National Medal!
Mighty Beaver
"Daredevils"
The interior exhibits at the Museum are open! Reserve your timed entry tickets.
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
- 04.10.21
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
With the days getting longer, the Millers need to tackle their spring cleaning. Using the latest techniques from 1904, help us tidy up, and get an up-close look at what it takes to get ready for summer. Event is FREE with Museum admission. Reserve your tickets. (more…)
- 04.22.21
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
In a visually rich and entertaining presentation, New York Times bestselling author and acclaimed speaker Kathryn Aalto discusses her book, Writing Wild: Women Poets, Ramblers, and Mavericks Who Shape How We See the Natural World. Aalto celebrates 25 remarkable women with grit and verve whose influential writing helps deepen our connection to and understanding of (more…)
- 04.22.21
5:00 pm - 8:00 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. Free for individuals, friends and family Made possible by With support from Mark and Kathy Kralj (more…)
- 05.02.21
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Don’t miss you last chance to experience the thrill and excitement of the Museum original exhibit Daredevils. FREE with Museum admission. (more…)
- 05.03.21
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Professor of anthropology at Eastern Oregon University, Linda Reed-Jerofke, Ph.D., will discuss archaeological work undertaken in the Wallowa- Whitman National Forest. Did the Camp Carson Mining District develop into a geographic community–one that grew beyond the practice of gold mining? If so, how does this fit with an archaeological examination of Eastern Oregon gold (more…)
- 05.04.21
7:30 am - 8:30 am - 05.11.21
7:30 am - 8:30 am - 05.18.21
7:30 am - 8:30 am
Do you love to write, but need help finding the time or inspiration? Join Desert Scribes! In each of three sessions, Louise Shirley, Donald M. Kerr curator of natural history, will share inspiration from High Desert ecology. You will have quiet time to respond to writing prompts and will be welcomed to share your words. (more…)
Changing
Exhibits
9.26.20 -
5.2.21
History, Natural History
Daredevils
Dive into the meaning risk-taking plays in our lives, why daredevils capture our imaginations and the many reasons they have been drawn to High Desert landscapes to execute their feats.
1.30.21 -
10.3.21
Natural History, Art
Dam It! Beavers and Us
Explore an important member of the order Rodentia and the interrelationship of people, beavers and the landscape.
3.6.21 -
7.18.21
Science, Art
Cosmic Microscapes
What do ancient pieces of cooled magma from the Moon and Mars have in common with samples from an eruption of Oregon’s Lava Butte only 7,000 years ago? Discover the hidden art of igneous rocks from Oregon and other planets in our solar system in a Museum exhibit.
the West
Through Memory
Ranch
Birds of
Prey Center
Otter Exhibit
