Petersen Rock Garden & Museum: LAPC

Petersen Rock Garden & Museum is a unique roadside attraction located halfway between Bend and Redmond in Oregon. The original owner, Rasmus Petersen, began working on this site in 1935.

As you can tell, he loved rocks. He constructed the many features on this 4-acre site using rocks collected within an 85 mile radius. Oregon is known as a rockhounding paradise so there are plenty of rocks nearby to collect.

About Petersen Rock Garden

The “novelty architecture” here includes castles, churches, buildings, and bridges.

In 2011, the garden was designated by the Historic Preservation League of Oregon as one of the state’s most endangered places. Over the years, vandalism, theft, and the elements caused damage. When I last visited in 2007, it was in pretty sad shape.

Since my last visit, a lot of renovation has taken place, but it was not a smooth process. There were issues with insurance, land use zoning, and damage done by a renovator and it had to be shut down. After staying in the family for decades, Petersen Rock Garden & Museum was sold to new owners in 2022. With the help of many volunteers, the garden reopened in 2023. It looks great so far, but they are always in need of more helping hands and donations.

The garden also includes several ponds, large and small. Most of the rocks are attached to or near these features, but some stand alone.

Unique features

The next two photos show volcanic rock that formed into strange shapes during the cooling process. They remind me a little of Scholars’ Rocks I’ve featured in posts about Chinese gardens.

When you walk around the grounds, you’ll see rock landscaping around the miniature rock-covered buildings.

Different types of rocks applied in various styles decorate the buildings.

This small building houses the sign in book for visitors. I liked how rounded river rocks form the front columns.

There’s a nice “throne” nearby made from a huge piece of petrified wood.

This church stands tall on a pedestal. The simple design beneath it of rows of rounded rocks give it a powerful presence.

The next scene shows the Statue of Liberty surrounded by rocks of all shapes and colors. Rasmus Petersen immigrated to America from Denmark at the age of 17 so this statue must have had special significance to him.

Cliffs of large colorful rocks protect this castle.

Closer views of Petersen Rock Garden features

The bridges are pretty from a distance and

prettier up close.

Even the top side of the rails are covered with beautiful rocks and shells.

Rocks at Petersen Rick Garden include agates, jasper, lava rock, malachite, obsidian, petrified wood, and thundereggs. Here are a few close up views of some of the rocks.

Petersen Rock Garden’s Museum

The small museum includes a nice collection of arrowheads.

I was most impressed by the fireplace in there. Wow!

I always like seeing gigantic specimens of quartz like this one. The museum in Baker City, Oregon also has an impressive one.

The shelves are filled with interesting rocks to view or purchase. Did you notice the vase full of peacock feathers?

The peacocks are as much a part of Petersen Rock Garden as the rocks.

When we were there in late August, I saw three broods of young peachicks with the peahens.

If you like eclectic roadside attractions, be sure to check out Petersen Rock Garden & Museum. Longtime residents have fond memories of visiting this place. Now that it’s open again, new visitors will get to experience its unique charm.

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