Here in Bend, we love art almost as much as we love playing in the outdoors. Put the two together, and you’ve got the Roundabout Art Route.

With over 40 roundabouts and counting, the city of Bend, in collaboration with Art In Public Places, has been adding some artistic genius to over half our traffic circles since 2001.

The Roundabout Art Route is part cultural diversion and part artistic scavenger hunt. You’ll discover more than two dozen fantastic pieces of public art as you twirl through town by bike, foot, or vehicle. From tributes to Bend’s heritage to artistic whimsy, each piece was crafted by artists who know art makes the world go round. And round and round.

Catch a sight of steel trout as they follow the wind’s every whim on Colorado Ave. Admire a tranquil family of bronze deer along Century Drive. Or, see a pinwheel of colorful kayaks at a popular launch spot for those ready to float the Deschutes River.

Bend’s roundabout sculptures were honored by Americans for the Arts as one of the most innovative approaches to Public Art in the country. All this accessible art is thanks to Art in Public Places, a non-profit group operating since 1967.

With a healthy heap of public input, Art in Public Places oversees the installation of sculptures that anyone in Bend can enjoy. Time for you to saddle up and see ‘em! It’s easy to do the Roundabout Art Route at your own pace. Simply pick up the map at the Bend Visitor Center or download it here.