Itasca Rock Garden Tour Preview

Welcome to John Christensen’s Itasca Rock Garden

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 remove rocks. If you see a loose rock, please leave it where it is — under no circumstance should you pick up or remove a rock.Children 17 and under must be supervised at all times.No running.No standing or jumping on rocks.No climbingNo pushing.Watch your step — some spots are uneven or narrow, and may be slippery.No food or beverages.Pets are not allowed, we want to respect the wildlife and the Garden Gnome’s home.Be respectful of the residents living in the home.Donations are appreciated.The site is operated by the History Center of Freeborn County, a private nonprofit located at 1031 Bridge Avenue, Albert Lea.If you have questions or concerns please call 507/373-8003.

Entrance to the Rock Garden

Discus Rock

Sundial

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 – showing the passage of time.

Bird Bath #1

Venus of Irg

Child's Reading Chair

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!

Irg's Dinner Table Grotto

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?

Bird Bath #2

Wishing Well

You Take the High Road and I'll Take the Low Road

Toad Sentinel

Heart Grotto

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!

Danish Castle

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. 1925 is the year Irg the Garden Gnome was born (Gnomes live for hundreds of years). It is also the year Christiansen built the Danish Castle.

Wondering Bench

Irg's Home

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.

Forrest Friend's Castle

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.

Giant's Skipping Stone

Itasca Rock Garden House

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.

Entrance to the Rock Garden

Discus Rock

Sundial

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 – showing the passage of time.

Bird Bath #1

Venus of Irg

Child's Reading Chair

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!

Irg's Dinner Table Grotto

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?

Bird Bath #2

Wishing Well

You Take the High Road and I'll Take the Low Road

Toad Sentinel

Heart Grotto

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!

Danish Castle

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. 1925 is the year Irg the Garden Gnome was born (Gnomes live for hundreds of years). It is also the year Christiansen built the Danish Castle.

Wondering Bench

Irg's Home

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.

Forrest Friend's Castle

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.

Giant's Skipping Stone

Itasca Rock Garden House

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.