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High Desert Museum

59800 South Highway 97, Bend, OR 97702-7963
541-382-4754
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Ranked #1 of 23 attractions in Bend
Type: Museums, History Museums
Activities: Viewing wildlife
Owner description: Explore the nature, culture and spirit of the High Desert through fun, interactive, indoor and outdoor exhibits with live animals, live historical... more » Owner description: Explore the nature, culture and spirit of the High Desert through fun, interactive, indoor and outdoor exhibits with live animals, live historical performers, a re-created pioneer town and ranch, Western art, extensive Native American collection and special programs for all ages. « less
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267 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    193
    55
    17
    2
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Date Rating
Hillsboro, Oregon
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

Learned a lot about teh area in past times, wonderful John Muir exhibition,live bird of prey show, walked the grounds which are gorgeous, very extensive, well worth the trip

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See 5 more reviews by HeyJudeOregon for Bend
Central Oregon
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

This museum keeps getting better and better. We've been going there since its inception. The exhibits not only teach but give you a feeling for live on the high desert. The bobcat and lynx are my favorite animals, but the other critters, especially the bird show, should not be missed. Plus, the rotating exhibits keep the museum experience from getting... More

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See 2 more reviews by danceswithkitties for Bend
Bend, Oregon, United States
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

When we first moved here 21 years ago I would take my 3 kids there every weekend.I purchased a family pass which was so reasonable. We were so home sick and new to this area. We were able to learn so much about our new home and in the process our hearts were healed. This place was and is so... More

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See 8 more reviews by RStone58 for Bend
Flagstaff, Arizona
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
22 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2013

This has been one of our favorite museums. There are activities to keep kids busy and the exhibits are set up in a way that keep you moving along. The kids (3,5,6) liked the outdoor exhibits like the otters, raptors, and trout. They also liked the interactive things. It was nice that we could keep an eye on the kids... More

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See 2 more reviews by montyl33 for Bend
Bend, Oregon
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

Very good quality exhibits, good variety of exhibits, great educational programs. We take the grandkids at least 4 times a year.

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See 7 more reviews by kabob811 for Bend
Bend, Oregon
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

We finally got a membership as we were going often.. and we live here. Everything about it is classy and well presented. The folks who work and volunteer there are really wonderful and devoted. We always learn a lot from our visits there. Even the cafe is great.

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See 9 more reviews by Barbiemermaid for Bend
Glenside, PA
Top Contributor
62 reviews 62 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 40 cities Reviews in 40 cities
103 helpful votes 103 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

Terrific museum with a focus on the Oregon High Desert. Best for smaller children, it's an easily navigable place to share with the whole family. Permanent exhibits such as the Hall of Plateau Indians, Spirit of the West and the Desertarium are well organized and highly educational. We've experienced Birds of Prey shows and the Butterfly and Hummingbird exhibits, as... More

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See 6 more reviews by visualgirl for Bend
Kalispell
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2013

We had only 3 hours when we took our 3 grandchildren, 3, 4, 7, and that was not enough time to see all this beautifully planned and executed museum, Additionally, we got to listen and see a Fish and Game representative show us and teach us about porcupines! Awesome was the correct adjective!!

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North Bend, Oregon
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 April 2013

even in the snow - especially enjoyed the outdoor exhibits - the river otters, the settler's homestead, the trappers. i also enjoyed the native american beaded pieces on exhibit inside the museum. the only downside was competing with all the kids who were there on their field trip (and it's a great place for a field trip). it also has... More

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See 5 more reviews by johnelrog for Bend
Portland, Oregon
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2013

This is a very cool way to spend an afternoon in the Bend area. Large raptors, owls and historic buildings. Daily information talks given in one of the bird 'houses'. Art and history displays in the main building. Large pond with under-water viewing of local otter is very fun!

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See 2 more reviews by flyby for Bend

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