Petersen Rock Garden

Petersen Rock Garden is a garden near Redmond featuring miniature buildings, castles, bridges, and water features crafted from stones collected within an 85-mile radius of the site. The stone structures range from small houses to multi-story castles and include intricate waterways throughout.

Rasmus Petersen, a Danish immigrant, began building the garden in 1935 and devoted himself to the project until his death in 1952. His vision of shaping stones into elaborate structures created what remains today as an enduring example of hands-on craftsmanship.

The site features a concrete American flag and a replica of the Statue of Liberty, reflecting the builder's ties to both his homeland and his adopted country. These monuments stand prominently and speak to an immigrant's devotion to his new home.

The site is located between Bend and Redmond along U.S. Route 97 and operates seasonally during warmer months. A museum building on the grounds provides additional context and a gift shop where visitors can purchase local stones.

The museum building contains a fluorescent room with miniature castles crafted from materials like manganese, tungsten, uranium, and zinc that glow in darkness. These illuminated structures showcase the mineral diversity of the region and create a striking visual experience.

Location: Deschutes County

GPS coordinates: 44.20317,-121.26222

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:01