High Desert Museum

The High Desert Museum, located just south of Bend, Oregon, has been an educational landmark since its opening in 1982. Situated on 135 acres, the museum indoor and outdoor exhibits showcase the unique environment, wildlife, and history of the High Desert region. The museum is widely regarded as one of the top attractions in Central Oregon. Founded by Donald M. Kerr, an advocate for conservation, the museum emphasizes both education and preservation. It operates as a nonprofit organization, providing educational experiences that promote environmental stewardship and inspire the next generation.

The museum offers a variety of exhibits, including live animal displays featuring native species such as bobcat, otters, and birds of prey such as the bald eagle and peregrine falcon. These animals, many of which are non-releasable due to injuries, serve as ambassadors for wildlife conservation efforts. In addition to its exhibits, the High Desert Museum is known for its educational programs, drawing school groups from across Oregon. For generations, students have visited the museum as part of school field trips, making it a beloved tradition for many local families. The museum's commitment to fostering curiosity and environmental stewardship has earned it numerous awards, including recognition as one of the nation's top museums.

This bald eagle, found injured in Alaska by a fisherman, has been a resident at the High Desert Museum for almost 20 years. Due to its injuries, Fish and Wildlife determined it could not be returned to the wild. Since coming to the museum, the eagle has lived far longer than most wild bald eagles, thanks to the top of the line healthcare and specialized diet it receives. Now, as a permanent resident, it serves as both an ambassador for wildlife conservation and a reminder of the delicate balance that exists in nature. Visitors can appreciate the eagle’s immense strength and beauty, gaining insight into the challenges these raptors face in the wild.

A close-up of the High Desert Museum's rattlesnake shows how important these creatures are to the environment. By eating rodents, rattlesnakes help keep their numbers under control, which prevents problems like overgrazing and the spread of diseases that rodents can carry. They’re also an important part of the food chain, being a meal for predators like hawks or coyotes. Rattlesnakes may seem scary, but they play a big role in keeping the ecosystem balanced and healthy. At the High Desert Museum, visitors can see this snake up close while learning about its role in nature and why preserving its habitat is so important.

Lisa Powell, right, a wildlife educator at the High Desert Museum, shares the unique texture of river otter fur with young visitors. This experience brings the world of otters to life, allowing children to connect with these fascinating animals in a meaningful way. By engaging visitors with the physical touch of nature, the museum creates a deeper understanding and appreciation for wildlife conservation. The river otter, once endangered, is now thriving in the High Desert, and the museum plays a pivotal role in educating future generations about the importance of preserving these creatures and their habitats.

A young visitor with joyful laughter fills the air as they run back and forth, captivated by the playful fox at the High Desert Museum. This moment of pure excitement showcases the museum’s ability to inspire wonder and foster a deeper connection with wildlife. Through these experiences, the museum sparks a love for nature that will stay with visitors long after they leave.

John and Anna, visitors to the High Desert Museum, share a smile as they watch their grandchildren enjoy the fresh air.