If you're heading east from Burns and love Native American art as much as I do, then make sure to take a detour to Oard’s Museum And Gallery in Buchanan. Found at the northern end of the Harney Basin, this hidden gem is more than just a roadside stop, it's a treasure trove of stunning hand crafted Native American art, history, and culture.

A Local Art Gallery And Museum Three Generations In The Making

With over 135 years of history under its belt, Oard's has been a family-run operation for three generations, starting with Jimmy and Clara Oard. What began as a small service station and general store has blossomed into a gallery packed with art and artifacts representing nine different tribes, including Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, and the local Paiute people.

Visitors will find an array of authentic Native American crafts, from jewelry and pottery to rugs and ceremonial sand paintings.

If you're a collector or simply appreciate the beauty of handcrafted work, this is a must-stop spot.

Find Art From Nine Different Tribes And Famous Zuni Artists

Gorgeous juniper furniture, authentic jewelry, pottery, and obsidian knives line the gallery, offering a unique glimpse into local craftsmanship and Native American artistry.

This gallery feels like a crossroads of art and history, and is filled to the brim with stunning, authentic jewelry, blankets and other art.

Sheila, the current owner (granddaughter to original owners Jimmy and Clara), often travels to Albuquerque to source new items directly from artists, ensuring that every piece in the gallery is as authentic as it is beautiful.

You'll find work from well-known Zuni artists like Dennis and Nancy Edaakie, along with local Burns Paiute beadwork that flies off the shelves.

Take A Step Back In Time At The Free Museum At Oard's

The real magic of Oard's is its free museum, which offers a peek into the lives of early settlers and the Native American tribes that have called this region home for centuries. The museum started with Mavis Oard’s personal collection, including everything from antique clocks and furniture to European treasures gathered during her travels. There's even an impressive collection of purple glass from France, which changes color when exposed to sunlight due to its high magnesium content. How cool is that?

A highlight of any visit to Oard's Museum is the display of seventy five Paiute cradleboards, many of which are antiques. This is currently the largest collection of Paiute cradleboards in existence.

The museum also houses fascinating artifacts left behind by settlers who tried and failed to make a life in Harney County’s harsh conditions. Ranchers still stumble upon these abandoned items today, often buried by settlers in root cellars for safekeeping and then forgotten about.

Many of the items, long forgotten about by settlers that moved on to greener pastures, make their way to the museum at Oard's. A visit here is a bit like stepping back in time to an era when this rugged land was still being tamed.

Oard's Museum And Gallery Information

What are the hours and open days at Oard's? Oard’s Museum and Gallery is open seven days a week from 8 AM to 6 PM, except on Christmas.

Where can I visit Oard's Museum And Gallery? You can visit Oard's at 42456 US-20 in Burns, Oregon.

Get more information at the Oard's Gallery Facebook page.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, it’s well worth a visit to soak in the art, history, and warm hospitality of this Harney County landmark!