Central Oregon - a Wonderful Place to Visit

This spring break the decision to take a trip to Eastern and Central Oregon was our idea of a fun thing to do. Starting from Portland, hubby and I began our spring break in Bend Oregon, the hub of Central Oregon. Bend is not only home to a large ski resort on Mt. Bachelor but also home to many great places to enjoy some of Oregon's history and even more wonderful restaurants.

Our first visit in the Bend area was to Lava Butte, however we found the interpretive center was closed for the season still we still were able to enjoy the view of the volcano and also the park that surrounds the center. With not much to keep our interest we returned to town for dinner at the Boston Restaurant & Sports Bar located at Ste 2 61276U.S. 97 in Bend Oregon.

Our first impression of this eatery in Eatery in Bend was it perhaps served pizza. The menu items at the Boston Restaurant & Sports Bar, having chosen a Chicken Caesar Salad and a Steak Caesar Salad, pleasantly surprised without draining our bank account.

Day two in Central Oregon found us visiting the High Desert Museum located at 59800 S Highway 97, Bend Oregon. This is a museum like no other we have visited in all our travels in the United States. Alive with history of the life style and tribulations of those who chose Central Oregon as their home in the days of old. During our visit we had the pleasure of visiting the exhibit called Spirit of the West. Walking back through time t learn of the tribulations and accomplishments of those settlers who took the Oregon Trail to settle in Central Oregon. Walking through the Plateau Native American exhibit we learned of the life and hardships of the Central Oregon Tribes during this era in time.

Outside the Interpretive Center we visited the Homestead Ranch and were amazed at the things we learned. How those settlers in Central Oregon were able to put to use the supplies readily available to them. Using the Willow Branches to create a corral to house their valuable stock behind. Also along the trails outside in the High Desert Museum are Lazinka Sawmill, the first saw mill in Central Oregon, making timber into boards for building the homes and outbuildings needed to survive the weather and hostiles of the Central Oregon region.

Visit the Native Encampment, Mustang corral take a Nature walk, or walk the Wind, Earth & Fire Trail. Before returning to the Rimrock Café for a bite to eat or a nice drink or cup of coffee visiting the Raptor House is a must.

The Raptor house not only gives homes to various Raptors who have been injured and can no longer survive in the wild they educate visitors to the importance of our connection with these magnificent animals. Explaining their habitat and the needs of these beautiful birds and creatures that share the high desert of Central Oregon. We were able to view and learn much about the Ferruginous Hawk, American Bald Eagle, Copper's Hawk and the Marsh and Harris Hawk. The Central Oregon High Desert Museum is a must for every visitor to Central Oregon open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm everyday of the week. Enjoy this walk through time and learn about these beautiful creatures that share our world.