Preserving the Past. Inspiring the Future.
Discover the Stories That Shaped Central Oregon
Welcome to the Bowman Museum—where the past comes alive in the heart of Prineville. Since 1971, the museum has been preserving and sharing the remarkable history of Crook County and Central Oregon. Thanks to the generous support of our community, we’ve built a vivid collection of artifacts, photographs, and personal stories that reflect the grit, spirit, and innovation of this region’s population through time.
We’re proud to serve as both a museum and a living archive—connecting past to present, and Prineville to the wider world, through digital partnerships with museums and libraries across the globe. Whether you’re exploring your family roots, introducing your kids to local history, or simply curious about the people and events that helped shape this place we call home, the Bowman Museum invites you to dig in, look closer, and rediscover the Central Oregon story.
Visitor Information
Explore Prineville History
Housed in a beautifully restored 1911 bank building
listed on the National Register of Historic Places
The Bowman Museum has grown into a dynamic hub for history lovers of all ages. In 1996, we hosted the first Smithsonian exhibit in Central Oregon. Just a year later, we received national recognition from the Institute of Museum Services—honors that reflect our commitment to thoughtful preservation and public education. But the story doesn’t end there.
Today, we welcome thousands of visitors each year—students, families, travelers, and scholars—through engaging exhibits, hands-on learning programs, and a growing calendar of lectures, field trips, and publications. With the addition of the Crook County History Center in 2012, our reach has expanded to include the Belknap Center and Caboose Park, offering new ways to experience local history outdoors and in action.
Recent Articles
READ THE LATEST ENTRIES
Cave Beneath Redmond Discovered in 1914
By Steve Lent, Historian The community of Redmond, Oregon was incorporated on July 6, 1910. It would be several years before full utilities such as a sewage system and treatment plants were [...]
Mountain House
Rest Stop and Toll Station on Santiam Wagon Road By Steve Lent, Historian -- The Willamette Valley and Cascade Mountain Wagon Road, commonly known as the Santiam Wagon Road was constructed from [...]
Klamath Indian Community and Mill Town
Chiloquin, Oregon By Steve Lent, Historian A campsite for a group of Klamath Indians became known as Camp Chiloquin, the white settler version of Chay-lo-quin, the name of a respected war chief [...]
