Itasca Rock Garden Tour

The Itasca Rock Garden was created by John Christiansen in 1925.

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Itasca Rock Garden Tour

Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007, United States

Created By: Freeborn County Historical Museum

Tour Information

In 1925, John L. Christensen set out to construct a small vegetable cellar. While digging he and his wife began to notice the beauty in the multi-colored stones. Using his team of horses, the excavation grew to what is now Itasca Rock Garden.

Available for viewing mid-June to mid-September, 10:00am to 6:00pm.

This collaboration is made possible by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on November 4, 2008. Administered by the Minnesota Historical Society.


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What You'll See on the Tour

The Itasca Rock Garden (IRG) is a historical site.  To preserve the structures and gardens we ask of our visitors the following: Respect the space and fragility of the sculptures.The site is a smoke free, tobacco free site.Do not touch or ... Read more
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Sundials are the earliest known type of timekeeping device. The surface of a sundial indicates the time of day by the position of the shadow on the face of the dial. As the sun moves across the sky, the shadow moves around the dial – show... Read more
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Take a seat and think about all of the whimsical stories that have and could unfold around you. Maybe you’ll spot Irg the Garden Gnome or King Louie the Whistle Pig!
Sit around the table and imagine the meals Irg the Garden Gnome might enjoy! What do you think a gnome eats? What friends would Irg invite to dinner?
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Take a step back to see the heart window at the back of this grotto. Christiansen and his wife built this labor-of-love rock garden together for 12 years. Could this have been their romantic spot? Perhaps it will be your romantic spot too! ...
John Christiansen lived in Denmark until he was nine years old. He remembered the Danish Castles from his childhood and wanted to create them here at his home in the United States. Notice the “1925” above the front door of the castle. 1... Read more
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Even gnomes need homes. Look to see if you can find Irg the Garden Gnome around the garden. Gnomes like rocks, trinkets, and burrowing into new places. They are known to guard nearby plant life.
A smaller version of the Danish castle across the way, this piece of architecture is a place for Irg the Garden Gnome’s friends to gather for fun events like: weddings, balls, dinners, and much more.
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At the rear of the house (south side) there are viewing windows into the basement where a winterized rock garden was created to hold tropical plants and koi from the ponds.

 

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