Formal gardens leading up to the Peace Towers

International Peace Garden
Like No Other Place On Earth
By Kathy McGhan, International Peace Garden

Nestled in the beautiful Turtle Mountains along the international border between North Dakota and Manitoba, the International Peace Garden has stood as one of the continent’s most symbolic and scenic attractions since 1932. Each year, thousands of tourists flock to this unique tribute to peace and friendship between the people of the United States of America and the people of Canada.

The International Peace Garden is a botanical garden which literally straddles the border between the United States of America and Canada. Situated due south of Brandon, Manitoba and northeast of Minot, North Dakota, it encompasses 2300 acres of nature’s beauty; two pristine fresh water 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.

The real showpiece, however, is the phenomenal Formal Garden. Words can not express the beauty, pride and peace visitors experience as they gaze over this impressive garden of over 150,000 flowers in displays tucked away in the terraces and walkways of the garden. The therapeutic sounds of flowing waters can be enjoyed throughout the gardens in various capacities.

The floral clock really works!

At the far end of the garden, the 120 foot Peace Towers rise upwards into the sky, symbolizing all people from the four corners of the earth coming together to form two similar but distinct nations, sharing a common base of democracy and beliefs. The American and Canadian floral flag displays are the only two floral designs throughout the garden which remain the same every year. The working 13 foot floral clock features 2,000 to 2500 flowers each year, depending on the design. Included in the Formal Garden Board Walk is a Perennial Garden located by one of two gazeboes. In a very serene setting with time silently passing on the sundial, lies the South Gazebo and a wheel of herbs.

	Flowers as far as the eye can see

Peace rings across the International Peace Garden through every inch of its being. Every fifteen minutes and on the hour, the lovely tones of the chimes can be heard from the Carillon Bell Tower. In the Peace Poles, which were presented by the Japanese Government, the words “May Peace Prevail” are written in twenty-eight different languages.

The Peace Chapel is the only building straddling the US and Canadian border. The chapel features dozens of quotes from “People of Peace” etched into beautiful fossil-embellished limestone walls. In the truly inspirational Garden’s Chapel lies an open a book of remembrance, displaying the names of the victims of 9/11. The 9/11 Memorial Site, consisting of twisted girders rescued from the World Trade Center devastation at rest in the formal garden, is a moving symbol of peace and democracy.

Autumn scene over a pristine lake

For the diehard horticulturalists and gardeners, the flowers are labeled, and a horticulturist is on staff to answer questions. The greenhouses are on location. Many times, new varieties of seeds are sent to the International Peace Garden to plant before they are released to the market. Walking tours are given free of charge. The flowers are generally at their prime between July 15th and August 15th. In addition to the newly planted 150,000 flowers, you will also find perennials, grasses, various shrubs and trees. There is something for everyone here.

Truly one of the great gardens of the world, the International Peace Garden, “Like No Other Place on Earth”, is a perfect and memorable retreat, where people and nature meet. Come and visit us on your next trip!

Kathy McGhan is a native of North Dakota, and currently an administrative assistant at the International Peace Garden (www.peacegarden.com). She is married to Robbie, and is a mother of five girls and a grandmother to five grandchildren. She enjoys natures; deer, moose, squirrels, birds, the oak forest, and the whispering aspen trees which share their recently purchased home in the Turtle Mountains. Spending time with family and friends are important to her, as well as being involved in the community. Her passion for art, music, people, and nature find her quite content in the Peace Garden’s exquisite environment.

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