Wonder
A Volcanic Exploration
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.
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
-
05.05.26
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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…)
-
05.07.26
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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…)
-
05.08.26
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
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 available for purchase, this game night offers (more…)
-
05.09.26
7:00 am - 9:00 am
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…)
-
05.10.26
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Mothers and those who serve as mothers receive free Museum admission! The Museum is also open to the general public. (more…)
-
05.20.26
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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…)
Changing
Exhibits
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.
11.1.25 -
2.15.26
Art, Natural History
Hollow and Still: Photographs Following Fire by David Paul Bayles
In September 2020, the Holiday Farm Fire, driven by fierce east winds, burned 173,000 acres along the forested McKenzie River canyon. Hollow and Still brings together a special collection of photographs from acclaimed photographer David Paul Bayles.
11.15.25 -
6.28.26
Art, History
Drawn West: A History of Promoting Place
Explore a century of salesmanship, when artists and cartographers alike crafted an image of the West that depicted both fact and fiction in this visually engaging exhibition featuring 50-plus maps, artworks and advertisements from the Museum's collection.
02.7.25 -
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.
the West
Through Memory
Ranch
Birds of
Prey Center
Otter Exhibit
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.
