High Desert Museum - Bend, Oregon - a museum dedicated to understanding and coexisting with the environment

The High Desert Museum was founded by Portland, Oregon native Donald M, Kerr. Kerr had an interest in natural history that he developed when raising a wolf cub as part of high school biology. He had an interest in predatory animal's lives and environmental issues. The goal was to create a museum that provided a connection to people and the environment around them.

In 1974 the Western National History Institute was created and in 1982 it evolved into the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon as the Oregon High Desert Museum. The principle of the museum is to make thoughtful educations with experience and education. The wildlife, living history and exhibits are all used to create a learning experience for visitors.

Summer hours are in affect at the museum from the first of May until the 31st of October. During this time High Desert Museum is open from nine in the morning until five in the evening. November 1st to April 30th winter hours are in effect with the museum opening at ten in the morning and closing at four in the afternoon each day. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission rates are free for children four and under during summer and winter. The winter rates range from six dollars to ten dollars with summer rates ranging from nine dollars to fifteen dollars. Strollers can be gotten for three dollars while wheelchairs can be gotten at no charge from the facilities.

High Desert Museum offers handicapped accessible parking and facilities. The grounds offer benches and view areas for life inside and outside. The parking lots shaded areas have picnic tables available for visitors use. The facilities at the museum can be rented for meetings, weddings and private receptions. A portion of the museum or the entire museum may be reserved to hold private events or have the wildlife residents in attendance.

There are also three classrooms available at the High Desert Museum where workshops, art classes and other events can be held. Rental rates and additional details can be gotten by contacting the museum directly. There is a cafy offering a wide selection of food and drink options with both patio and indoor seating.

Parking at the museum is free with accommodations for automobiles, buses, motor coaches and homes. There are group rates available to groups of all sizes for commercial tours. There are also group rates available to private groups with as few as twenty members; the rate has to be paid with a single check. There are separate rates for school groups; reservations for groups must be made in advance.

There are no pets allowed on the grounds of the High Desert Museum to ensure the safety of the animals at the museum and the pets. Service animals are the only type allowed on the grounds. The museum offers kennels for the dogs with water available; you must provide your own bowl and it is your responsibility to care for your dog since the kennels are not monitored. Additional information is available by contacting the facilities directly.