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.
And the Petersen Rock Garden and Museum in Oregon is definitely, decidedly, delightfully art.
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.
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.
The result is nothing short of extraordinary: a four-acre kingdom that's a testament to the power of the imagination... and art.
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.
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.
There's also a peacock that roams the property, adding an extra touch of magic -- and color -- to the gray-and-brown-hued gardens.
Art is a fluid, dynamic, living, breathing entity. It changes and grows over time, taking on new forms and significance.
And you'll often find it where you least expect it, like the middle of central Oregon.
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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