Petersen Rock Garden - Hand-Built Stone Castle Garden of Central Oregon

What to Expect at Petersen Rock Garden

I pulled in on a quiet morning. I planned a quick stop. But I stayed almost two hours. The place is small (about 4 acres), but very impressive. You'll spot tiny churches, castles, cottages, towers, bridges, even a concrete American flag and a mini Statue of Liberty. It feels like a stone village set in Central Oregon.

The walk from the parking area is short. Paths are mostly flat, with compacted dirt and concrete. After rain, a few spots get slick, so wear sturdy shoes. I liked the early light. The agates and glass pieces looked extra bright.

Inside the fluorescent room, miniature castles glow under blacklight. It's simple and cool. Kids love it. I did too. Outside, peafowls strut around like they run the show. You'll also find a small museum and a rock shop with semi-precious stones, crystals, fossils, and polished thundereggs.

The Stones You'll See

Look closely at the walls, steps, and arches. You'll find jasper, agate, petrified wood, obsidian, malachite, thundereggs, and local lava rock. Bits of colored glass and shells add sparkle. It's Oregon's geology turned into folk art. Simple. Handmade. Honest.

The Story Behind It

Rasmus Petersen, a Danish immigrant, started building in 1935. He gathered rocks within about 85 miles. He mixed ideas from his homeland with American symbols.

He worked until 1952. After he passed, his family took over, and today, his granddaughter, Susan Caward, cares for the garden.

Time and weather left marks. In 2011, the site was named one of Oregon's most endangered places.

In 2012, a contractor hit a stone bridge by accident. That pushed a full laser scan to document the structures.

In 2013, the garden was added to the National Register of Historic Places. That helps protect this one-of-a-kind place.

You've got great options within an hour. If you love geology, art, and big views, you're set.

First, rockhounding. The Ochoco Mountains are a classic Central Oregon spot. You can look for thundereggs, agate, jasper, and petrified wood.

Here are 2 great rockhounding spots in the area:

White Fir Springs: a calm forest stop with rockhounding nearby.
Polka Dot Agate Mine in Madras: famous for bright, patterned agate; check seasonal access and fees.

For hiking and views, swing over to Smith Rock State Park. The cliffs glow at sunset. Even a short walk gives you river views and huge walls.

Want color and geology? Add Painted Hills to your itinerary. Those bands of red, gold, and black look unreal in late afternoon light. It's one of the top photo spots in Oregon.

If you're up for more, consider a quick stop at Peter Skene Ogden Wayside for the canyon and the Rex T. Barber Veterans Memorial Bridge. The span is massive. It's only a short walk from the parking lot.

Camping is not available at Petersen Rock Garden - it's strictly a day-use site.

If you want to camp close by, Smith Rock State Park offers a walk-in, tent-only Bivouac Area that's open early spring through late fall, as weather allows.

It's first-come, first-served (no reservations). You park in the main lot and carry your gear into the bivy area. Showers are available for overnight guests.

RV camping, sleeping in vehicles, and open fires are not allowed.

RV-friendly Skull Hollow Campground (The Grasslands) is about 8 miles northeast of Smith Rock.

It's generally open March 15 through October 31, weather permitting.

There are 70 standard campsites, including five double sites. Each site has a wooden picnic table and a combination fire ring/grill; double sites usually have two tables and one fire pit.

You'll find five vault outhouses, an informational signboard with a cash-and-checks-only pay station, and an on-site campground host near the pay station.

There is no drinking water, so bring your own.

RVs are allowed, but there are no hookups or dump stations.

Prefer a hotel? Stay in Redmond for easy access to the garden, Smith Rock, and food.

Hotels in Redmond