In 1935, an Oregon Farmer Began Turning Rocks into Intricate Structures. Now Dozens of Sculptures Draws Visitors from Afar (Exclusive)

**Community Revitalises Historic Petersen Rock Garden in Oregon**

The Petersen Rock Garden in Redmond, Oregon, has been rejuvenated thanks to the dedication of community volunteers, turning the neglected site back into a beloved local landmark. Originally created by Danish immigrant Rasmus Petersen in the 1930s, the garden recently reopened to much fanfare after years of disrepair.

Rasmus Petersen began constructing the garden following the death of his wife in 1932. What started as a personal tribute quickly grew into a stunning display of artistry, featuring intricate structures made from discarded rocks. Petersen’s unique vision led to the creation of miniature castles, bridges, and monuments, attracting approximately 120,000 visitors annually at its peak.

However, following Petersen’s passing in 1952, the garden fell into the hands of his family and subsequently fell into disrepair. The decline continued as squatters moved onto the property, and although the site was in poor condition, people still attempted to visit out of nostalgia and love for the garden’s history.

In a significant turnaround, Marci Wayman and her family acquired the site in 2022 with the intention of transforming it into a non-profit community endeavour. A collective of local volunteers began restoring the garden, aiming to revive it to the glory of Petersen’s original artistic vision.

Under the management of Tonia Smith, a long-time visitor and local advocate, the revitalisation effort has sparked renewed interest in the garden. Smith, who has cherished memories of visiting the site with her family since childhood, described it as a place imbued with family history and emotional significance. “It’s always had a special, special memory for us,” she explained, underscoring the emotional ties that many locals share with the garden.

Thanks to a generous $20,000 grant from Webfoot Home Improvements, the team completed a significant overhaul of the museum building, just in time for its reopening amidst overwhelming community support in April 2026. Smith recalled the surprise turnout at the event, where attendance far exceeded expectations as 1,200 to 1,500 visitors arrived to celebrate the garden’s revival.

Today, visitors to the Petersen Rock Garden can explore an impressive museum filled with a diverse collection of gemstones sourced globally. Among the estate’s features, guests can also admire a striking seven-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty, alongside the garden’s resident peacocks, descendants of the original birds brought to Petersen from India.

Smith emphasises the importance of keeping the garden accessible to everyone, adhering to Petersen’s original vision. The attraction has always operated on a donation basis, ensuring that all are welcome to experience the enchanting environment. “We just want to get it back up and get it back to the glory years and get it back to Rasmus’ vision,” she said.

Through her efforts, Smith hopes the garden continues to foster the same sense of community and peace that she has long associated with the site. “It’s hard to describe, but it’s nature, it’s love, it’s community, it’s peace,” she shared, comparing her experiences at the garden to her visits to theme parks that are often considered “happy places”.

As Petersen Rock Garden embarks on this new chapter, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of community spirit and the importance of preserving local history. With a dedicated group of volunteers and a rich legacy, the garden is set to thrive, welcoming both new and returning visitors for years to come.