History and culture are everywhere in Central Oregon. They’re apparent in the volcanic features and colorful rock formations that dot the region, and they show up in unexpected ways — through wildlife encounters, tribal cuisines and vintage buildings in the local communities.
On your next visit, take it all in at some of Central Oregon’s top museums and cultural experiences. Here are a few favorite stops, along with suggestions for extending your visit and enjoying local fare.
1. Immerse Yourself in History at the High Desert Museum
For a glimpse at what makes Central Oregon, well, Central Oregon, look no further than the High Desert Museum near Bend and Sunriver.
The indoor-outdoor attraction covers the region’s history through impressive and always-evolving exhibits, including hundreds of artifacts and immersive pieces like a re-created Chinese mercantile and a faux covered wagon. On-site wildlife displays include porcupines, raptors, reptiles, river otters and other native species.
Take a break with a bite at the on-site Rimrock Café. The eatery serves bowls, burgers, sandwiches and other Pacific Northwest-inspired fare.
2. Stargaze at the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory
By day the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory offers animal exhibits, a botanical garden growing native plants, an on-site nature trail and naturalist-led activities for young children. When the sun sets, look to the cosmos with help from the largest collection of telescopes for public use in the United States to see stars, planets and other cosmic wonders.
For another angle on the area’s many offerings, visit the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Just south of Sunriver, the monument’s Lava Lands Visitor Center (open May to mid-October) sits in the midst of a massive lava flow and hosts an exhibit that explains the shield volcano. Sweeping views await from the summit of the on-site Lava Butte. To the southeast, Fort Rock State Natural Area is a massive, C-shape rock formation in the Oregon Outback. Look for ranger-led tours of the historic Fort Rock Cave.
Pair your visit to Sunriver with a meal at Lake House at Sunriver Resort’s Caldera Springs community. The family-friendly restaurant takes a creative approach to its Pacific Northwest-inspired fare through regionally sourced ingredients and inventive dishes.
3. Explore High-Flying History With the Erickson Aircraft Collection
Whether you’re an aviation buff or are new to the history of flight, you’ll learn something new at Erickson Aircraft Collection at the northern edge of Madras. Jack Erickson, the founder of an aerospace company and a private collector, has been amassing rare planes since 1983 and today displays more than 20 aircraft dating back to World War II — many of which remain fit to fly.
For more regional history, extend your visit with a trip to the historic communities of Antelope and Shaniko. Antelope was designated the first International Dark Sky Community in Oregon in late 2024, and Shaniko is one of Oregon’s most-visited ghost towns.
Afterward, kick back at Initiative Brewing in Madras. The brewpub pours more than a dozen of its ales and lagers, offers a full bar and delivers a pub-food menu where burgers, sandwiches, salads and more are crafted from scratch-made recipes.
4. Experience Tribal Cultures at the Museum at Warm Springs
Experience the history and culture of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs at The Museum at Warm Springs. The museum’s curated collection includes historic photographs, art displays and immersive exhibits that detail the history of the Wasco, Warm Springs and Paiute peoples. Watch for rotating exhibits that examine Native American history and modern-day life.
Afterward, enjoy a blend of Native American cuisine and comfort-food classics, like a burger served on fry bread, at the Twisted Teepee food truck just down the road in the community of Warm Springs. Twisted Teepee operates as a nonprofit to help members of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
5. Dive Into Prineville’s Past at the A.R. Bowman Museum
Prineville is the oldest modern-day community in Central Oregon, and that history is on display at the A.R. Bowman Museum. Learn about Prineville’s logging history, life for the area’s earliest European-American settlers and developments throughout the 20th century with exhibits that re-create vintage homes, barns and even offices.
Afterward, enjoy a hearty meal at Dillon’s Grill just three blocks away. The pub dishes burgers, sandwiches, steaks and barbecue classics, as well as more than a dozen craft beers and ciders from Oregon producers.
6. Revisit Bend’s Beginning at the Deschutes Historical Museum
Step back in time with a visit to the Deschutes Historical Museum at the edge of downtown Bend. Housed in what was once a school building, the museum grapples with the histories of regional Native American tribes, examines the region’s growth as a tourist stop throughout the 20th century and looks at how industries such as logging and farming impacted Central Oregon.
A few blocks away, Bar Rio delivers a global lineup of creative cocktails and tapas, with influences that range from Latin America to Spain and other Mediterranean countries. And if you’re still hungry? Check out the High Desert Food Trail for more tasty stops in Central Oregon.
