Redmond, Oregon: Petersen Rock Garden
RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report
- 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
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The late Mr. Petersen paid homage to his new adopted country (America) with feverish folk constructions of stone and glass. Restored and reopened May 2023.
Roadsideamerica.com Report... [12/09/2009]Visitor Tips and News About Petersen Rock Garden
Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.
Petersen Rock Garden is a brilliant collection of rocks crafted into unique landmarks, monuments, and sculptures. We had the opportunity to speak to a volunteer who shared with us that a new non-profit foundation has taken over the Garden in an effort to restore the grounds. We so appreciated the group that is trying to save this ode to geology. Hopefully more people will wend there way here to help their efforts to bring this roadside gem back to life.
[Adrea Gibbs, 09/11/2023]
Rasmus Christian Petersen died on August 3, 1952. He was 66, and who knows how much longer he would have lived had he not spent the last 17 years of his life hauling tons of rocks. Rasmus built the elaborate Petersen Rock Garden, one of America's most popular attractions in the years just after World War II, which is still open today. This one-man mineral fantasy world has tower bridges, a version of the U.S. Capitol and Philadelphia's Independence Hall, and a Statue of Liberty with a light bulb torch. In front of the statue is what must have been Rasmus's dark-edged philosophy: "Enjoy Yourself: It is Later Than You Think." Petersen Rock Garden was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013. In a sense Rasmus gained immortality by working himself to death. He had fun doing it, we hope.
[RoadsideAmerica.com Team, 08/03/2022]After 62 years this is still my favorite place to visit along Interstate 5 to US Highway 97 North from California to Washington. One man's dream garden made from area stones. I like the bridges that he built over water. A bit run-down, but worth the visit. Please donate to keep it open. I visit every time that I'm in the area: approximately 39 visits. It's a great place to picnic when traveling.
[Aileen Pierce, 11/18/2021]
As of June 2021: Yes, it's a little run down, but don't let that put you off. This is still an amazing illustration of one man's vision. The property is family-owned. Petersen's granddaughter lives on site and runs the museum.
Donation of $6 for adult entrance. Bring a picnic lunch and make an afternoon of it. Cats and peacocks wander amongst the rock formations.
[Mary, 06/10/2021]Page of 2 [Next 3 items]
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39 times? We hope that the Garden gives you a frequent-visitor discount.