Petersen Rock Garden, formerly Petersen's Rock Garden and also known as the Petersen Rock Gardens, is a rock garden and museum on, located between the cities of Bend and Redmond in Deschutes County, Oregon, United States. Rasmus Petersen, a Danish immigrant who settled in Central Oregon in the early 1900s, began constructing the garden in 1935 using rocks he found within an 85mi radius of his family home. Petersen constructed detailed miniature castles, churches and other small buildings and monuments from a variety of rock types. He incorporated other design elements such as bridges, water features and natural landscaping. Petersen worked on the garden until his death in 1952; the garden has remained in his family's care since then. The garden, considered a roadside attraction with novelty architecture, includes roaming peafowl and a museum with a gift shop that sells rocks.Arrange your visit to Petersen Rock Garden and Museum and discover more family-friendly attractions in Redmond using our Redmond trip itinerary builder app.
In 2011, Petersen Rock Garden was named one of Oregon's Most Endangered Places by the Historic Preservation League of Oregon (now known as Restore Oregon). In 2012, accidental damage to one of the stone bridges by a contractor catalyzed an effort to document the garden using laser scanning and other technologies. The garden was closed temporarily in 2013 to undergo repair and review for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Petersen has been praised for his creative work, and the garden has received a positive reception for its uniqueness and local significance. Listing on the National Register was achieved on October 30, 2013.
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Petersen Rock Garden and Museum reviews
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What had been started many years ago, we get to see now days. Little surprises asking the gardens. Thoughtful designs and unique vibes. I wish there would be better maintenance of this place. There are recommended donation fees. PLEASE DONATE. They won't be able to make it without your donations.
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If you're a rock lover, gotta check it out! I was so impressed by one man's inspiration, ingenuity talent, perseverance and desire to complete this task. I was enchanted, impressed and filled with wonder! Thank to the Petersen family for sharing!
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