Bend, OR – The High Desert Museum located off Highway 97 just south of Bend, Oregon is part wildlife preserve and part cultural/historical museum. Their slogan is “Where Wild Meets West”. They have an authentic homestead on site. From their website, “Discover the natural world and cultural history of the West’s High Desert through artful exhibits, alluring animals, engaging programs and meaningful history.” We visited the High Desert Museum during our recent visit to central Oregon. They are open year round except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Fourth of July. We were staying at Sisters Garden RV Resort in nearby Sisters, Oregon.
A great horned owl
The wildlife included snakes, tortoises, raptors/birds of prey (including owls), otters, porcupines, a bobcat, and lizards. There were several “Encounter” sessions throughout the day where wildlife caretakers brought animals out for a closer look and overview about the animals. We were able to view a desert tortoise, had a red tailed hawk fly just over our heads, and get close to a great horned owl. These programs were great. The wildlife exhibits and homestead are spread out over their 135 acre property.
This great horned owl was part of the birds of prey encounter
Desert Tortoise
Burrowing Owl
A collared lizard in the Desertarium
A barn owl in the Birds of Prey facility
We also enjoyed exhibits on the Native Americans who first inhabited the region and the early settlers and pioneers. “The Spirit of the West” exhibit takes you through 100 years in the High Desert. The “By Hand Through Memory” exhibit shows how the reservation system impacted Native Americans. An excellent display on the “Changing Forest” focuses on the impact of fire on the High Desert Forest. There are also changing exhibits, a cafe, and gift shop.
An early boat
Beaded vests made by Native Americans
A drum on display
A wagon in the Spirit of the West exhibit
We visited here while staying at the Sisters Garden RV Resort in Sisters, Oregon. We recommend this museum for visitors to the central Oregon region. This museum is located in close proximity to the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
