Redmond, Oregon: Petersen Rock Garden

The late Mr. Petersen paid homage to his new adopted country (America) with feverish folk constructions of stone and glass.

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.

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.

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.

I visited it recently and the place is really run down. Many of the creations are in disrepair, and walkways are blocked. When I first pulled into the parking lot, I thought that the attraction had been abandoned!