing, high-tech world of Stephen Hendee explores the spaces in which we live, both physically and virtually.
1.29.22 -
9.25.22
History, Art
Imagine a World
In the original exhibit, the Museum examines efforts over the decades to create ideal societies throughout the Western United States—from the glass domes of Arizona’s Biosphere 2 to the infamous Rajneeshpuram of “Wild, Wild Country.”
4.16.22 -
7.10.22
Natural History, Art
Vanishing Night: Conserving Dark Skies in the High Desert
Explore breathtaking large-scale imagery of the changing High Desert skies alongside information about the harm light pollution causes to wildlife. “Vanishing Night” offers simple solutions for all residents to cut back their use of artificial light.

the West

Through Memory

Ranch

Birds of
Prey Center

Otter Exhibit

