• Petersen Rock Garden is a unique landmark added to the National Register of Historic Places
• Features miniature buildings constructed with rocks, minerals, shells, and glass
Petersen Rock Garden is a unique Oregon landmark located 7 miles south of Redmond and 10 miles north of Bend. The rock garden is a museum consisting of a variety of miniature buildings constructed out of a vast range of rocks, minerals, shells, bits of glass, and other materials found in the area.
Petersen Rock Garden covers 4 acres and gives visitors many chances to explore creative and engaging rock structures.
Buildings and constructions in the garden include churches, castles, cottages, towers, bridges, various landscape elements, a concrete American Flag, and even a miniature version of the Statue of Liberty.
Minerals used in construction include, but are not limited to, jasper, agate, lava rock, petrified wood, obsidian, malachite, thundereggs, and many more.
One of the museum's features is a fluorescent room with miniature castles glowing in the dark, constructed from uranium, zinc, tungsten, and manganese.
Visitors can also see beautiful peafowls walking around the garden. There is a small gift shop where you can buy semi-precious gemstones, fossils, and crystals.
Brief History of Petersen Rock Garden
Petersen Rock Garden was founded in 1935 by the Danish immigrant Rasmus Petersen. He moved to Central Oregon at the age of 17.
In 1935, Petersen began building the rock garden on his property using materials gathered within an 85-mile radius of his location. His goal was to bring together the architecture of his native country and symbols of the United States.
He kept working on his project up until he died in 1952. After Petersen passed away, his family took over the management of the garden.
Susan Caward, Petersen' granddaughter, took care of the garden after Petersen's death.
Down the line, the ownership changed completely, so it is no longer owned by the family. The new owner started a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to run and maintain the Garden. Also, quite a few volunteers take care of it daily.
In 2011, Petersen Rock Garden was named one of Oregon’s most endangered places due to the damage inflicted on the museum by time, elements, and human activity. In 2012, the contractor accidentally damaged one of the stone bridges in the park. This event led to an effort to collect laser scan data on all of the objects in Petersen Rock Garden to restore them if irreversible damage occurs. The garden was closed a few times for repairs.
On October 30, 2013, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places due to its historical significance and the preservation of its history.
Petersen Rock Garden Camping & Lodging
Camping isn't offered at Petersen Rock Garden - it's a day-use destination only.
Looking to pitch a tent nearby? Head to Smith Rock State Park'swalk-in, tent-only Bivouac Area, typically open from early spring into late fall, weather permitting.
Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations. Park in the main lot and pack your gear into the bivy. Overnight guests have access to showers.
Note: No RV camping, no sleeping in vehicles, and no open fires are permitted.
Prefer a room and easy access to dining and attractions? Base yourself in Redmond for quick drives to the garden and Smith Rock.
Petersen Rock Garden | Facts
Open: Spring, summer and fall hours: 10 AM - 4 PM Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Winter hours: 10 AM - 3 PM Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Managed by: Private
Amenities: Rock shop & museum, picnic sites
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes, donation-based. The suggested donation is $10 per adult and $5 for ages 3 and up.
Elevation: 400 ft (122 m)
Peterson Rock Garden is located:
- 12 miles north of Bend
- 130 miles southeast of Salem.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Petersen Rock Garden
From Bend,
- Take Highway US-97 and travel 8.5 miles north to 61 Street
- Turn left onto 61st Street and drive 1.1 miles to Young Avenue
- Turn left onto Young Avenue and follow 1 mile to 77th Street
- Bear right and continue 0.5 miles to the destination on the right.
Phone: 541-904-0557