Carrington Rainbow Gardens Project
The Carrington Rainbow Gardens Project
Carrington Rainbow Gardens is a community-driven initiative to create a Japanese-inspired garden and interpretive destination in downtown Carrington, North Dakota.
The Rainbows Gardens project honors the legacy of the original Rainbow Gardens created by Harry Hayashi while establishing a peaceful public space where history, nature and community come together.
What Carrington Rainbow Gardens will be
Carrington Rainbow Gardens is being designed as a welcoming cultural and natural destination in the heart of downtown Carrington.
Inspired by the original Rainbow Gardens that once brought visitors from across the region, the new project combines landscape design, storytelling and community programming to create a space that honors the past while serving future generations.
When complete, the site will provide a unique public environment where visitors can explore history, experience nature, and gather as a community.
Key Elements of the Rainbow Gardens Project
Japanese-Inspired Garden
Thoughtfully designed with a curated selection of Japanese-inspired plants, textures, and seasonal color, the garden will create a calm and immersive environment. Visitors will be able to engage with the space through interactive QR codes, offering stories, plant details, and cultural insights throughout the garden.
Walking Paths and Scenic Areas
Designed for both quiet moments and shared experiences, the garden’s walking paths are perfect to slow down, explore, and take in the surroundings. Whether enjoying a peaceful stroll, relaxing on a bench, or spending time with friends and family, these spaces are meant to be experienced at your own pace.
Interpretive Storytelling
The Interpretive Center will serve as a hub for sharing Carrington’s story through virtual tours and video experiences. Beyond highlighting Harry Hayashi’s legacy, the space will grow through local contributions, preserving memories and voices for future generations.
Visitor & Community Spaces
Areas designed to welcome visitors, host educational activities, and support community gatherings and cultural programming. The garden will feature a tea house, along with patio and pergola areas that provide flexible, comfortable spaces for events, learning opportunities, and everyday use.
Downtown Cultural Destination
As a central part of downtown Carrington, the gardens create a natural starting point for exploring the community. Visitors can enjoy the garden, then continue their experience by visiting local shops, businesses, and the museum just steps away.
A place to enjoy and have fun
A place where you, your family, and friends can spend pleasant and fun moments together. From seasonal events and activities to private rentals, the garden provides a welcoming setting for both everyday visits and memorable gatherings.
Design inspired by tradition and nature
Guided by traditional Japanese garden principles, the design integrates plants, pathways, water features, and gathering spaces into a cohesive and calming experience.
Each element is intentionally placed to create balance, invite exploration, and connect visitors with both nature and culture.
This approach honors both the cultural inspiration behind the original Rainbow Gardens and the natural character of North Dakota’s landscape.
Honoring the legacy of Rainbow Gardens
In the 1930s, Japanese immigrant Harry Hayashi transformed five acres of prairie into a vibrant tourist destination known as Rainbow Gardens.
The site featured colorful cabins, gardens, music, and hospitality that welcomed travelers from across the region.
Despite hardship during World War II and the eventual disappearance of the original gardens, the story of Rainbow Gardens remains an important part of Carrington’s heritage.
The new Carrington Rainbow Gardens project seeks to honor that legacy by reimagining the spirit of the original destination for a new generation.
A project for the entire community
Carrington Rainbow Gardens is designed to serve the community in multiple ways.
Preserving local history
Sharing the story of Harry Hayashi and the cultural history of Rainbow Gardens
Creating a new destination
Establishing a unique attraction that supports tourism and downtown vitality
Educational opportunities
Providing interpretive exhibits and programming for schools and visitors
A wonderful place to gather
Offering a peaceful public environment where residents and visitors can connect
Project development status
Carrington Rainbow Gardens is currently advancing through fundraising, planning and pre-construction development.
As the project progresses, updates will be shared on this website so supporters can follow the journey from vision to reality.
Opening Target — Late 2027
Current Phase
Fundraising, Planning and Pre-Construction Development
Help bring the vision to life
Carrington Rainbow Gardens is being built through the support of donors, community leaders, and partners who believe in preserving Carrington’s history while creating something meaningful for the future.
Your support helps turn this vision into a lasting place for reflection, learning, and community connection.