Historic Snippets
PETERSEN ROCK GARDEN
In the rocky high desert of central Oregon a beloved classic roadside attraction, that had once drawn hundreds of thousands of curious tourists, is thoughtfully being restored to it’s former glory by new owners and a handful of dedicated volunteers. Petersen Rock Garden was the creation of Danish immigrant Rasmus Petersen who claimed a homestead near Redmond and Bend in 1906 and began raising livestock, and farming hay and grain during the short summer months. In 1935 at the age of fifty two Petersen began creating his rock garden as a winter pastime with the stones and boulders cleared from his farmland and agate, jasper and obsidian collected within eighty five miles of his home.
For the next seventeen years and until his passing in 1952 Rasmus Petersen constructed detailed miniature rock churches, castles, monuments, bridges, and water features in a four acre natural garden setting. A small museum and gift shop were added in the 1940’s along with ponds, islands, swan boats, cafe and prides of wandering peacocks attracting passing motorists. The Petersen family operated the garden for the next half century, however dwindling attendance, vandalism, increased maintenance and expenses resulted in the closure of the garden until 2022 when the property was purchased by new owners with a vision to transform the iconic remote Oregon treasure into a community stewarded nonprofit.
The revitalized world famous Petersen Rock Garden is introducing a new generation of families to local history and the unique geological craftsmanship of Rasmus Petersen. The former roadside attraction is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and work is underway to restore the main house, museum, gift shop and cafe. Dedicated volunteers maintain the gardens, ponds and picnic area, and the ninety year old park has been declared a Peacock Sanctuary.
-Bill 5/25