Greetings! The International Peace Garden has seen quite a bit of snowmelt this week!  What better place to take in the favorable November weather than by staying in our new cozy cabins! Although the flowers are long gone for the season, there are endless beautiful walks, views and hikes. All three available cabins can be rented for a small retreat group, if available. Dorms and other buildings for meetings and conferences are also available through the winter.

The landscaping of the Conservatory is coming together beautifully.

The Conservatory is home to one of the world’s most diverse indoor collections of cacti and succulents and makes for a great, warm escape from the cold during the long months ahead! More information on Santa Day festivities here! The 9/11 Memorial, Peace Chapel, views from the Willis Pavilion deck overlooking Lake Stormon and other outdoor attractions are available weather-allowing. The scenic drives are open when weather allows and the north drive will close once ski-grooming begins (we need more snow again!).

Although the Garden is open all year, certain services are not available again until spring/summer. The Conservatory lobby and restrooms are closed due to maintenance, but the terrace building at No. 5 on the brochure map has restrooms that will be available throughout the winter, including during your dawn or dusk adventures! The Gift Shop and Cafe are closed for the season, but stay tuned as occasional winter hours are announced. 

Ski trails will not be groomed until later in the season when a more substantial snow pack is down. The Garden is looking for volunteers to help us maintain the ski trails. For more information contact Education and Volunteer Coordinator Deb McCallum at coordinator@peacegarden.com to learn more about winter volunteer opportunities and benefits. 

The Garden is open year-round! Although fewer attractions are available in winter, as a non-profit organization the Garden appreciates support as all visits benefit our mission. You can purchase a day pass or annual membership. Passes, memberships and gift certificates make for great holiday presents and can be made in the recipient’s name. Please contact Jennifer Beard at visitorsservices@peacegarden.com.

Feel free to snowshoe, hike, fat-tire bike and ski once the weather allows. Skiers are encouraged to park in the north parking lot that joins the terrace building at No. 5 on the map. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on trails, including snowmobiles.