We all think Oregon rocks, and there’s a place in Redmond that proves it. The Petersen Rock Garden is an outdoor sculpture park that’s quite literally comprised of rocks: thousands and thousands of rocks. This giant rock garden is one of the best (and admittedly, most bizarre) roadside attractions in Oregon, and absolutely worth checking out the next time you’re in the mood for a unique day trip!

"Art" comes in many shapes and forms. There's no one definition or medium; it's simply one of those things that you'll recognize when you see it.
Faye Fraser/Google Local
And the Petersen Rock Garden and Museum in Oregon is definitely, decidedly, delightfully art.
Kimberly Ann/Google Local
The garden started in 1935 as the pet project of Danish immigrant Rasmus Petersen. Using rocks found within an 85-mile radius of his central Oregon home, Petersen created something truly fantastic.
Anders Pearson/Google Local
For over 20 years, Petersen continued work on his unique pet (rock) project. He constructed detailed miniature castles, churches, and monuments from a variety of rock types. He also created other high-level design elements such as bridges, water features, and natural landscaping.
Debra C/Google Local
The result is nothing short of extraordinary: a four-acre kingdom that's a testament to the power of the imagination... and art.
Anirudh Koul/Google Local

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Because since Petersen's passing in 1952, his family has continued to toil over this unique project, adding rocks and structures with each passing year.
Brieanne Mirjah D'Souza/Google Local
Today, the garden is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered one of the coolest roadside attractions in Oregon. In addition to its incredible displays, Petersen Garden also includes a museum with a gift shop that sells (what else?) rocks.
Another Believer/Wikipedia
There's also a peacock that roams the property, adding an extra touch of magic -- and color -- to the gray-and-brown-hued gardens.
Debbie H/TripAdvisor
Art is a fluid, dynamic, living, breathing entity. It changes and grows over time, taking on new forms and significance.
Jae Olson/Google Local
And you'll often find it where you least expect it, like the middle of central Oregon.
Brieanne Mirjah D'Souza/Google Local
Petersen's legacy, kept alive over the years by family and folklore, is the eponymous Rock Garden, and it's an only-in-Oregon place you simply must experience.

Petersen Rock Garden is so much more than an unbelievable roadside attraction in Oregon; it is an amazing artistic display that speaks to the power of the human imagination. Admission is by donation only, and the garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Oregon is a place that welcomes the weird and wonderful. For a roadside attraction that’s considerably much less massive, head to Portland to visit the smallest park in the world!

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More to Explore

The Amazing Attractions of Oregon

William Suphan | January 03, 2023

What are the most amazing historical landmarks in Oregon?

The most amazing historical landmarks in Oregon include:

  • The Peter Iredale Shipwreck. The remaining bits of the massive ship called the Peter Iredale can be found on the beach near Hammond.
  • Kam Wah Chung Heritage Site. This is a museum showing a Chinese apothecary that was originally built in the 1870s. 
  • Fort Astoria. Also known as Fort George, this fort was built in 1811 and was the main trading post for the Pacific Fur Company.
  • End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. This is the location of the end of the Oregon Trail in Oregon City.

Find out more about the most amazing historical landmarks in Oregon. 

What are some hidden-gem attractions in Oregon?

Some of the hidden-gem attractions in Oregon include:

  • Steens Mountain. This beautiful area is where you can watch wild horses roaming about the countryside.
  • Pendleton Underground. This is an entire underground city that is over 100 years old and is full of history.
  • The Pillars of Rome. These amazing rock formations in Malheur County look like something from another planet.
  • Tree to Tree Adventure Park. Come here to walk along suspension bridges high up in the trees and do some ziplining.

Discover more about these and other hidden-gem attractions in Oregon. 

What are the best lesser-known attractions in Oregon?

The best lesser-known attractions in Oregon include:

  • Opal Creek. This creek is filled with turquoise waters and has several lovely waterfalls and swimming holes.
  • Terwilliger Hot Springs. These hot springs in the Willamette National Forest are a wonderful place to soak and relax.
  • Toketee Falls. This stupendous waterfall on the Umpqua River is set into basalt cliffs and is surrounded by tall, lush trees.
  • The Oregon Garden. This is a collection of over 20 specialty gardens that cover an entire 80 acres and is simply stunning.

Learn more about the best lesser-known attractions in Oregon. 

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Featured Addresses
Petersen Rock Garden & Museum, Southwest 77th Street, Redmond, OR, USA