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Experience
Wonder Visit Today Learn More Under Pressure:
A Volcanic Exploration Because volcanoes never go out of style Learn More Las Manos que
dan de Comer The Hands That Feed, art by Miguel Almeida Learn More Coming Soon Art in the West, the annual juried exhibition & silent auction

About the Museum

Plan Your Visit

Check out current exhibits and daily programs, find directions, rates, hours and more.

See Hours and More

Kids & Families

Explore Together

Learn about kid-friendly exhibits, activities, camps and more.

Family Fun

Education

Teach & Learn

Lifelong learning starts here! Explore teacher trainings, memorable field trips and unique school programs.

Education for Everyone

Join the HDM Family

Make an Impact

Volunteer, become a member or donate to support arts, education, wildlife and more.

Get Involved

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!

Daily Schedule

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events


  •  08.27.26
     12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Full steam ahead! See the 1904 Lazinka Sawmill in action for the final time this summer. Learn how lumber was processed on-the-go at the turn of the century. FREE with Museum admission (more…)


  •  08.31.26
     4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

The 6th Annual Lost in Place Nature Writing Intensive Join The Writing Ranch and the High Desert Museum on a unique weekend nature writing intensive at the Lodge at Summer Lake. Daily generative workshops will be led by Oregon Poet Laureate Ellen Waterston, author of five poetry and four nonfiction titles, and will be complemented (more…)


  •  09.17.26
     6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

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…)


  •  10.02.26
     6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Join us as we celebrate the closing of the 2026 Art in the West exhibition! Mingle with participating artists, watch live demonstrations, and enjoy delicious food and libations. The exhibit and auction close at 7:00 pm. Auction winners who are present can take home their pieces starting at 8:00 pm. 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (more…)


  •  10.10.26
     9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Bend’s biggest little art show returns! We are thrilled to partner with Bright Place Gallery to host the legendary 20-Dollar Art Show. This upcoming exhibition features nearly 9,000 original, miniature masterpieces by local and emerging artists. The 20-Dollar Art Show is a vibrant celebration of regional creativity, making local art accessible to everyone. All art will be (more…)


  •  10.23.26
     5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Join us for The 20-Dollar Art Show Extravaganza, a weekend celebrating Bend’s biggest little art show! Featuring over 10,000 pieces of original art by established and emerging local artists, this year’s show presented by Bright Place Gallery promises to be the biggest yet. As always, each mini masterpiece can be yours for the low, low price (more…)

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Changing
Exhibits

02.7.26 -
1.3.27

Science, Nature

Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration

An original exhibition, Under Pressure takes visitors on an educational, insightful and thought-provoking journey into the forces that make volcanoes among the most majestic and often misunderstood natural wonders of the world, while exploring their individual stories and temperaments.

04.11.26 -
10.11.26

Art

Miguel Almeida: Las Manos que dan de Comer

In a new, site-specific installation for High Desert Museum, Boise, Idaho, based artist Miguel Almeida shares vibrant mural, large scale sculptures and hand drawn animations, offering a window into the daily lives of the people that harvest the fresh fruits and vegetables bound for our local markets and dinner tables.

7.18.26 -
10.2.26

Art

2026 Art in the West

Art in the West is an annual juried exhibition and silent auction featuring traditional and contemporary art that celebrates the landscapes, wildlife, people, cultures and history of the High Desert—a region that stretches from the eastern slope of the Cascades and the Sierra to the Wyoming Basin and Colorado Plateau.

Spirit of
the West Learn More Experience the vibrant history of the West as you explore its people, their challenges and successes. Permanent Exhibits By Hand
Through Memory Learn More Discover the journey of the Plateau Indian Nations as they traveled from reservation confinement to the 21st century. Permanent Exhibits Miller Family
Ranch Learn More Living historians bring 1904 to life as they maintain the cabin, barn, willow corral and sawmill and care for their animals. Permanent Exhibits Donald M. Kerr
Birds of
Prey Center Learn More See some of nature’s most spectacular aerial predators up close: owls, hawks, eagles, falcons and vultures. Permanent Exhibits Autzen
Otter Exhibit Learn More Our three river otters define “play” in their newly-renovated exhibit. Permanent Exhibits Desertarium Learn More View High Desert reptiles, amphibians, spiders and burrowing owls. Permanent Exhibits Galleries Learn More Temporary exhibits on art, history, nature and culture. Changing Exhibits

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.