Carrington Rainbow Gardens
Where history blooms again
Help bring Carrington Rainbow Gardens to life
Carrington Rainbow Gardens is a new Japanese-inspired garden and interpretive destination being developed in downtown Carrington, North Dakota.
Rooted in the legacy of the original Rainbow Gardens created by Japanese immigrant Harry Hayashi in the 1930s, the project seeks to honor local history while creating a peaceful place for reflection, learning, and community connection.
A new cultural destination for Carrington
Carrington Rainbow Gardens is more than a garden. It is a community-driven project designed to celebrate Carrington’s history, create a welcoming public space, and establish a destination where nature, culture, and storytelling come together.
Inspired by the original Rainbow Gardens tourist park that once stood in Carrington, the new project will combine landscape design, historical interpretation, and community programming in a thoughtfully designed environment open to residents and visitors alike.
Why this project matters
Honoring Local Legacy
The project carries forward the story of Rainbow Gardens and the life of Harry Hayashi, whose vision helped shape an important chapter in Carrington’s history.
Creating Community Value
The new garden will provide a peaceful space where residents and visitors can gather, reflect, and experience nature in the heart of downtown.
Supporting Education and Culture
Interpretive exhibits, storytelling installations, and educational programming will help make local history accessible and engaging for all ages.
Investing in the Future
The project strengthens community pride, supports tourism, and creates a destination unlike anything else in the surrounding region.
Carrington Rainbow Gardens is being created to preserve an important local story while building a destination that will serve the community for generations.
A story rooted in Carrington
The story of Carrington Rainbow Gardens begins with the life and vision of Harry Hayashi: an immigrant entrepreneur whose determination transformed five acres of prairie into one of the region’s most memorable destinations.
Timeline
1910
Harry Hayashi arrives in the United States as a cabin boy and eventually builds a new life in the Midwest.
1922
Hayashi opens the Hotel Café in Carrington, establishing himself as a local entrepreneur.
1930
Rainbow Gardens opens as a tourist park featuring colorful cabins, gardens, music, and hospitality.
1942
Following Pearl Harbor, Hayashi is unjustly interned at Fort Lincoln near Bismarck during World War II.
1954
Harry Hayashi dies at age 60. Days later, confirmation of his eligibility for U.S. citizenship arrives.
Today
Carrington Rainbow Gardens is being reimagined as a new garden and interpretive destination honoring this remarkable story.
What the New Project will include
Carrington Rainbow Gardens is being designed as a peaceful, welcoming destination inspired by traditional garden design and community storytelling.
Planned features include:
- A Japanese-inspired garden with walking paths and seasonal plantings
- A visitor and interpretive center sharing local history
- Story walls and exhibits exploring the Hayashi legacy
- Educational opportunities for schools and visitors
- Spaces for reflection, community events and cultural programming
Why Donate Now
Carrington
Rainbow Gardens is currently in its fundraising and development phase.
Community support is essential to bringing the project to life.
Your
contribution helps fund garden development, interpretive exhibits, visitor
experiences, and long-term programming that will benefit Carrington for
generations.
Supporting
the project today means helping create a destination that preserves history
while shaping the future of downtown Carrington.
Donor Recognition Levels
Donors who support Carrington Rainbow Gardens at qualifying levels will be recognized on the project’s donor board.
Every gift helps move this vision forward and contributes to a lasting legacy of community support.
Levels
Bronze
$1,000 – $2,499
Silver
$2,500 – $4,999
Gold
$5,000 – $9,999
Platinum
$10,000 – $19,999
Diamond
$20,000+
Built for lasting community impact
Carrington Rainbow Gardens will serve as a place where history, nature, and community come together.
The project is designed to:
- Preserve an important story in Carrington’s past
- Create a welcoming public destination
- Support local tourism and downtown vitality
- Provide educational opportunities for schools
- Offer a place for reflection and cultural engagement
Project Status
The project is currently advancing through fundraising, design planning, and development preparation.
As progress continues, this website will share updates on project milestones, construction phases, and opportunities for community involvement.
Current Phase
Fundraising, Planning and Pre-Construction Development
Guided by Community Leadership
Carrington Rainbow Gardens is guided by a committed group of local leaders with experience in tourism, education, horticulture, construction, and community development.
Together, they are helping shape a project that honors Carrington’s past while creating a meaningful destination for the future.
Dennis Swanson
Chairman – Horticulture & Fundraising Lead
Mayor Tom Erdmann
Vice-Chair – Government Liaison & Infrastructure Oversight
Gabi Abud
Operations & Marketing Director
Wendy Wise
Tourism Operations & Hospitality Lead
There are many ways to support the project
Community
support is at the heart of Carrington Rainbow Gardens.
In addition
to financial contributions, support may include:
Sponsorship opportunities
Volunteer involvement
In-kind support
Sharing historical memories or artifacts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Carrington Rainbow Gardens is a nonprofit project creating a Japanese-inspired garden and interpretive destination in downtown Carrington, North Dakota.
Donations will be powered by GiveButter platform. Gifts at recognition levels will be honored as part of the permanent record of community support for Carrington Rainbow Gardens.
Yes. Carrington Rainbow Gardens is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
The current goal is to complete construction and open Carrington Rainbow Gardens in late 2027.
The project will be located in downtown Carrington, North Dakota. 871 Main Street, Carrington, ND 58421.
Be part of Carrington’s next chapter
Your support helps transform a powerful local story into a lasting place for history, nature, and community connection.
Join us in bringing Carrington Rainbow Gardens to life.