Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:59800 S. Highway 97
Bend, Oregon
Attracting over 100,000 visitors a year, the High Desert Museum in Central Oregon, brings to life the wildlife, culture, art, and natural resources of Oregon's high desert topography. The museum has a 53,000-square-foot main building. There's a lovely quarter-mile trail that winds through aspen and ponderosa pines along a tranquil stream for visitors to enjoy. This trail leads visitors to the museum's massive exhibits and animal habitats.
Indoor and outdoor exhibits at the High Desert Museum show how the land, peoples and animal life of the High Desert have changed and developed over time. Visit live animal exhibits, see a steam-powered sawmill in action, a mustang coral, and explore the role of fire in the desert and see first-hand the effects of a prescribed burn. Experience life as a fur trader and what it was like on the hot and dusty Oregon Trail, as well as learn what it meant to live as a Northern Paiute and see the giant tipi. Wind through a mine shaft and pet some woolly sheep. And don't miss the wild cats in the desertarium and enjoy over 100 wildlife creatures.
The permanent exhibit, Spirit of the West, takes visitors on a journey through the High Desert region experiencing the sights and sounds of those who lived and worked in this part of the West. And the "By Hand through Memory" permanent exhibit, explains the impact of White settlement on Native Americans, and includes cultures and traditions retained by Native Americans in spite of settlement and reservations.
The museum admission is good for two days (for seniors it is good for seven days), which is how much time it will take to walk through all the exhibits.
At the museum store, Silver Sage Trading, you'll find art, books, jewelry, toys, cards, ornaments, home decor and apparel. You can even find a stagecoach covered wagon and log cabin kits for just $5. Stop in at the Rimrock Café for a great breakfast, lunch, or tasty snack treat.
From downtown Oregon, ride US Route 97 south. It's just 10 minutes from the Old Mill Bend on South Highway 97.
From High Desert Museum - Bend, Oregon:
The nationally acclaimed High Desert Museum is dedicated to broadening the understanding of the High Desert's wildlife, culture, art and natural resources. In doing so, it strives to promote thoughtful decision making to sustain the region's natural and cultural heritage.