High Desert Museum – Bend, Oregon
Here is a museum, zoo and discovery center all in one location for you to visit just three miles south of Bend on Highway 97. It used to be the Western Natural History Institute when it was first opened in 1974 but changed to the present name and exhibits in 1982.
The Museum has two permanent exhibits that capture everyone’s interest. “Spirit of the West” and By Hand Through Memory” are the two. The exhibits provide a perspective on the high desert which encompasses an area from eastern Washington through central and eastern Oregon and into Nevada and California.
The: Spirit of the West” tells the story of the settlement in the region with a European perspective. The “By Hand through Memory” balances the presentation by explaining the impact of White settlements on Native Americans. The exhibit gives you the sights and sounds of those who lived and worked in this part of the West. You will experience a Northern Paiute rock shelter overlooking marshland, to a Hard Rock mine operation and an 1885 settlement town with businesses and services that were necessary for life in the High Desert community. There are daily tours at 2:45 in the Hall of Exploration and Settlement. The tours last approximately 30 minutes.
There are also attractions for the kids to enjoy in the Whose Home space. Here they can climb up to an eagle’s perch slide down the rock slide, stash treasures into a packrat nest , uncover the hidden tarantula, scorpion, rattlesnake and lizards, raid the ranchers shed, and do animal puppet theater. They will have a blast here.
In the Museum you will be able to see the coach that may have carried famous passengers like Mark twain and Horace Greeley, and was used by the DeMoss Lyric Bards, who performed throughout the West. When you look at the coach you will find that the pioneers and early travelers to the area were certainly willing to endure a very rough trip across the country.
Outside you can visit the Lazinka Sawmill which is truly an interesting look at the history of building construction. The engine of the mill powered a 48 inch blade and today sawyers will tell you what it was like to run a mill like this over 100 years ago. Worth the trip outside to see it and visit with the staff.
At the High Desert Homestead Ranch you will be able to visit with staff in the dress of the past and learn about how things were done to keep the house and family running without the modern conveniences of today. You will also be able to help with the daily chores at the Blair family cabin if you want. You can lend a hand at churning butter and splitting wood, dipping candles, watering the vegetables or even mining. You will also want to visit the Barn, Willow Corral Root Cellar, and other structures that make up the ranch stead. This area is open from 11 AM to 4 PM daily during the summer months.
There are so many more exhibits to see and learn from that you will be busy from the moment you get there until you leave a wiser and very happy traveler.
It is suggested that you allow 3 to 4 hours for your visit to this Museum.
Pets are not allowed on Museum grounds, for their and our animals’ safety. As it gets hot in our parking lot, please, for your pets’ sake, don’t leave them in a closed vehicle. The Museum offers portable airline-style dog kennels in the shade outside where your pet can relax and cool off – ask for a key at Admissions. Service animals are allowed: please see the admissions staff for the service animal waiver form.
Hours of Operation
Summer: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, May 1 through October 31.
Winter: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, November 1 through April 30. We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Admission Rates
Summer: May 1 – October 31
Adult $15
Senior (65 plus) $12
Youth (ages 5-12) $ 9
Child (4 and under) Free
Winter: November 1 – April 30
Adult $10
Senior (65 plus) $ 9
Youth (ages 5-12) $ 6
Child (4 and under) Free
Stroller Rental $ 3
Wheelchair Free
Phone: (541) 382-4754
Location:
59800 S Highway 97
Bend, OR 97702
The Museum accepts all major credit cards, with the exception of the Discover Card.