High Desert Museum, Bend, Oregon

Opened in 1982 the High Desert Museum is located just five minutes south of Bend, Oregon on Hwy 97, and includes a museum store and café. The museum is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and the Fourth of July.

The 100,000 square feet of exhibit space in the museum has several permanent exhibition halls dedicated to the ecosystem of the high desert, the culture of the first nations and the history of European settlers coming to the region. Additionally, there are temporary exhibits that follow similar themes to the permanent exhibits.

Native american reed canoe at the High Desert Museum near Bend Oregon

Covered wagon at the High Desert Museum near Bend Oregon

Native American tunics at the High Desert Museum near Bend, Oregon

Native American headgear at the High Desert Museum near Bend, Oregon

The outdoor space covers 135 acres and has trails running through the forest. Here you’ll come across an exhibit of river otters and an authentic homestead and sawmill from 1904. At the homestead, you might be lucky enough to meet and talk with historic characters who share tales of early Oregon explorers and settlers.

Horse statue at the High Desert Museum near Bend, Oregon

Settlers buildings at the High Desert Museum near Bend, Oregon

Otter display at the High Desert Museum near Bend, Oregon

Otters frolicking at the High Desert Museum near Bend, Oregon

Planning your visit to the High Desert Museum

Location:	59800 US-97 Bend, OR 97702
Hours:	Winter: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; November 1 through March 31 Summer: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; April 1 through October 31
Website:	www.highdesertmuseum.org
Fees:	Adults: $17, Seniors: $14, Children (>2) $10, Under 2 Free