Central Oregon is a cultural hub rich in art, history, and heritage. No matter how you’d like to engage with that, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for doing so—with arts and culture offerings that range from award-winning museums and Indigenous cultural centers to annual art fairs and beloved tribal markets. Some of our top attractions include:
- Must See Museums in Central Oregon
- Stargazing and Observatory Adventures
- Indigenous Culture and Heritage
- Historic and Heritage Sites
- Seasonal Cultural Events & Exhibitions
Must-See Museums in Central Oregon
A number of museums offer immersive experiences in art, history, science, and culture in Central Oregon. Here are a few favorites across the region.
Three Sisters Historical Society & Museum
The volunteer-led Three Sisters Historical Society & Museum, housed in a building that dates back to 1939, celebrates the history and culture of Sisters with a number of curated exhibits. In addition, a number of talks throughout the year discuss the travels of European-American explorers in the 1800s, Oregon’s first years of statehood, films that have been shot around Sisters, and other topics of local interest.
For more inspiration, see other museums & interpretive centers around the region.
The High Desert Museum, Bend
Ground zero for local history and culture in Central Oregon is the High Desert Museum. Located in the midst of a ponderosa pine forest between Bend and Sunriver, the award-winning attraction features indoor and outdoor exhibits that cover local history, wildlife, and more—usually in inventive, immersive ways. That means you might stroll through a replica of an 1800s frontier town, step into a dimly lit room dedicated to nocturnal animals, learn about owls and hawks as raptors soar above you, and get to know some of the critters that call the Central Oregon high desert home.
The Museum at Warm Springs
The Museum at Warm Springs, housed in the heart of its namesake community, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the culture and traditions of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs. It does so through interactive exhibits, works of art, and rotating exhibits that typically emphasize a specific part of tribal culture.
Deschutes Historical Museum, Bend
The city of Bend was founded in the early 1900s—and more than a century of history is on display at the Deschutes Historical Museum, housed in a converted schoolhouse in downtown Bend. Exhibits cover Bend’s earliest days as a logging town, the rise of outdoor recreation in Central Oregon, the importance of farming, and more—typically through interpretive panels, artifacts, and photographs. Learn more about the Deschutes Historical Museum in Bend, Oregon.
Bowman Museum, Prineville
Prineville is the oldest European-American community in Central Oregon, so it’s only natural the city is home to a fascinating museum full of rich history. The Bowman Museum, a local landmark since 1971, shares the history of Crook County through hands-on programs, vintage artifacts, replicas of a tack shop and medical office, and more. A bustling events calendar routinely includes lectures, genealogy workshops, and other history-related happenings.
For other historic stops around the region, check out our look at the top museums in Bend and Central Oregon.
Stargazing & Observatory Adventures
With little light pollution, a high-desert elevation, and designated dark-sky areas, Central Oregon is a top destination for awe-inspiring stargazing. Best of all: You don’t need a high-powered telescope to enjoy the views. Here are a few fun and accessible ways to savor our starry skies on your next visit.
Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory
All year long, gaze at stars, planets, and other celestial wonders at the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, which hosts the largest collection of telescopes available for public use in the United States. Choose among shorter or more in-depth visits, depending on how much time you have, and enjoy the views with guidance from friendly astronomers who are eager to explain what you’re seeing
Dee Wright Observatory, Mackenzie Pass
At the summit of McKenzie Pass, Dee Wright Observatory is unlike anything else in Central Oregon. The structure was constructed in 1935 from volcanic lava rock and resides in the midst of a miles-long lava flow. Learn about the structure and Central Oregon’s volcanic history through on-site interpretive panels, and then ascend the steps to the observatory’s summit, where 360-degree views of snow-capped Cascade peaks await. That remote location, high elevation, and panoramic views make Dee Wright an outstanding stargazing destination, as well.
Prineville Reservoir State Park, Prineville
Residing on the shores of its namesake body of water, Prineville Reservoir State Park is a certified International Dark Sky Park that affords outstanding opportunities for viewing the Milky Way, thousands of stars, meteor showers, and more. Occasional ranger-led programs provide additional insight. In addition to its clear night skies, Prineville Reservoirs offers year-round camping, boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
For more, take a deep dive into Central Oregon observatories and stargazing spots.
Indigenous Culture and Heritage
Numerous museums and cultural attractions honor the deep-rooted traditions, stories, and contributions of the Indigenous peoples of Central Oregon, including the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Here are a few marquee stops to learn, experience, and engage with tribal history, language, and craftsmanship.
High Desert Museum
As part of its mission to bring together stories, perspectives, and histories from throughout the region, the High Desert Museum in Bend strives to honor the area’s earliest inhabitants through a mixture of permanent and rotating exhibits focused on Indigenous culture in Central Oregon. The By Hand Through Memory exhibit, for instance, covers the history and experiences of the Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs, Yakama, Spokane, and Colville people. Check out the museum’s events calendar for upcoming talks, book signings, and other engaging events.
The Museum at Warm Springs
The Museum at Warm Springs celebrates the history and culture of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs in a variety of fascinating ways. The museum’s collection includes replica lodgings, basketry displays, historical information, and multimedia exhibits that celebrate the songs and languages of the Wasco, Warm Springs, and Paiute peoples.
Tamástslikt Cultural Institute
The Tamástslikt Cultural Institute resides on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, a few hours from Central Oregon, but nonetheless remains an essential stop for anyone interested in learning more about the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes. The museum tells the story of western expansion from tribal perspectives, with exhibits, interpretive panels, replica displays, and other items that touch on the Oregon Trail, boarding schools, and other important topics.
Local Murals & Tribal Art Installations
The Museum at Warm Springs is one of several places around Warm Springs to view tribal art. While in Warm Springs, take a few moments to appreciate a large mural just off Highway 26. The colorful painting reads “Niix Pam Wiyanaqi Warm Springs”—or “Welcome to Warm Springs”—and is part of the Central Oregon Mural Trail. It highlights some of the landscapes, wildlife, flora, and traditions that are so important to the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
Historic and Heritage Sites
All over Central Oregon, museums, interpretive centers, and historic downtowns connect you with the area’s past by paying tribute to its earliest residents, fascinating geology, and evolving identity.
Fort Rock Valley Historical Homestead Museum
Step back in time at the open-air Fort Rock Valley Historical Homestead Museum, which resides in the Oregon Outback and shows what life was like on the wide-open range between the late 1800s and early 1900s. Take a self-guided tour through an old cabin and view several historic buildings—including a doctor’s office, a vintage mercantile, and the area’s only homestead-era Catholic church.
Lava Lands Visitor Center
Between mid-May and mid-October, Lava Lands Visitor Center is the educational heart of Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The seasonal visitor center recounts the region’s volcanic past through interpretive displays and artifacts, details the area’s cultural history, and shows films that explain the explosive might of Newberry Volcano. At the Lava Lands doorstep are paved paths through a jagged lava flow and the sweeping Lava Butte.
Downtown Historic Walking Tours
Get the skinny on local history with a walking tour; self-guided and volunteer-led options are available at communities throughout Central Oregon.
Between May and August, for instance, Deschutes Historical Museum and Society volunteers lead Historic Downtown Walking Tours in the heart of Bend. If you’d rather immerse yourself in history at your own pace, the Redmond Heritage Walk is a self-guided tour of three-dozen buildings that reflect the community’s rich history. To the west, the self-guided Sisters Historic Landmarks Walking Tour is offered by the Three Sisters Historical Society; it covers nearly 20 historic buildings, some of which date back a century or more.
Seasonal Cultural Events & Exhibitions
All year long, a variety of fairs, festivals, and events celebrate Central Oregon’s creative spirit and cultural diversity. Here’s your guide to everything from annual art fairs to regional design conferences.
Photo Courtesy of High Desert Museum. Photographer Abbott Schindler.
High Desert Museum – Art in the West
Between mid-July and early October, the Art in the West exhibit at the High Desert Museum in Bend celebrates the high desert through more than 100 pieces of traditional and contemporary art. The wide variety of creative works pay tribute to the region’s landscapes, people, cultures, flora, fauna, and history.
Bend Design
Connect with—and learn from—inspiring creatives as part of the annual Bend Design event. The long-running celebration of community and creativity brings together illustrators, designers, educators, coaches, and other industry leads to share big ideas, lead workshops, and spark connections that last long after Bend Design wraps up.
Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show
The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, held every July throughout Sisters, is the largest event of its kind in the world—where more than 1,000 textile masterpieces are displayed on the sides of buildings all over town. A local institution since 1975, the free Sisters quilt show celebrates the artistry of local quilters through the dramatic displays and smaller, one-off events such as special exhibits.
Art in the High Desert
Every August, Bend’s visual arts community comes together for Art in the High Desert, featuring works from more than 100 jury-selected artists. The eclectic art and craft show takes place in Riverbend Park, along the Deschutes River, and showcases jewelry, ceramics, apparel, paintings, metalwork, and more.
Simnasho Tribal Market
Every summer, the Simnasho Tribal Market celebrates Indigenous artisans, traditional foods, and cultural expression by bringing together local vendors and artists on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. Taking place on Saturdays and Sundays between Memorial Day and Labor Day, market vendors sell handmade jewelry, beadwork, crocheted accessories, fresh produce, and a variety of appetizing food items.
