Historic Hood River
Peterson’s Rock Garden
9-20-2016
Notes
I’m a big fan of roadside attractions. This period postcard from Peterson’s Rock Garden between Bend and Redmond shows an attraction that’s defied the odds and survived to present day (though reports are mixed on whether it is actually open now).
Charlott
How well I recall this place as we used to go there every time we went to Bend, as my Dad was a rock hound. They had these beautiful peacocks that roamed around. For some reason they HATED one of my brothers and would chase him. He never wanted to get out of the car.
I was there a few years ago and sadly it had fallen into some disrepair from what I remember it as a child. Still very interesting and to think how much work and the hours spent in constructing it.
Marilyn
I recently read that they are closed temporarily to make repairs to some structures that their insurance company deemed unsafe. Hopefully they will re-open soon. They are requesting donations so they can get this done.
Arlen L sheldrake
yes, I also have fond family visit memories….mom’s sister Leona (Sheirbon) Goodrich and family lived in Prineville and this was a fun spot to visit. loved the foot driven paddle wheelers in the lake.
Darlene Boggs
One of my favorite places! I first went there with my parents and siblings when I was 7, just over a year after we moved to Central Oregon. Every time we went to Bend for groceries, we begged to go, but only got to go a few more times. I went back for the first time in many years with 2 of my grandkids in the 1990, finally got my husband there last summer and was quite disappointed with the conditions. It was very sad to read that they closed not long after we were there. The new owners are hoping to reopen, but no projected date, it will depend on how and when they can get financing for the repairs that must be made. Had really hoped to carry on the tradition and take my great grandkids there next summer, but not looking good for that at the moment!
Maija Yasui
Visited Petersen Rock Garden last summer with three grandkids. They were just as excited as their parents in roaming the grounds.