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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05.31.23
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! MAY 31 – BOOK NOW Stream Creatures Come explore the Museum’s stream ecosystem! Together we (more…)
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06.03.23
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Photographer Gabriela Hasbun and barrel racer Kysariah Brinson from the exhibition In the Arena: Photographs from America’s Only Touring Black Rodeo will informally share about their careers and their experiences with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. They’ll also offer hands-on activities for younger audiences in the (more…)
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06.17.23
11:00 am - 7:30 pm -
06.18.23
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Celebrate Central Oregon’s third annual Juneteenth with The Father’s Group, High Desert Museum and many other partners at Drake Park in downtown Bend. Enjoy entertainment, music, food and activities for the entire family. FREE At Drake Park 777 NW Riverside Blvd., Bend Learn more: juneteenthcentralor.com (more…)
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06.18.23
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
FREE admission for all dads! (more…)
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06.20.23
10:30 am - 4:00 pm
It’s summertime again at the High Desert Ranch and there is much to be done! You’re invited to lend a helping hand to these hardworking homesteaders. Each week this summer, the Ranch will focus on a unique aspect of High Desert life in 1904. Occupations of the High Desert Like today, non-Indigenous settlers of (more…)
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06.25.23
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Don’t miss your last chance to explore In the Arena: Photographs from America’s Only Touring Black Rodeo. Through the lens of San Francisco Bay Area photographer Gabriela Hasbun, this exhibit documents the exhilarating atmosphere of the Bill Pickett Invitational (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.
11.19.22 -
6.25.22
Art, History
In the Arena
Through the lens of San Francisco Bay Area photographer Gabriela Hasbun, this exhibit documents the exhilarating atmosphere of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo—the only touring Black rodeo in the country—and the showstopping style and skill of the Black cowboys and cowgirls who compete in it year after year.
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.
