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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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275 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    198
    56
    19
    2
    0
Date Rating
Redmond, Washington
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 June 2013 NEW

This a fantastic museum. The exhibits are well ordered and informative. This museum provides excellent information about the plants, animals, climate, and geography of the high desert

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Portland, Oregon
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW

I loved this museum! It has a great exhibit on birds of prey and other desert animals. It also has a very cool living history exhibit. One issue is that most of the exhibits are not very handicapped accessible since you have to walk to them on paths that are not really made to accommodate wheel chairs or others with... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 4 more reviews by road_tested2011 for Bend
Hailey, Idaho
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2013

Good for learning about the area and for kids. Plenty of live exhibits and good staff to answer questions.

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See 3 more reviews by Laura H for Bend
coast
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 June 2013

We picked a beautiful day - sunny but not too hot. Lots of busloads of kids were there. Staff were helpful, enjoyed the raptor talk and a walk around the main trail.

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See 2 more reviews by thedsandg for Bend
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 June 2013

The High Desert Museum is a fabulous place to take the family. Incredible exhibits and history. Spend hours browsing this museum. You'll be glad you did.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 19 more reviews by BLT1001 for Bend
Powell Butte
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 May 2013

Love the live demonstration on the wild birds, etc. Very informative exhibits about central Oregon . Even the small restaurant is nice and reasonably priced.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by DebSBPowellButte for Bend
Hillsboro, Oregon
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013

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 7 more reviews by HeyJudeOregon for Bend
Bend, Oregon
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013

hardly anyone there in winter - great indoor & outdoor things to do. a full 1/2 day of fun. we loved the frontier exhibits and when it wasn't too cold there were plenty of live animals to view/see.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Central Oregon
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013

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

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
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
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013

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

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 8 more reviews by RStone58 for Bend

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