High Desert Museum, Bend Oregon

Founded by a native Oregonian, the High Desert Museum was designed with the intent to help visitors reconnect with history while understanding their current role and future responsibility.

• Artifacts and exhibits on display in two large buildings connected via a ¼ mile trail.
• View an 1880 homestead and fascinating displays and videos of native wildlife.
• Visit the Silver Sage Trading Store and have a bit to eat at the Rimrock Café.
• Costumed staff recreates scenes from Oregon life in the late 1800s.

Overview

The High Desert Museum, Bend, Oregon contains a fascinating collection of wildlife exhibits and historical artifacts from Central Oregon. This Bend, Oregon museum has a main building of 53,000 square feet which houses a variety of displays, a store, and a café. It is connected via a ¼ mile trail to another 32,000 square foot building with even more interesting displays including live native wildlife. Donald M. Kerr, a native Oregonian, created the museum, which opened in 1982, to help people understand their connection to the environment.

Location and Directions

The High Desert Museum Oregon is located just 3 miles south of Bend on Highway 97.
The address for the High Desert Museum, Bend, is 59800 S. Highway 97. Phone: 541-382-4754.

Hours/Seasons

The High Desert Museum is open year round. Summer season (May 1-Oct 31) hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Winter season (Nov 1-April 30) hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Fees

Summer rates are adults $15, seniors $12, Youth $9 and children under 4 are free. Winter rates are adults $10, seniors $9, youth $6 and children under 4 are free.

Highlights

Exhibits include live native wildlife such as birds of prey, wild cats, snakes, and lizards.

The Silver Sage Trading Store and Rimrock Café are located in the main building, and there is an outdoor play area for children.

The High Desert Museum has an interactive display of an 1880 homestead. Staff members in era-appropriate costumes re-enact scenes from the late 1800s in Oregon.