The International Peace Garden exists as testimony to the promise that peace between countries and people is an achievable dream, and that peace on earth, one of the most enduring aspirations of our world, is possible. The International Peace Garden represents the best ideals of humankind.

The Peace Garden is a dream that began in 1928, after a meeting of the National Association of Gardeners attended by horticulturalist Henry J. Moore of Islington, Ontario, and Joseph Dunlop, of South Euclid, Ohio. Together, they envisioned a botanical garden commemorating the long, peaceful coexistence of the people of Canada and the United States. Only four years later, on July 14, 1932, Moore and Dunlop were standing on the North Dakota and Manitoba border in the middle of North America, along with more than 50,000 people from Canada and the U.S., at the official opening of the International Peace Garden.

The International Peace Garden, spanning 2,339 acres, is the largest garden in the world dedicated to the celebration of peace, and is the only garden straddling an international boundary. Since its opening, it has hosted hundreds of thousands of people as a place of contemplation, renewal, inspiration and friendship. The Peace Garden has come to represent a meeting place between friends, rather than a border that separates two countries.

The International Peace Garden’s 85th anniversary will be celebrated July 16 and 17. Events are being planned and will be posted on the Peace Garden’s website, www.peacegarden.com, in the coming months.

In May, the garden will start coming alive with the perennials that were planted in the fall and over many years. The beautiful yellow tulips will welcome visitors as they enter the garden. In the first part of June, 150,000 annuals will be planted in the formal garden area, along with many pots throughout the garden. It is a beautiful sight when all the flowers are in bloom.

The Interpretive Center houses the largest cacti and succulent collection in the state of North Dakota. The Vitko Xeric collection has more than 6,000 thriving cacti and succulents. At the Interpretive Center, you can enjoy them any time of the year, and early spring is a good time to see the variety and profusion of blooms this diverse collection puts on display. The Interpretive Center also has the cafe and gift shop, which are open May through September.

The Peace Garden is a tranquil place to visit. We hope you will take the time to experience it this summer.