International Peace Garden - Dunseith North Dakota

International Peace Garden - Dunseith North Dakota
International Peace Garden - Boissevain, MB R0K 0E0 Canada

If you’ve ever looked for a little solitude, some time for reflection, or just a little peace and quiet, the International Peace Garden is the perfect place for it. Residing on the border between the United States and Canada, the Peace Garden is a place to wish for and celebrate world peace while sitting amongst the beauty of two separate countries.

Opened originally in 1932, the International Peace Garden, covering the territory separating North Dakota in the United States and Manitoba in Canada, includes many different ways for individuals and groups to celebrate peace. The highlight of the Peace Garden is the 9/11 Memorial. The year after terrorists struck the United States in the worst ways possible, the Peace Garden received ten of the ten-foot steel girders that had been left behind in the World Trade Center rubble. A competition, open to students of either North Dakota or Manitoba, was held, and participants were asked to design a tribute to the victims of 9/11 that somehow incorporated the steel girders.

Of the nineteen entries, it was Derrick Wolbaum, Marcus Lund, and Tim Kennedy, four landscape architect students, that submitted the winning entry, as their design incorporates the messages of recall, reflect, remember, understand, forgive, and grow. When the project is completed, there wil be three separate chambers in the memorial, and each one will cary one of the following words – recall, reflect, or remember. Because of the enormous cost of this project, gift donations are being accepted, as well as more specific memorial gift donations.

However, the first place you may like to stop while at the International Peace Garden is the Interpretive Center. Included here is the history of the Peace Garden, why it was constructed on the border between Manitoba and North Dakota, and just who these people were that were integral to seeing this project through. Another special feature is a tribute to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). You are welcome to take a self-guided tour, yet there are always staff members available for help or answers. Also, upon request, there are guided tours that are available.

Another special area of the International Peace Garden is the Veterans’ Memorial Bell Tower. Every fifteen minutes, the faint ringing of the Sifton Chimes can be heard throughout the International Peace Garden. There are only four chimes of this type in existence throughout the world. This particular set was donated by the four Sifton sons on behalf of their mother, Lady Arma Sifton. While the chimes were originally donated to the First United Church of Brandon in Manitoba, the church was later reorganized and the chimes sent to the Peace Garden.

For those looking for a more theological type of peace, the Chapel of Peace at the International Peace Garden is available, made possible by a decision at the 27th Triennial Assembly of the General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, by the Grand Chapters of North Dakota and Manitoba. Quotations that have been spoken or written by “people of peace” are etched into the walls of flat sewn limestone, native to Manitoba, at the non-denominational chapel.

Other special features at the International Peace Garden include Peace Poles from the Japanese government that say “May Peace Prevail” in twenty-eight different languages and 120 feet tall Peace Towers, which are illuminated at night. There is also a memorial built for the game wardens who have lost their lives during the line of duty, the Nurses Plot, and a large fifteen feet in diameter clock whose face is entirely made up of flowers, with the arrangement changing yearly.

There are many different types of fees for tour groups visiting the International Peace Garden, and all prices here are quoted in U.S. dollars. If traveling by tour bus, it will cost $125, with transport/shuttle van costing $20, and a regular vehicle costing $10. Those on the tour bus have a different choice of menus of foods such as lasagna, stew, quiche, or sandwiches. These are available for $8.

Renting the facilities which include the Masonic Auditorium, Dining Hall, Performing Arts Center, Historic Lodge, and Willis Pavilion will cost from $55 to $95 per hour, and from $200 to $310 per day. Formal Garden weddings, including 100 chairs will cost $50 per hour. Dormitories may be rented for a group at $185 per day, or $6 per day per person.

The fees are as follows for those interested in camping at the International Peace Garden, with the understanding that these fees do not include the gate admission fee. Those interested in camping will pay $10 on the first day only. Campsites with electric and water are available for $22, without the utilities the cost is $16, and only electric will cost $20. Overflow camping is available for $14.

The International Peace Garden is open 24/7. The busier tourist months are May through September, peaking from July to mid August because of the flower season. Entrance fees will be $10 per vehicle, motorcycles $10, and a seasonal pass for $25.00. School buses will pay $25 and pedestrians will pay $10.

International Peace Garden
RR 1, Box 116
Dunseith, ND 58239 USA

P.O. Box 419
Boissevain, MB R0K 0E0 Canada

1-888-432-6733