Immigrant Farmer's Elaborate Rock Gardens Amaze Oregon Visitors

Sometimes during a vacation, it's good to find a place where peace and quiet prevail. Petersen Rock Gardens near Redmond, Oregon is just such a place.

The 4-acre rock gardens, full of structures, ponds and bridges, are an amazing sight. A Denmark immigrant farmer named Rasmus Petersen created them, starting in 1935 as a hobby.

Encouraged by admirers and using mostly rocks found within 85 miles of the gardens, including his own farm, he built things like a castle with its own moat and miniature churches. The grounds are well kept, and a flock of peafowl roams freely among the trees.

Redmond is in central Oregon on U.S. Highway 97, 16 miles north of Bend.

The gardens (7930 SW 77th St.), which are still operated by the Petersen family, are wheelchair accessible. They are located about 2-1/2 miles west of Highway 97; take the Yeu Avenue exit and follow the signs; donations are encouraged. For more information, call 1-541-382-5574.

Interested in camping nearby? Check out KOA campgrounds in Oregon.

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