The International Peace Garden

Located on the borders of Dunseith, North Dakota and Boissevain, Manitoba, Canada, resting on 2339 acres of land between the two countries is a botanical garden surrounded by two fresh water lakes scenic trails for hiking and driving, acres of wildflowers and a score of North American birds and animals.

This garden was the dream of Dr Henry T Moore, in 1931, to have a place for people to come to pay tribute to the friendship and honor between the United States and Canada. Since its dedication in 1932, the International Peace Garden has been developed to include all those who wish to come, the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate nature at its best.

Let me share with you just some of the handiwork from both nature and humankind that is on display there.

The North Loop is where nature is left as is, for the most part. There are, however, some picnic areas and hiking trails along the loop to further enjoy the wildlife.

Along the South Loop, you will find the Burdick Performing Arts Center with a seating capacity of around five hundred people. There is also a working floral clock fifteen feet in height, containing from 2500-3000 flowers, depending on the design. The South Loop also includes a game warden museum, historic Masonic Lodge, the International Music Camp and the Legion Athletic Camp. Campers can take advantage of thirty-six modern camping sites on the grounds, in addition to a large overflow area.

In the Formal Garden Area, you will discover that the International Border runs right through the center of the Formal Garden, where you will also notice the sidewalks, known as the, "avenues of America and Canada," link together to form a circle around the entire Formal Garden area. Also, within the Formal Garden area, you can view the American and Canadian floral flags.

In May of 2002, ten steel girders were brought to the Peace Garden from the NY World Trade Center. They offer a memorial for those that lost their lives. Encased in glass inside the Peace Chapel, that straddles the international border, is a book with the names of those who perished on 9/11 in New York.