International Peace Garden | Dunseith

Located near Dunseith in Rolette County, the International Peace Garden sits directly on the U.S.–Canada border, connecting North Dakota with Manitoba. Established in 1932, the garden covers over 2,300 acres and serves as a living symbol of friendship, cooperation, and peace between the United States and Canada, while providing a serene destination for visitors to enjoy horticulture, history, and prairie landscapes.

History and Purpose
The Peace Garden was conceived during the interwar period to celebrate the peaceful relations between the two countries and to offer a place where citizens from both sides of the border could gather in harmony. Over the decades, it has hosted ceremonies, commemorative events, and cultural exchanges, cementing its role as both a diplomatic landmark and a community gathering space.

Gardens and Landscaping
The International Peace Garden combines formal horticultural displays with natural prairie features:

Flower Gardens – Seasonal plantings of tulips, marigolds, petunias, and roses create vivid patterns visible from walking paths and observation points.

Rock and Prairie Gardens – Native plants and grasses showcase the region’s ecological diversity, emphasizing sustainability and habitat preservation.

Memorial Gardens – Plaques and monuments honor veterans, peace advocates, and cultural connections between Canada and the U.S., adding reflective spaces amid lush landscaping.

Winding paths, fountains, and small bridges guide visitors through the gardens, blending aesthetic design with natural topography.

Monuments and Symbolic Features
Key features include the Peace Chapel, used for ceremonies and quiet reflection; the Sunken Garden, a contemplative area designed for meditation and observation; and the Nations Garden, with flags representing participating countries. Sculptures and interpretive signage throughout the grounds reinforce the themes of peace, international friendship, and environmental stewardship.

Visitor Experience
Visitors approaching from Dunseith encounter welcoming signage and scenic access roads leading into the garden. Activities include walking, photography, birdwatching, and seasonal events such as Independence Day and Canada Day celebrations. The gardens provide accessible areas for picnicking and leisurely strolls, with vantage points offering panoramic views of the surrounding prairie and distant borderlands.

Atmosphere and Impressions
The combination of vibrant gardens, fountains, and expansive prairie conveys tranquility and optimism. Seasonal changes transform the scenery: spring brings colorful blooms, summer adds lush greenery, fall provides warm tones across the landscape, and winter blankets the gardens in snow. The wide skies and open vistas enhance the sense of space and peace, making the experience reflective and uplifting.

Cultural and Environmental Significance
The International Peace Garden near Dunseith not only celebrates cross-border friendship but also emphasizes environmental stewardship, local ecology, and cultural heritage. It educates visitors about the value of peace, cooperation, and preservation of natural and cultural resources.

Legacy
As a landmark on the North Dakota–Manitoba border, the International Peace Garden remains a symbol of international goodwill, horticultural beauty, and community pride. Its combination of formal gardens, memorials, and prairie landscapes ensures a lasting impression for visitors traveling through Dunseith and the northern plains.