Skip to Main Content

Statue of Liberty: Enjoy yourself. It is later than you think.
Statue of Liberty: Enjoy yourself. It is later than you think.

Petersen Rock Garden

Field review by the editors.

Redmond, Oregon

Petersen Rock Garden is the folk art vision of one man, and a tourist attraction that has survived far longer than its creator. It's still open every day, with a museum, a gift shop, even postcards. Visitors are invited to wander the grounds until sunset.

Born in Denmark, Rasmus Christian Petersen (1883-1952) built his rock garden in the last 17 years of his life, in tribute to his adopted new country. He collected rocks, petrified wood, glass, lava, and shells from around Redmond, and began building replica structures at the age of 52 -- when most people start to slow down. His creativity eventually yielded a scaled-down Statue of Liberty, a U.S. Capitol building, and an impressive Independence Hall -- the first thing that visitors encounter when walking in from the parking lot. Monuments line landscaped paths, and three Tower Bridges cross ponds on Petersen's seven acres of property.

Inside the main building and museum, a black light room provides the expected glowing mineral thrills. Central Oregon is rich in rocks, and Petersen clearly loved his chosen building material.

The Garden is still owned and run by Petersen's grandchildren, and in 2013 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Stone replica of Independence Hall.
Stone replica of Independence Hall.

On our visit, we were especially struck by the squat Statue of Liberty, with its light bulb torch, atop a pedestal of rocks (it was the "Dreamers" chapter-opening photo in the first Roadside America book). A plaque in front of Liberty advises, we assume from the hand of Rasmus Petersen himself: "Enjoy Yourself. It Is Later Than You Think."

Petersen Rock Garden

Address:
7930 SW 77th St., Redmond, OR
Directions:
Midway between Bend and Redmond. From US 97 turn north on SW 61st St., then left on Young Ave. Cross Canal Blvd and then quickly turn right on SW 77th St. The Garden is less than a mile on the right.
Hours:
Sa-Su 10-6 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
541-300-5699
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Shoe TreeShoe Tree, Tumalo, OR - 3 mi.
Shoe Tree Formerly in RedmondShoe Tree Formerly in Redmond, Bend, OR - 5 mi.
Shoe TreeShoe Tree, Bend, OR - 5 mi.
In the region:
Last Blockbuster Store, Bend, OR - 10 mi.

More Quirky Attractions in Oregon

Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in Oregon.

Explore Thousands of Unique Roadside Landmarks!

Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. Start here.
Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Create and Save Your Own Crazy Road Trip! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Oregon Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

JFK's World Famous Twine Ball, Highland, Wisconsin (Mar 18-24, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings

Favorite Quirky City Sights