High Desert Museum

GREAT PLACE! Recommended for the whole family. It has some things you don't touch, but a lot of interactive areas so children (and adults) don't have to hear "don't touch!" It had a lot of history, animals, and interactive learning areas. Prepare to spend a whole day here. Probably 4 hours and an extra hour for lunch. They let you bring in your own food and have a nice area with tables to enjoy your lunch. They also have a few traveling kennels in a shaded area with water you can leave your dog while you tour.

This one-of-a kind museum reveals the nature of things in the West’s High Desert through artful exhibits, engaging animals, interactive programs and meaningful history.

The High Desert Museum has been inspiring families since 1982, and is rated as a top Central Oregon attraction by Trip Advisor. Experience a close encounter with native wildlife such as an owl, otter, bobcat, porcupine or eagle. Talk with historic characters who share the tales of early Oregon settlers. Walk through time to explore the history of the west, and delight your kids with fun, hands-on programs. Dine and shop at the Rimrock Café and Silver Sage Trading Store. Open daily and we're closed on Independence Day, Thanksgiving & Christmas. Rates and hours at www.highdesertmuseum.org.

One of my favorite museums and it's great for all ages. Life-size dioramas of the history of the West, Western artwork, live animal exhibits, a working sawmill, and a hands-on homestead. There's something for everyone here.

Great exhibit on the native Americans and pioneers. Learned a lot about saw mills too! Good for kids.

Great place! Fun for everyone in the family. Live bird handling, lots of exibits!

It's an interactive experience with both indoor and outdoor displays. There are also features that change on a regular basis keeping the museum fresh and fun. The exhibit on Native Americans is quite outdated, and pretty white washed referring to Natives as "Indians" throughout the display and suggesting that the forced boarding schools were beneficial to Native Americans because they fostered a sense of community... Not exactly accurate historically.