Enjoy Yourself,
it’s Later than You Think
Since 1935.
Museum Update:
Join us for its
Grand Re-Opening
Sat. April 4th
1 - 4pm
The Garden’s museum is almost done with its face-lift thanks to having won Webfoot’s community grant! Until then, please continue to stroll the grounds and stop by the diner to see a selection of the museum’s treasures and hear about the Garden’s history.
Come celebrate with us on Saturday, April 4th from 1 - 4pm for the ribbon cutting ceremony, explore the restored museum and glow room, and enjoy local treats and eats from Dropping Beets while roaming around the monuments and getting in on the silent auction and raffle!
Spring Break Hours:
Daily
10:00am to 3:00pm
*diner/museum closed for grand re-opening transition during week of March 30th
COMMUNITY
We WON a $20K Grant from Webfoot! Thank you, Community!
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 and provide new paint on the buildings.
We can’t do it alone, and your vote for us is helping to bring the Garden back to its glory days! The Garden is for the community, so we are so very thankful that the community is supporting its renewal!
Thank you, Webfoot and community, for being part of the Garden’s history and its future by having voted for us! We are so excited, and we will be sure to post photos of the improvements by Webfoot all along the way!
BIG BIG Thanks to Webfoot for making this possible and to the community for your love of the garden!
Please Support Us!
Become part of the Garden’s
history and its future.
We are a tax-exempt 501c3 nonprofit, and we are excited to receive any and all donations which will continue to bring the Rock Garden back to life and maintained for generations to come. Thank you so very much for your love of the garden!
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 turned 90 years old in 2025, and it 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.
