International Peace Garden

Since 1932, nestled in the Turtle Mountains, the International Peace Garden (IPG) is one of the continent's most symbolic and scenic attractions. Thousands of tourists flock to this unique tribute to peace and friendship between the people of the USA and Canada.

The garden encompasses 2,300 acres of nature’s beauty, two pristine freshwater lakes, scenic hiking and driving trails, wildflowers, waterfalls, and a large variety of North American birds and animals. Modern and rustic camping facilities are available, as well as facilities for hosting weddings, conventions, and reunions. Last, but not least, is the phenomenal Formal Garden.

Words cannot express the beauty, pride and peace many experience as they gaze over this impressive garden of more than 155,000 flowers in displays tucked in the terraces and walkways. The therapeutic sounds of flowing waters can be heard throughout the garden in various capacities. The American and Canadian floral flag displays are the only two floral displays throughout the garden, which remain the same every year.

Peace rings in the IPG every inch of its being, it is "Like No Other Place on Earth," a perfect and memorable retreat, where people and nature meet.

Sunken Garden: Interestingly, a series of five uniform terraces extend down to this area. In the center of each are small pools that have connecting water channels that spill into each pool on the next level and finally down to the reflecting octagon shaped pond in the center of the garden. Along the mazed walkways are two stone garden houses, the placement marks the Avenues of America and Canada, and both leads to their respective countries. Thousands of perennials, flowering shrubs and annuals fill the mosaic-like beds.

Peace Poles: In 1997, seven poles were donated by the Japanese Government to IPG. Peace Poles are handcrafted obelisks erected the world over, as an international symbol of peace. After the world wars, Masahisa Goi wanted to get the message of peace out to the world. In 1955, he started the “Peace Pole” movement. The poles carry the braille message "May Peace Prevail on Earth” in 28 languages, touching the hearts of visitors around the world.

Peace Chapel: Construction of the Chapel is the only edifice on the International Boundary. The roof is a two-way waffle concrete slab supported on four pairs of columns, with the chapel seating. Dozens of quotes etched in Tyndall Stone (limestone) walls encase three of the walls and were either spoken or written by great men of peace such as Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Graham Bell, Abraham Lincoln, Louis Pasteur, Richard M. Nixon, John F. Kennedy and more; and they are pitted with marine fossils molded in the beds of a tropical sea millions of years ago. The unique organ withstands the cold winters and hot summers.

Interpretive Center and Conservatory: Opened in June of 2010, this lovely building includes "The Border Walk" cafe, a horticultural library, conference room, retail store and conservatory, home of a 40-year collection of cacti, agave, aloe and echeveria.

Floral Clock: The beautiful working clock is 15’ in diameter. The "mantel" look is 2,500-3,000 plants. A satellite regulates the clock's time through a GPS system.

Carillon Bell Tower: The mellifluous chimes of the tower sound out the Westminster chimes every 15 minutes. The tower was erected in 1976 by the ND Veterans Organization and is dedicated to war veterans. The 14 bells range in size from 250 to 2,000 lbs, with a total weight of more than 20 tons.

Cairn: The cairn on the US and Canadian border flanks each country's flagpole on the designated side. It was built a month before the July 14, 1932, dedication. The cairn was constructed from aboriginal hammerheads gathered by local children, whose donations of pennies and nickels helped pay for this monument. On top is the globe of red granite with etched meridian lines added on July 17, 1960.

911 Memorial Site: Ten twisted girders rescued from the 911 devastation now rest in the IPG, a symbol of peace and democracy.

Game Warden Museum: The museum educates the public of the historical and present-day roles of wildlife law enforcement and natural resources conservation and houses a wide variety of animal pelts, mounts, horns and antlers for visitors to see and touch.

Historic Lodge: Constructed in 1937 this impressive building is 105' long with a 60' wing. It was constructed from ND granite and Duck Mountain Timber. The two meeting rooms are flanked by a stone fireplace. The lodge has a full working kitchen and is used for meeting, conventions, wedding reception, annual events, family reunions and more. Listed as a National Historical Site.

Lake View Hiking Trail: Avid hikers and birdwatchers will enjoy a 1.5 mile/2.4 Kilometer trail. More than 100 species of songbirds have been identified in the Turtle Mountains.

Children of all ages and abilities will be able to have a hands-on experience in the new Children’s Nature Play Area.