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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10.02.23
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The H. J. Andrews Experimental Forest is a 15,800-acre site in the Cascades. Created in 1948, the Andrews has attracted scientists from across the world who perform long-term ecological studies at the site. On August 5, 2023, lightning ignited the Lookout Fire, which has burned approximately 57% of the Forest. The fire continues to spread (more…)
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10.16.23
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Exhibition Opening: The 20-Dollar Art Show (more…)
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10.20.23
5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Bend’s biggest little art show is turning 10! Our third and final release of tickets will occur on Tuesday, October 3 at 7:00 am! The Museum is once again honored to host this year’s 20-Dollar Art Show, presented by Bright Place Gallery. Ever-growing and defiant in the face of inflation, this year’s event will feature thousands (more…)
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10.21.23
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
We are incredibly excited to welcome the National Geographic society traveling exhibit, Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan, to the High Desert Museum on October 21, 2023. The opening of the exhibition is in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Endangered Species Act. Images featured in the exhibition were captured by National Geographic (more…)
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10.22.23
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Please join us for the 20-Dollar Art Show’s CLOSING DAY! (more…)
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10.26.23
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
An Evening with Ronan Donovan: National Geographic Explorer and Photographer Join the Museum in welcoming National Geographic Photographer and Explorer Ronan Donovan to celebrate the opening of the exhibition Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan. Donovan will share images he captured while studying wolves in Yellowstone National Park and Ellesmere Island in the Arctic Circle. Doors (more…)
Changing
Exhibits
5.27.23 -
11.26.23
Art, History
Vistas del Cielo
Walk through the vibrant world of artist Justin Favela! In his original High Desert Museum exhibit Vistas del Cielo, he celebrates the history of Latinx vaqueros—his own family history—through bright piñata materials and large-scale installations. He offers an immersive experience that is joyful for the entire family.
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.
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.
