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Experience
Wonder
Visit Today
Learn More Joe Feddersen:
Earth, Water, Sky
A career retrospective of nearly 100 inspiring works from a renowned Indigenous artist
Learn More The 20-Dollar Art Show Bend's biggest little art show is back and better than ever! Learn More Coming Soon! Dive underground to explore the hidden world of soil in Soil Alive!

About the Museum

Plan Your Visit

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

Kids & Families

Explore Together

Learn about kid-friendly exhibits, activities, camps 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.

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

Changing
Exhibits

9.27.25 -
1.18.26

Art, History

Joe Feddersen: Earth, Water, Sky

Joe Feddersen: Earth, Water, Sky is a career retrospective of nationally renowned artist Joe Feddersen (b. 1953, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation). This exhibition gathers close to 100 works spanning four decades of Feddersen’s prolific career — from prints and glass to weaving and ceramics. The collective richness of his body of work is testament to Feddersen’s appreciation of and respect for the land. Feddersen cultivates a visual vernacular that draws upon recognizable signs, symbols and forms. Organized by the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. Joe Feddersen: Earth, Water, Sky was made possible through major support from the Henry Luce Foundation, the Terra Foundation for American Art, and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Additional support provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.

10.4.25 -
10.20.25

Art

The 20-Dollar Art Show

Bend's biggest little art show is back! The Museum is once again honored to host The 20-Dollar Art Show, presented by Bright Place Gallery. The 2025 show features nearly 8,000 pieces of original art by local and emerging artists. The Extravaganza kickoff is on Friday, October 17. For the low, low price of $20, each mini masterpiece will be for sale.

10.18.25 -
3.29.26

Science, Natural History

Soil Alive!

From dry and sandy to slimy and wet, many types of soils exist in the High Desert. But all healthy soils have one important thing in common: they form the foundation of the West’s ecosystems. This family-friendly exhibit takes visitors on a subterranean journey to encounter mycorrhizal networks, burrowing animals, and microscopic organisms. Dive underground to explore the hidden world of soil. Presented in English and Spanish.

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.