Museums

Bend, Oregon offers distinct museum experiences for everyone from animal lovers to history buffs. Spend the day discovering the geological and human history of this fascinating part of the world.

There’s something for everyone at the High Desert Museum. Enjoy close encounters with wildlife including otters, reptiles, birds of prey, and a bobcat. Take a journey back in time while exploring the Spirit of the West exhibit. Experience the adventure of the Oregon Trail and explore the boomtown of Silver City. Learn about regional art, culture, and Native American history in permanent and changing exhibits. Outside, wander through a peaceful pine forest to see river otters and birds of prey, and to learn about homesteader life during the turn of the last century from living history characters at the Miller Family Ranch. It’s no wonder the museum is rated the #1 thing to do in Bend by TripAdvisor!​

Just a few blocks from downtown Bend is the Reid School, Bend’s first modern school building, and home to the Deschutes Historical Museum. Explore the history of Deschutes County, originally named by French explorers for the giant waterfalls along the Deschutes River. The museum traces the history of Native American tribes, fur trappers, homesteaders and loggers. Discover why, even before Whitewater Rafting and high-speed quad chairlifts, Bend was a great place
to live.