High Desert Museum
A museum and zoo in one, telling the story of the natural and human history of the American West's high desert, with close-up views of birds of prey and river otters.
The High Desert Museum sits in pine forest about 10 km south of Bend. Indoor galleries cover Native American culture, pioneers, and the history of Western settlement. Outdoors, you can see river otters, porcupines, bobcats, and many kinds of raptors. Scheduled bird-of-prey flight demonstrations and feeding talks take place throughout the day. There is also a reconstructed 1904-style pioneer farm and sawmill, where actors demonstrate daily life. It suits families and takes at least half a day. Admission is about US$20 to $30, with higher prices in summer. You can visit the museum and Lava Lands on the same day.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00 (winter 10:00–16:00)
Nearby sights
- Lava Lands Visitor Center & Lava Butte
- Lava River Cave
- Benham Falls
- Bend Ale Trail
- Old Mill District
- Drake Park & Mirror Pond
- Pilot Butte
- Shevlin Park