High Desert Museum

High Desert Museum Explore the art, cultures, history & natural world of the High Desert! Experience Wonder

06/03/2026

Four days. Twelve writers. One stretch of High Desert that has a lot to say.

Lost in Place is an immersive nature writing retreat at the Lodge at Summer Lake, blending workshops, guided field exploration, and creative community in one of Oregon’s most quietly extraordinary landscapes. Hosted by Oregon Poet Laureate Ellen Waterston. All-inclusive, intentionally small, and now in its sixth year.

Secure your spot in the desert today. Learn more at the link in bio.

Turns out the volcanoes of the West have plenty of drama on their own. We thought they deserved the ultimate 1980s sci-f...
06/02/2026

Turns out the volcanoes of the West have plenty of drama on their own. We thought they deserved the ultimate 1980s sci-fi movie poster treatment!

While the artwork leans into retro drama, the exhibition itself dives deep into the real-world forces at work. Step inside to explore how scientists monitor volcanic activity, why the High Desert is such a hotbed for geologic activity, and what these ancient landscapes can teach us about resilience and change today.

Swipe through the series hanging outside "Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration" and tell us which one you're buying a ticket to!

Open now through January 2027.

We made you a summer checklist. The least you can do is save it. Send this to your summer crew.Link in bio for tickets a...
05/29/2026

We made you a summer checklist. The least you can do is save it.

Send this to your summer crew.
Link in bio for tickets and hours.

05/27/2026

Happy World Otter Day!

Don’t let the cute face fool you. River otters are apex hunters of North American waterways. Healthy rivers rely on them, and in Oregon, they’re managed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Learn more about these fascinating creatures at the Otter Encounter everyday at 12:30 pm.

As we honor and remember the fallen this Memorial Day weekend, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to our military c...
05/25/2026

As we honor and remember the fallen this Memorial Day weekend, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to our military community.

As a Blue Star Museum , active-duty military visit free every day of the year. We also offer a 10% admission discount for veterans and retired service members.

We hope to welcome you to the Museum soon.

05/23/2026

Happy World Turtle Day.
And World Tortoise Day (They’re the same day).

05/23/2026

We’ve tried to explain it. We can’t. Come see the raptors.

Raptors of the Desert Sky is back starting tomorrow, May 23. Daily at 11:30 am through Labor Day, weather permitting.

🎫 Ticket details:
Available at Admissions day of only | $8 (and they go fast!)
Tickets are often sold out before 10 am
Members get 20% off | 2 and younger free

The votes are in, and the gallery is set! Get a sneak peek at some of the inspiring pieces featured in the 2026 Art in t...
05/21/2026

The votes are in, and the gallery is set! Get a sneak peek at some of the inspiring pieces featured in the 2026 Art in the West, including this year's award winners.

Art in the West showcases 120+ works celebrating the landscapes, wildlife, and people of the High Desert and will be on exhibit at the Museum starting July 18.

All artwork will be part of the online auction beginning at 9:00 am July 18.

"Infinity #3363, Eastern Oregon," photography, Peter Dawson, 2026 Jury's Choice Award winner

"Yamash in Thunderbird of Nch'I Wana," yarn/smoked elk hide/seed beads, Natalie Kirk, 2026 Curator's Choice Award winner

"Painted Hills," acrylic and gouache on canvas, Lindsey Gilmore

"Nine Chiefs," oil on canvas, Arturo Garcia

"No Sheriff Here," ink on ledger, Jeremy Cavin

"Night Riding Blues," acrylic on canvas, Frank Buffalo Hyde

"Assurance," oil, Taylor Manoles

"Untitled #3," acrylic on 7 3/8 straw hat, Ellen Taylor

05/19/2026

This summer’s daily schedule starts Saturday, May 23 and goes way beyond these halls. 

Raptors of the Desert Sky
Wolves in the West
Horses on the Range
Desert Dwellers
High Desert Fish Tales 

Plus, there’s always something going on at the High Desert Ranch and the High Desert Ranger Station. Come see us this summer!

Note: Raptors of the Desert Sky requires tickets purchased from Admissions by 11:00 am ($8, members receive 20% discount). The trail to the flight area may be difficult for strollers and wheelchairs. Weather permitting.

Last weekend, around 30 species showed up for Birding for Breakfast, and so did our community! Western Tanagers, Black-b...
05/15/2026

Last weekend, around 30 species showed up for Birding for Breakfast, and so did our community! Western Tanagers, Black-backed Woodpeckers, Townsend's Warblers, and a whole lot more, all spotted right here on the Museum grounds.

The birds that live and migrate through the High Desert need habitat to survive, and you can help! What you plant at home makes a difference. Native plants support the insects birds depend on. Xeriscaping cuts water use and builds habitat at the same time.

Thank you to East Cascades Bird Alliance, , and for making all this possible and for bringing so much knowledge and enthusiasm to the morning.

Address

59800 S Highway 97
Bend, OR
97702

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+15413824754

Website

https://highdesertmuseum.org/visit-bend-oregon/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when High Desert Museum posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to High Desert Museum:

Shortcuts

Share

Category