Petersen Rock Garden – Unique Rock Art Landmark in Central Oregon

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.

Currently, Susan Caward, Petersen' granddaughter, is the one taking care of the garden.

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.

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's walk-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.

For RV-friendly camping, Skull Hollow Campground (The Grasslands) sits about 8 miles northeast of Smith Rock.

Operating dates usually run from March 15 to October 31, depending on weather conditions.

The campground includes 70 standard sites, plus 5 doubles. Expect a wooden picnic table and a combo fire ring/grill at each site; double sites generally provide two tables and a single fire pit.

Amenities include five vault toilets, an information board with a pay station that accepts cash or checks only, and a campground host stationed near the pay box.

Plan ahead: There's no potable water on-site, so bring what you need.

RVs are welcome, but there are no hookups or dump facilities.

Prefer a room and easy access to dining and attractions? Base yourself in Redmond for quick drives to the garden and Smith Rock.

Hotels in Redmond