Why go
Right on the border between the United States and Canada is one of North America's most extraordinary parks. The International Peace Garden was opened in 1932 as a symbol of peaceful friendship between both countries, covering around 950 hectares – half each on American and Canadian territory.
Wide gardens, lakes, walking paths, forests and countless flowerbeds make the park a surprisingly green oasis in the middle of the prairie. Unlike many North Dakotas attractions, Peace Garden does not live on spectacular landscapes but on its peaceful atmosphere and symbolic significance.
For travellers to Manitoba or Winnipeg, it is an ideal stopover.
At a glance
Category | Information
Opening | 1932
Area | approx. 950 hectares
Ideal stay | 3–5 hours
Fifth-wheel access | Check your vehicle, specific campsite and approach road.
Garden facilities | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Family Friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Peace Tower
The Peace Tower, which is about 36 metres high, is the landmark of the park.
It symbolizes the long-standing friendship between Canada and the USA and is one of the most popular photo motifs.
Photo Tip
The monument is particularly impressive with the two flags in the foreground.
Floral Clock
The huge flower clock is one of the park's most famous attractions.
Depending on the season, thousands of flowers decorate the artistically designed dial.
Sunken Garden
One of the most beautiful areas of the park.
Between well-kept flower beds, small watercourses and benches you can relax wonderfully.
Especially during the summer months, countless plants bloom here.
Peace Chapel
A modern chapel that takes up the idea of peace and international cooperation.
Exhibitions and cultural events are regularly held inside.
9/11 Memorial
A moving memorial with steel beams from the World Trade Center recalls the attacks of September 11, 2001.
The quiet environment invites you to stop.
Walks through the gardens
Several kilometers of well-kept paths lead through:
Rose gardens
Forests
Lake landscapes
Flowering grounds
The paths are mostly flat and easy to walk.
Birdwatching
The varied landscape attracts numerous bird species.
Best animal observation
In addition to waterbirds, white-squirrels, squirrels and various songbirds can often be observed.
Picnic at the lake
Several picnic areas are located directly on the water and are ideal for a relaxing lunch break.
Shopping
The visitor shop offers:
Plants
Garden articles
Books
souvenirs
regional products
A beautiful souvenir are flower seeds from the Peace Garden.
Food & drink
In the park there is a small café with snacks and simple meals (seasonally open).
For a larger offer we recommend:
Bottineau Family Restaurant
About 20 minutes south of the park.
Popular for:
Breakfast
Burger
homemade cakes
International Peace Garden Campground
Right in the park.
Benefits:
Full Hook-up (partly)
quiet pitches
modern sanitary facilities
beautiful garden landscape
Ideal for Fifth Wheels.
Bottineau Winter Park Campground
Quiet campsite outside the park.
Good alternative during high season.
RV tip
The access roads and parking spaces are also suitable for large campers.The campground offers enough space for long teams.
Insider tip
Plan enough time to explore the entire park on foot. Many visitors are limited to the area around the Peace Tower and miss out on the beautiful gardens in the back of the park.
Photo Tip
The best time for photographs is between late June and early August, when most flowers are in full bloom.
Avoid frequent errors
Before arriving, inform yourself about the current entry regulations. Although the park is located on both sides of the border, different rules apply for entry and exit depending on the route.
In summer there can be many mosquitoes – a good insect repellent is recommended.
The paths are longer than they seem on the plan. Comfortable shoes make the visit much more pleasant.
Outside the high season, individual garden areas or facilities may be closed.
Our recommendation
The International Peace Garden is not a place for spectacular adventures, but for quiet hours in an exceptional environment. The well-kept gardens, the peaceful atmosphere and the symbolic location on the border between two countries make the park a special experience that differs significantly from the other attractions of North Dakotas.