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
A carefully designed landscape inspired by traditional Japanese garden principles, featuring natural forms, pathways, seasonal plantings and peaceful spaces for reflection.
Walking Paths and Scenic Areas
Paths and garden features that invite visitors to slow down, explore, and experience the environment at their own pace.
Interpretive Storytelling
Displays and interpretive elements that share the story of Harry Hayashi, the original Rainbow Gardens and the cultural history connected to the site.
Visitor & Community Spaces
Areas designed to welcome visitors, host educational activities and support community gatherings and cultural programming.
Downtown Cultural Destination
A new place in Carrington where residents and visitors can connect with local history while enjoying a peaceful natural setting.
A place to enjoy and have fun
A place where you, your family and friends can spend pleasant and fun moments together.
Design inspired by tradition and nature
The design of Carrington Rainbow Gardens draws inspiration from traditional Japanese garden principles, where landscape, water, and natural forms are arranged to create harmony and reflection.
Elements such as pathways, carefully selected plantings, and symbolic landscape features will help create a serene environment that encourages visitors to pause, observe, and experience the space with intention.
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.