In central Oregon, a collection of ordinary stones became the raw material for an unusual roadside attraction. Rasmus Petersen, a Danish immigrant who had spent much of his life farming near Redmond, started arranging rocks into miniature buildings during the winter of 1935, according to Petersen Rock Garden, Museum and Peacock Sanctuary. He was 52, and what began as a seasonal pastime gradually spread across the land around his home. Small castles, churches, bridges and other structures took shape from stones gathered in the surrounding region, with ponds and planted areas added to the setting. The result became Petersen Rock Garden, a four-acre site that drew thousands of visitors during its early years and remains a recognised part of the area's history. Over time, the garden evolved into a distinctive blend of folk art, craftsmanship and a family-run attraction rooted in Petersen’s vision.
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