Peterson Rock Garden

Make it stand out.

Dedicated to restoring a sense of belonging.

Since 1935.

Spring Hours

We are now open
Wednesday thru Sunday

10:00am to 4:00pm

COMMUNITY

Help us win a $20K Grant from Webfoot!

Every other year, a local nonprofit has a chance to win $20,000 from Webfoot Home Improvements, a top contractor here in Central Oregon. And the Garden needs a lot of help to restore its floors, provide new paint on the buildings, and create cabinets.

Your vote helps to bring the Garden back to its glory days! We can’t do it alone. The Garden is for the community, so we’re sure hoping the community votes to support its renewal.

You can go click on the Webfoot image or go to webfoothome.com to vote for our video (look for The Project Serious Grant — our video is at the end!). Or copy and paste this link into your browser:

https://www.webfoothome.com/landing/project-serious-2025

Everyone can vote, not just locals! But voting closes this Sunday, April 6, 2025, so please vote today!

Thank you for being part of the Garden’s history and its future!

HISTORY

A Blend of Nature, Artistry, and History

Dive into a world where curiosity leads the way and discovery happens at every turn! Our museum is a playground for adventure-seekers of all ages, inviting you to explore, learn, and have heaps of fun along the way. Petersen Rock Garden has reopened its doors to the public, celebrating the restoration of its historical charm and the values it embodies. This iconic landmark now serves as a vibrant hub for history, community, and connection, inviting visitors to rediscover its unique beauty and a sense of belonging.

ROCK MONUMENTS & MUSEUM

Timeless Rock Art

The garden features intricate miniature castles and bridges, skillfully constructed from a diverse array of rocks such as jasper, agate, lava rock, petrified wood, obsidian, and thundereggs. Each piece showcases Petersen’s remarkable talent for turning ordinary stones into extraordinary masterpieces. A striking seven-foot-tall replica of the Statue of Liberty also graces the garden, reflecting Petersen’s deep admiration for his adopted country. Inside the main museum, visitors can explore the fluorescent room, where glowing minerals create an enchanting and educational display. Together, these elements highlight the garden’s distinctive charm and historical importance.

FAUNA & FLORA

As you explore the grounds, you'll come across the garden's resident peacocks—about 40 of them gracefully roaming the area. Their diet consists of corn, sunflower seeds, and wild bird seed, provided by the staff and residents. These magnificent birds enhance the garden's allure, their vibrant plumage standing out strikingly against the surrounding stone structures.

A Peacock Sanctuary

VISION & WORK

Our Vision for Petersen Rock Garden

New owners and volunteers have breathed life and vision into this beloved Central Oregon roadside attraction over the past few years, engaging the community in efforts to clean and restore its features, share its rich history, and plan for its future. Through collaborative initiatives, they have organized volunteer schedules for visitation, welcomed others to join the mission, and extended an open invitation for people to be part of preserving and reimagining this treasured landmark.