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 accidentally hit a stone bridge. 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.

There are plenty of great things to do in Central Oregon within a short drive from the garden.

If you like geology, art, and big views, you are in the right place.

The Ochoco Mountains are a classic Central Oregon rockhounding destination 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, head over to Smith Rock State Park. The cliffs glow at sunset, and even a short walk offers views of the river and towering rock walls.

If you want more color and geology, add the Painted Hills to your itinerary. The bands of red, gold, and black are especially striking in late afternoon light, making it one of Oregon’s top photo spots.

If you’re up for one more stop, consider the Peter Skene Ogden Wayside for the canyon and the Rex T. Barber Veterans Memorial Bridge. The span is massive and only a short walk from the parking area.