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
- 02.07.19
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Come on an adventure! Inspired by the art of John Simpkins in the exhibit Desert Mystic: Paintings by John Simpkins, create your own large-format folk art and a story to go along with it. Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers investigate science, art, music, stories, and culture in a fun, hands-on manner. Don backpacks filled (more…)
- 02.09.19
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Hear some toe-tapping tunes from our pioneering house band! Dancing is encouraged. FREE with Museum admission! (more…)
- 02.12.19
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This event is sold out. If you would like to be put on the waiting list, please fill out the form below. In the event that people call the Museum and give up their seat(s), you will be notified. Thank you for supporting the Natural History Pub! Climate change research indicates that a (more…)
- 02.13.19
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Come on an adventure! Go behind the scenes and find out how we care for the Museum’s animals. Help our staff prepare meals for the wildlife. 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 artifacts while journeying through the Museum’s (more…)
- 02.13.19
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Examine the largely unknown history of Oregon’s black pioneers. From fur trappers and explorers, to farmers and merchants, learn how African Americans have helped shape the state, even as white settlers tried to force them out. Panel discussion and Q&A to follow. 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are free (more…)
- 02.14.19
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Come on an adventure! Go behind the scenes and find out how we care for the Museum’s animals. Help our staff prepare meals for the wildlife. 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 artifacts while journeying through the Museum’s (more…)
Changing
Exhibits
9.8.18 -
7.14.19
Art, Natural History
Animal Journeys: Navigating in Nature
The High Desert Museum is pleased to present Animal Journeys: Navigating in Nature, an original exhibition exploring the navigational feats performed by wildlife.
10.27.18 -
2.17.19
Art, Natural History
Desert Mystic: Paintings by John Simpkins
John Simpkins personifies the tradition of the artist as a mystic and hermit as his paintings weave wildlife into dense, layered allegories.
1.26.19 -
4.7.19
Art, History
Rick Bartow: Things You Know But Cannot Explain
Rick Bartow (1946-2016) is one of Oregon’s most celebrated Indigenous artists. Rick’s sculptures, paintings, drawings and prints are an eloquent exploration of his identity, and they remind us that identity is layered and complex.
