Museums
Enjoy learning about the history of Central Oregon and experience hands-on discovery at the Sunriver Nature Center.
The Sunriver Oregon Observatory due to the area's unique elevation, pitch-dark surroundings, and crystal clear air make it perfect for stargazing. You're in for an amazing experience!
| Observatories & Planetariums, Museums
The Oregon Observatory. Billions and billions of sights to see. When our roofs disappear we have the largest collection of telescopes for public viewing in the United States.
Feast your eyes on faraway galaxies. Witness a meteor shower. Get a glimpse of globular clusters, nebulae and deep space binary stars, as well as our closest star, the Sun. There`s no better place than the Oregon Observatory at Sunriver.
Sunriver`s elevation, pitch-dark surroundings, and crystal clear air make it perfect for stargazing. At the Oregon Observatory, you won`t be lining up just for one quick peek. We have many of our telescopes set up for your enjoyment, from Tele Vue refractors to our 30-inch Newtonian.
So if you really want to see the sights of Bend and Central Oregon, then we want to see you at the Oregon Observatory. |
| Location: |
57245 River Road, Sunriver, OR 97707 |
| Phone: |
541-598-4406 |
| Stop by the Nature Center for hands-on discovery, live animal exhibits, and outdoor exploration. Our staff of naturalists will keep your kids and curiously engaged and provide an exciting new perspective on the natural world. While you are here, visit the Oregon Observatory at Sunriver to view the sun or the stars. Discovery awaits for the whole family!
Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to inspire present and future generations to cherish and understand our natural world. |
| Location: |
57245 River Road, Sunriver, OR 97707 |
| Phone: |
541-593-4394 |
| Art Museums, History Museums, Nature & Parks, Museums, More
The High Desert Museum has been inspiring families since 1982 and is consistently rated as the top Central Oregon attraction by Trip Advisor. With 135 acres and more than 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, it�s a �must see� for anyone travelling through � or living in � the region.Get a close-up view of native wildlife, such as river otters, bobcat, porcupine and badger. Talk with historic characters who share tales of early Oregon explorers and settlers. Visit an authentic homestead and sawmill from 1904.
Experience a close encounter with owls, falcons, hawks and even a vulture. Learn about Native American culture and history, and delight your children with one of many fun, hands-on programs that bring history and science to life.
The High Desert Museum is located just five minutes south of Bend, Oregon on Hwy 97, and includes a Museum store and caf�. Open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and Fourth of July. |
| Location: |
59800 S Highway 97, Bend, OR 97702 |
| Phone: |
541-382-4754 |
| The Deschutes Historical Society is an organization �to gather, preserve and make available museum, library and other historical material relating to the history of Central Oregon��. It was incorporated August 4, 1975. When plans were being made for the National Bicentennial Celebration in 1975 it was felt that Deschutes County needed a historical society, so the Bend Chapter of the American Association of University Women sponsored the organization. |
| Location: |
129 NW Idaho Ave, Bend, OR 97703 |
| Phone: |
541-389-1813 |
| Lava Lands Visitor Center is the interpretive hub of Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Friendly rangers will help orient you to the Monument using our 3D topographic map.Visit our state of the art interpretive exhibit on area geologic and cultural history, shop in the Discover Your Forest Bookstore, view a variety of films scheduled daily, walk the Trail of Molten Land and the Trail of the Whispering Pines, travel on the fully accessible 5.5 mile Sun-Lava paved path, picnic under the pines, attend a ranger talk, walk to the top of Lava Butte for a spectacular view of Central Oregon.
During peak season from Memorial day weekend through Labor Day weekend, there is a shuttle that runs approximately every 20 minutes that departs from Lava Lands Visitor Center to access the summit of Lava Butte. The cost is $2 per person for the round trip and exact change is required. Motorized access by personal vehicles to Lava Butte is not available on days when the shuttle is in service. Access by personal motorized vehicles is possible outside of peak season with free first-come, first-served time permits available at the Lava Lands Welcome Station and only when the Lava Lands Visitor Center is open. |
| Location: |
NF-100, Bend, OR 97702 |
| Phone: |
541-593-2421 |
