International Peace Gardens

Highway 5 Tour

From the oldest standing structures in the state to a state park defining early settlement and a mountain bike terrain park to a 2,300-acre garden dedicated to peace, Highway 5 in North Dakota offers rich cultural experiences with unforgettable recreation.

Click here for printable itinerary

Little girl in front of exhibit at Pembina Museum
Pembina State Museum

Situated at the northeastern corner of what is now North Dakota, the region around Pembina has been a center of activity for centuries. See Canada from the top of the seven-story viewing tower. The gallery details ancient life in the Red River Valley.

Icelandic State Park building
Icelandic State Park

North Dakota’s homesteading spirit is in the restored historic buildings. Reconnect with nature in the state’s first dedicated nature preserve and outdoor opportunities on the shores of Lake Renwick.

Pembina Gorge west of Walhalla on the Rendezvous Region Scenic Backway
Rendezvous Region Scenic Backway

Winding along the bends of the Pembina River, you can enjoy an area steeped in history, natural resources, recreation, scenic beauty and culture. The Backway connects Cavalier, Walhalla and Vang.

Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site
Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site

This site preserves the oldest standing structures in North Dakota, the 1840s home and trading post of Antoine Blanc Gingras. Interpretive panels and exhibits tell the story of Gingras, Métis heritage and the Red River Valley fur trade.

Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area
Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area

Thousands of acres of unspoiled wilderness and trails are perfect for hiking, biking and off-road vehicles. Don’t miss the new Pembina Gorge Mountain Bike Terrain Course.

Frost Fire
Frost Fire Park

In the winter, Frost Fire Park hosts skiers and snowboarders. The park features a 350-foot vertical drop, 7 runs, quad-chair lift, ski and snowboard rentals, certified instructors for ski and snowboard lessons, and a day lodge with restaurant. In the summer, the outdoor amphitheater presents professional live theater productions, youth arts camps, and offers downhill mountain biking on 8 world class trails, with lift service back to the top.

Playing slots at casino
Sky Dancer Casino and Tribal Heritage Center

The Tribal Heritage Center showcases the history and culture of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa people. Sky Dancer is a full-service casino, located adjacent to the Heritage center, offering concerts and traditional music.

Mystical Horizons
Turtle Mountain Scenic Byway

Enjoy a picturesque drive through the wooded landscape and tree-lined lakes unique of the Turtle Mountains. The byway also connects some of the most unique sites in North Dakota including the Coghlan Castle and Mystical Horizons.

International Peace Garden
International Peace Garden

Dedicated to peace between nations, the garden straddles the United States and Canadian border and 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. Last, but not least, is the phenomenal Formal Garden. The conservatory is open year-round.

W'eel Turtle
W'eel Turtle

This giant turtle statue is made of more than 2,000 tire rims and is located next to Log House visitors center with local crafts and gift items for sale.

Kayaking on the lake
Lake Metigoshe State Park

One of the most popular year-round vacation spots in North Dakota. The small lakes are perfect for fishing, kayaking, swimming or boating. A multitude of trails attract hikers and mountain bikers. Winter brings snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, sledders and ice fishing enthusiasts.

Pair of Northern Shovelers at J. Clark Salyer NWR
J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge

At 58,700 acres, this refuge located along the Souris River in north-central North Dakota is the largest refuge in the state.

Heron at the refuge
Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge is an important unit in a series of national wildlife refuges in the great waterfowl migration corridor known as the Central Flyway. Lake Darling on the Upper Souris NWR is a consistent hot spot for both open-water and ice fishing.

Danish Mill
Danish Mill

Built in 1902 by Christian C. Jensen on his homestead, this is the only Danish Mill in North Dakota. Now located in the downtown square.

Moose at a refuge
Lostwood and Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuges

Located in the waterfowl migration corridor known as the Central Flyway, together they are one of the best areas to spot waterfowl, moose, and view the Northern Lights in North Dakota.

golfing
Portal’s Gateway Cities Golf Club

This nine-hole course has eight holes in Saskatchewan and one on the American side.

Divide County Courthouse
Divide County Courthouse

Built in 1917, it was designed by architects Buechner & Orth in Beaux Arts style. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its interior features terrazzo floors and dark wood trim in an austere version of the usual Buechner and Orth treatment.

Writing Rock State Historic Site
Writing Rock State Historical Site

Two granite boulders inscribed with Thunderbirds, mythological creatures responsible for lightning and thunder, are central to stories told by Algonquian and Siouan-speaking tribes.