This Sprawling Garden is Half in North Dakota, Half in Canada – And You Don’t Need a Passport

International Peace Garden, North Dakota

The International Peace Garden sits right on the border between the U.S. and Canada. It began in 1932 when Canadian gardener Dr. Henry Moore wanted to create a place showing how countries can get along.

Even though it started during the Great Depression, the garden thrived. Workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps turned prairie and forest into the beautiful place we see today.

Today, this 2,400-acre garden in the Turtle Mountains continues to promote peace through nature, education, and the arts.

A Building That Sits in Two Countries at Once

The Peace Chapel sits exactly on the international boundary line. Its unique roof looks like a waffle-shaped concrete slab held up by eight columns.

Three walls made of limestone feature inspiring quotes from famous people like Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy. Look closely at these walls and you’ll spot ancient marine fossils embedded in the stone.

The chapel’s organ was built specially to handle North Dakota’s extreme temperatures, from freezing winters to hot summers.

Steel Beams from Ground Zero Stand as Reminders

In the American section of the garden stands a powerful reminder of recent history. Ten twisted steel girders recovered from the World Trade Center form a solemn memorial.

A Giant Working Clock Made of Thousands of Flowers

One of the coolest features in the formal garden area is a giant clock made of flowers. This 18-foot timepiece uses between 2,500 and 3,000 blooms to tell time.

The clock runs on GPS technology and garden staff check it four times daily to make sure it’s accurate. The floral patterns change regularly, though the American and Canadian flag designs remain constant.

Wooden Messages of Peace in 28 Languages

Throughout the grounds, you’ll spot tall wooden poles that look like obelisks. These Peace Poles were gifts from Japan in 1997. The poles carry a simple message—”May Peace Prevail on Earth”—written in 28 different languages including braille.

They’re part of a worldwide movement started in 1955 by Masahisa Goi after the horrors of World War II.

A Cactus Paradise in Snowy North Dakota

Head to building #7 on the garden map to find something completely unexpected—a desert in North Dakota.

The Don Vitko Conservatory houses over 5,000 species of cacti and succulents. It’s one of the world’s largest collections of its kind, bringing plants from arid regions to this northern climate.

The Conservatory stays open year-round (Monday-Friday 10-4:30, weekends 11-3), providing a warm escape during brutal North Dakota winters.

Water Flows Through Gardens with Over 155,000 Flowers

At the heart of the Peace Garden lies its star attraction, the Formal Gardens with over 155,000 flowers in carefully designed patterns.

The centerpiece is the Sunken Garden. Water flows down through five terraced levels, each with its own small pool, finally reaching an octagonal pond at the bottom.

Standing in this pond is a striking six-foot steel sculpture showing hands releasing a dove. The flowing water creates a peaceful soundtrack as you wander among the blooms.

Trails Where You Might Spot 100 Bird Species

Need to stretch your legs? The Lake View Hiking Trail offers 1.5 miles of diverse terrain with amazing views. You can access it from several points throughout the garden. The trail winds through areas where over 100 species of songbirds live.

Keep your camera ready—you might spot deer, wild turkeys, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The garden’s 2,300 acres include freshwater lakes, wildflower meadows, and even small waterfalls.

Young Musicians Practice Their Art on the Border

Every summer, young musicians from both countries gather at the International Music Camp within the garden grounds.

The camp takes advantage of the garden’s unique position—15 miles north of Dunseith, North Dakota and 15 miles south of Boissevain, Manitoba—making it truly international. Music literally and figuratively bridges the boundary between nations.

Sleep Under the Stars in Two Countries

Want to stay overnight? The garden’s campground offers 30 sites nestled among mature aspen and oak trees. Choose from 13 full-hookup spots or 16 with electricity only. Both RV travelers and tent campers are welcome here. Amenities include fire pits (with firewood available), showers, toilets, and a dump station.

Paddle on Lakes Just Minutes Away

Just a short drive from the Peace Garden, Lake Metigoshe State Park offers a perfect side trip. This wooded park focuses more on water recreation than formal gardens.

You can rent kayaks and canoes to explore its lakes. If you want to extend your stay in the Turtle Mountains region, the park offers both camping and cabin rentals.

The landscape here shows off the distinctive geology that makes this area so different from the surrounding plains. It’s worth the detour if you have time after visiting the Peace Garden.

What to Know Before You Go

The International Peace Garden sits 20 miles north of Dunseith, North Dakota (via Highway 281) and 28 kilometers south of Boissevain, Manitoba (via Highway 10). It’s open daily from 8am to 8pm year-round.

Entry costs:

• Adults: $10 per person
• Under 18: $5
• Annual membership: $50

Bring proper ID when visiting. A passport works best, but U.S. or Canadian citizens can use a driver’s license. You don’t need to go through customs to enter the garden, but you must go through immigration when leaving—even if you’re returning to the country you came from.