A single event that spans one or more consecutive days.
Save the Date! The Waterston Desert Writing Prize Ceremony returns September 17! Hear from the winner and the 2026 keynote speaker, enjoy a reception with light appetizers, and stay for a book signing following the program. The Waterston Desert Writing Prize (the Prize) was established in 2014, inspired by author and poet Ellen Waterston’s love (more…)
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 exhibitions and revisit your favorites. Sensory packs are available to borrow with headphones, fidgets and more. 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm FREE for individuals, friends and family (more…)
The Museum provides an excellent habitat for migratory bird species. Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day by joining Museum staff and volunteers to explore the Museum grounds looking for warblers, raptors and other birds. 7:00 am to 9:00 am Coffee and light breakfast items provided. $25, members receive 20% discount. Space is limited. (more…)
Get ready for Raptors of the Desert Sky and so much more! (more…)
Mothers and those who serve as mothers receive free Museum admission! The Museum is also open to the general public. (more…)
Connect, compete, and experience history through play! From saloons to community halls, games have long been a part of High Desert social life. The Museum invites you to explore how people played, gambled, and gathered by learning historic favorites like Faro and Keno alongside contemporary games in a lively, welcoming setting. With food and drinks (more…)
Artist Frank Buffalo Hyde (Onondaga/Niimíipuu) combines modern culture and technology with Indigenous themes and tradition. He will explore the origins of democracy and how sovereignty is defined and implemented in the digital world of today. Buffalo Hyde attended the Santa Fe Fine Arts Institute and Institute of American Indians Arts in New Mexico, and has (more…)
The high-pitched calls of the small-but-mighty American pika defending their territory are hard to miss near the rocky slopes and lava flows of Central Oregon’s wilderness. Despite their reputation as a climate-sensitive species, little is known about the status and distribution of pikas in response to changing climate. Please join Oregon State University wildlife ecologist (more…)
May 5, 2026 through June 7, 2026 Explore the artwork of students from La Pine Elementary School! Over months of special in-class visits and field trips to the Museum, third and fourth graders focused on the diverse perspectives of fire. Their artwork will go on display in the Desertarium Gallery. Free with Museum admission. (more…)
Attention writers! The final day to submit your proposals for the 2026 Waterston Desert Writing Prize is today. Click below to learn more and submit your applications. The Waterston Desert Writing Prize is an annual celebration of nonfiction writers whose work reflects a connection to the desert. Inspired by author and poet Ellen Waterston’s love (more…)