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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10.22.23
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…)
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10.27.23
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
National Geographic Explorer and Photographer Ronan Donovan moderates a panel discussion exploring the complex relationships between wolves and humans in Oregon. Meet the Panelists: Cameron Krebs, Rancher Cameron Krebs is a recipient of the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Price (TRGP) for his innovation in creating the Mineral Bin. (more…)
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10.28.23
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Join us for Howling Around! Bring the whole family to experience the world of wolves through dynamic and interactive stations with National Geographic Photographer Ronan Donovan. Learn about wolf family dynamics, unique adaptations, how to howl like a wolf and more! 10:00am – 1:00pm, Saturday October 28 FREE with Museum admission (more…)
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11.01.23
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
New Winter Hours: 10:00am – 4:00pm (more…)
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11.02.23
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Join us for Museum & Me 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 available to borrow with headphones, fidgets and more. 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm FREE for individuals, friends (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.
