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Explore the history, art, and culture of the High Desert through changing and permanent exhibitions, interactive programs, and special events at the High Desert Museum. Experience close encounters with native wildlife such as owls, porcupines, and eagles. Stroll along winding trails to discover a world of otters and a turn-of-the-century homestead. Visit with historic characters who share tales of early Oregon settlement. Journey through the history of the West and visit a Native American shelter, fur trapper encampment, placer mine, and boomtown. Dine inside or out on the Rimrock Café patio and browse through Silver Sage Trading. The museum is open daily except for Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. For rates and hours, visit highdesertmuseum.org.

Daily Events

High Desert Natural History Walk Explore the museum grounds on this guided walk and learn about plants and animals that live in the High Desert. 10 am

1904 Miller Ranch and Sawmill Meet the Millers as they welcome you into the past. Explore how they lived in the High Desert, help with the chores, and play pioneer games. 10:30 am–4 pm

High Desert Fish Tales Learn about High Desert species, their history, and the difference between types of fish. Feed the fish in Cheney Pond. 10:30 am

High Desert Ranger Station

Explore the role of the U.S. Forest Service in managing our National Forests at this historic ranger station. Weekends beginning June 1, daily beginning July 1, 11 am–4 pm, talk 1 pm.

High Desert Reptile Encounter Learn about the reptiles of the High Desert, from identification and range to anatomy and reproduction. 11 am

Raptors of the Desert Sky See the beauty and power of free-flying raptors. Hawks, owls, falcons, and vultures soar close enough to raise the hair on your head. Members, children, and seniors $3, nonmembers $5, plus admission. Weather permitting. 11:30 am

Otter Encounter Explore otters’ role in riparian ecosystems of the High Desert. Where are they found? What do they eat? How are they an indicator of a healthy river community? 12:30 pm

Horses on the Range An estimated 60,000 mustangs roam rangelands in the West. Where did they come from, how are they managed, and what impact do they have on area ecosystems? 1:30 pm

Spirit of the West Tour A guided journey through a Native American rock shelter, fur trader encampment, silver mine, the Oregon Trail, and an 1885 settlement town. Explore how the High Desert changed dramatically in the 19th century. 2 pm

Desert Dwellers See a variety of animals that have adapted to thrive in the High Desert. Meet some of the native High Desert wildlife up close. 2:45 pm

Bird of Prey Encounter Meet a raptor up close and learn about its fascinating adaptations and habitat. Discover how to identify these aerial predators and how we ensure their future in the High Desert. 3:30 pm

Exhibits

Through June 23 | The Beauty of Wild Things: Charcoal Drawings by April Coppini This Portland-based artist is known for her large, gestural drawings of foxes, deer, jackrabbits, moths, and bees using only black charcoal and white paper.

Opens July 6 | Moon Country: Oregon and the Space Race In the 1960s, Central Oregon was a training ground for Apollo astronauts, since the landscape and rocks resembled those of the moon. This exhibit marks the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing and explores the momentous achievement through the lens of local history.

Through July 14 | Animal Journeys: Navigating in Nature From raptors completing long migrations to bees finding food, animals navigate without the tools available to humans. This exhibit explores how different species find their way in the High Desert, how scientists are unraveling these mysteries, and how we too can navigate by taking a closer look at our surroundings.

July 20 through August 24 | Art in the West This juried art show attracts artists from around the country. The artwork explores the history, people, cultures, wildlife, and landscapes of the High Desert. A silent auction helps support educational programs.

Through September 29

Desert Reflections: Water Shapes the West Water shapes both the High Desert landscape and how humans and animals live within it. This unique interdisciplinary exhibition explores regional concerns and global issues surrounding this precious resource.

Special Events

Registration and prepayment are required for some events. For info, visit highdesertmuseum.org/calendar.

June 8 | Thorn Hollow String Band Enjoy toe-tapping tunes from our pioneering house band. 11 am–2 pm. Also July 13 and August 10.

June 16 | Father’s Day Fathers receive free museum admission!

June 17 | National Pollinator Week Celebrate by learning more about the pollinators upon whom our local ecosystems and food system depend. 10 am–2 pm, free with museum admission.

June 22 | Miller Ranch Sawmill Full steam ahead! Steam-powered sawmills were critical to homesteading families in the High Desert—see the 1904 Lazinka Sawmill in action. 11 am–3 pm, free with museum admission. Also July 12 and August 17.

June 27 | Water in the West

Renowned scholar and historian Patty Limerick will share her insights on issues surrounding water in the region. She’s written widely on the challenges facing Westerners today, with rich historical context, and guided problem-solving discussions on contentious topics. 6–7 pm, $7, 20% discount for members.

June 29 | In a Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild Pianist Hunter Noack comes to the Miller Ranch with his Steinway grand piano. Explore the ranch while listening to the music via wireless headphones. 6:30–8 pm; tickets at inalandscape.org.

July 12 | Bat Walk An exciting evening expedition in search of bats using echolocator equipment. Dress for the weather; bring a flashlight or headlamp. 8–9:30 pm, $10, 20% discount for members. Also August 9.

July 19 | Art in the West Opening Reception Mingle with the artists. Demonstrations, no-host bar, hors d’oeuvres. 6–8 pm, members free, guests $5.

August 3 | Museum & Me A quieter time for those with physical, intellectual, or social disabilities to enjoy the museum. 5–8 pm, free.

August 24 | 30th Annual High Desert Rendezvous A rip-roaring evening that supports educational programs. Includes dinner, silent and live auctions, dancing, raffle, gambling, hosted saloons. 5–9 pm; tickets at highdesertmuseum.org/hdr.