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| International Falls is truly an
“international city” – located on the United States and Canadian
border. Wood products are our number one industry and tourism
ranks number two. Our international rail port of entry is the second busiest in North America (this amazingly includes the northern and southern US borders). The Falls International Airport is the fourth busiest in Minnesota and was recently expanded to accommodate the largest of aircraft – both commercial and private. International Falls also has one of three Foreign Trade Zones in Minnesota. This zone provides companies financial advantages when warehousing, importing and exporting. International Falls serves as the northern gateway to Voyageurs National Park (Minnesota’s ONLY congressionally enacted national park). Voyageurs is a motorized, multi use park and encompasses 218,000 acres of water and pine studded islands. The city is fondly referred to as the “Icebox of the Nation” – and the winter temperatures we are famous for are responsible for creating one of the Midwest’s greatest winter playgrounds. Winter visitors to the area enjoy world class ice fishing on Rainy Lake, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Cold weather testing of major automobile products is also an important component of our winter economy. The seasons are dramatic. Spring, summer and autumn produce a plethora of color and recreation opportunities. Summer temperatures are commonly in the 70’s and 80’s – and sometimes in the low 90’s. Boating, canoeing, fishing, wildlife watching, waterskiing, picnicking and simply relaxing are our visitors favorite vacation activities. Spring and autumn are incredible times to bird watch – as over 200 species migrate to/from our area. Fishing is world class – anytime of year, and autumn’s landscape is simply indescribable. Hunting for grouse, deer and bear are quite popular during the autumn season. Courtesy City of International Falls |
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| International Falls (city) | 1970 | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2010 | 2000-2010 Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Percent | ||||||
| Population | 6,439 | 5,611 | 8,325 | 6,703 | 6,424 | -279 | -4.16 |
| Land Area (sq. mile) | 1.30 | 2.40 | 6.26 | 6.27 | 6.42 | +0.15 | +2.39 |
| Density (persons per sq. mile) | 4,953.08 | 2,337.92 | 1,329.87 | 1,069.28 | 1,000.62 | -68.66 | -6.42 |
| Housing Units | 2,322 | 2,399 | 3,306 | 3,264 | 3,157 | -107 | -3.28 |
| Households | -- | 2,191 | 3,126 | 2,959 | 2,903 | -56 | -1.89 |
| Persons Per Household | -- | 2.52 | 2.45 | 2.20 | 2.16 | -0.04 | -1.82 |
International Falls is a city in and the
county seat of Koochiching County, Minnesota, United States.
International Falls is located on the Rainy River directly across from
Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada. The two cities are connected by the Fort
Frances–International Falls International Bridge. Voyageurs National
Park is located 11 miles east of International Falls. US Highways
53 and 71 and Minnesota State Highway 11 are major routes in the area.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area
of 6.53 square miles (16.91 km2), of which 6.42 square miles (16.63 km2)
is land and 0.11 square miles (0.28 km2) is water. The elevation is 1,131 feet (342 m).
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
As of the census of 2010, there were 6,424 people, 2,903
households, and 1,645 families residing in the city. The population
density was 1,000.6 inhabitants per square mile (386.3/km2). There were
3,157 housing units at an average density of 491.7 per square mile
(189.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 93.3% White, 1.0% African
American, 2.5% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and
2.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.1% of
the population.
There were 2,903 households of which 26.6% had children under the age
of 18 living with them, 39.1% were married couples living together,
12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.5% had a male
householder with no wife present, and 43.3% were non-families. 37.4% of
all households were made up of individuals and 16.4% had someone living
alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was
2.16 and the average family size was 2.80. The median age in the city was 42.4 years. 21.9% of residents were
under the age of 18; 8.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.4% were
from 25 to 44; 27.3% were from 45 to 64; and 19.8% were 65 years of age
or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.1% male and 51.9% female.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Visit The
Minnesota History Shop! |
TRAIL'S END
International Falls (1,124 alt., 5,626 pop.), Koochiching County seat, its pulsing wood industry mills producing a steady stream of products, is the northernmost point in the Minnesota Arrowhead country. On the falls of the Rainy River, part of the international border, it is on the fringe of a magnificent wilderness area (see Superior National Forest), romantic with the lore of fur traders who traveled the interior waterways in their canoes.
The first white man to visit the site was Jacques de Noyon, a French voyageur from Canada, who traveled over the Kaministiquia Route to Rainy Lake and wintered at the falls in 1687 or 1688. He was followed by Zacherie Robutel, Sieur de la Noue, and by Pierre Gaultier de Varennes, Sieur de la Verendrye. Although fur-trading posts were built in the region at an early date, they were located on the Canadian side of Rainy River. The date of the first post established on the American side is nay known, but it probably was between 1816 and 1822.
As the fur trade dwindled, lumbering came into importance. Extensive stands of conifers covered the area. Logs were floated down the Big and Little Fork Rivers to sawmills farther north (see Big Falls; Littlefork). Lumbermen early realized the value of the falls, at the head of an 18,000 square mile watershed, as a source of water power.
Some settlers came to the region when steamboats began plying the Rainy River as part of the Dawson Route, which had been laid out between Port Arthur (see Arrowhead Tour 1) and Fort Garry (Winnipeg) in 1870 and followed in part the international boundary (see Superior National Forest: Canoe Trip 1). After railroad facilities were established on the Canadian side, steamboat service on Rainy River was abandoned, and more once the only mode of water travel was by canoe. In 1881, the first homesteader, Alexander Baker, a Hudson's Bay Company factor, filed a claim the site of International Falls. The village was incorporated in 1901.
In 1904, a paper company brought about joint control of American and Canadian riparian rights and contracted for both development of water power and establishment of manufacturing industries. The falls, known as Chaudiere (cauldron) to the French, had a natural 24-foot drop and made available 25,000 horsepower from a 27-foot head.
In 1910, International Falls, with a population of 1,487, was incorporated as a city.
The International Lumber Company, a subsidiary of the Minnesota and Ontario Paper Company, erected a sawmill in 1910. The mill, its capacity 300,000 feet in a ten-hour day, cut as much as 75,000,000 feet in one year. Then the largest in the State, it ceased operations in 1937.
The Minnesota and Ontario Paper Company (cor. 4th Ave. and 2nd St.) manufactures newsprint, sulphite, and kraft ground-wood paper, all of which have nation-wide markets. In 1911, it began the construction of a railroad that today has 11 locomotives, 400 cars, 35 miles of tracks, and provides employment for 120 men. In 1916, it built the world's first Insulite mill. Insulite, a wood-fiber board used for insulation, was in such demand that in 1925 a larger mill had to be built, which has a capacity 750,000 board feet in 24 hours. Since 1931, it has been complemented by a second mill at Karhula, Finland.
The warehouse of the International Falls plant has a storage capacity 25,000,000 board feet. Aspen is utilized in the manufacture. Mando (the trade name of the Minnesota and Ontario Paper Company) maintains mills at other points and owns the world's largest cedar telegraph pole yards and treating plant at St. Paul (Minnesota Transfer).
These wood industries are the main source of income for
International Falls, and the city's industrial development is assured by
its water power and the wood supply held by the Minnesota and Ontario Paper
Company.
International Falls is headquarters for the three branches of the U. S.
International Border Patrol (Post Office Bldg., 400 4th St.). They can be
distinguished readily by the color of their uniforms: Immigration, forest
ten; Customs, dark gray; and Customs Inspection, dark blue (see General
information: Border Regulations). The Border Patrol supervises the 350-mile
stretch from Pigeon River to Roseau.
A curio collection in the Log Cabin Inn (434 3rd St.) displays interting mounted specimens of birds and native animals in natural poses; moose that must have weighed 1,000 pounds, a black bear, a buck deer, and the hides and heads of bears, foxes, and wolves.
International Falls, a port of entry, is rich in primeval beauty, historic lore, and natural resources. It is an outfitting center for vacationists and sportsmen.
From the WPA Guide to the Minnesota Arrowhead
Company
©1941 by the Minnesota Arrowhead Association
More International Falls History
 Birds eye view of Dam and Mill, International Falls Minnesota, 1908 LakesnWoods.com Postcard and Postcard Image Collection - click to enlarge Visit The International Falls Photo Gallery for more recent and historic area photos |
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International
Falls City Hall 600 4th Street International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-9484 Fax: (218) 283-3590 Office Hours:
City Council
Meetings:
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| Title | Term Ends | Name and Address | Phone: | |
| Mayor | 12/31/2024 |
Harley Droba 806 8th Street International Falls, MN 56649 |
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(218) 244-2036 |
| City Administrator | appointed |
Betty Bergstrom 600 4th Street International Falls, MN 56649 |
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(218) 283-7984 |
| Council Member - West Ward | 12/31/2022 | Walt Buller 1409 14th Street International Falls, MN 56649 |
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(218) 240-5083 |
| Council Member - East Ward | 12/31/2022 |
Leon Ditsch 1929 8th Avenue E International Falls, MN 56649 |
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(218) 341-5037 |
| Council Member - Center Ward | 12/31/2022 |
Joe Krause 806 11th Street International Falls, MN 56649 |
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(218) 240-1409 |
| Council Member - At Large | 12/31/2024 |
Mike Holden 1109 11th Street International Falls, MN 56649 |
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(218) 324-3569 (218) 283-9383 |
| US Post Office 400 4th Street International Falls, MN 56649 Phone:(218) 283-3331 Toll Free: (800) ASK-USPS Fax: (218) 283-3195 Regular
Business Hours:   |
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| Utility Type | Utility Name | Utility Phone |
| Electricity | Minnesota Power | (218) 283-9833 |
| Natural Gas | Minnesota Energy Resources Corp | (800) 889-9508 |
| Wastewater | North Koochiching Sanitary District | (218) 283-4748 |
| Water | International Falls Municipal | (218) 283-2990 |
| Telephone | Frontier Communication | (866) 320-4380 |
| Cable TV | Midco | (833) 881-9147 |
| Employer | Products/Services | Employees |
| Boise Paper Solutions | Pulp Mills | 1,200 |
| International Falls School District #361 | Elementary & Secondary Schools | 305 |
| Optum Health | All Other Insurance Related Activ. | 300 |
| Rainy Lake Medical Center | General Medical & Surgical Hospitals | 160 |
| Koochiching, County of | Other General Government Suppt. | 120 |
| Rainy River Community College | Colleges, Universities, & Prof. Schools | 56 |
| International Falls, City of | Other General Government Suppt. | 55 |
| Essentia Health International Falls Clinic | Offices of Physicians (exc. Mental Health Specialists) | 50 |
| Wahoo Fishing Products | Sporting & Athletic Goods Mfg. | 50 |
| Shannon's Plumbing & Heating | Plumbing, Heating, & Air-Conditioning Contractors | 50 |
| Daily Journal | Newspaper Publishers | 40 |
| Wagner Construction Inc | Site Prep. Contractors | 20 |
| Coca Cola Bottling | Soft Drink Mfg. | 16 |
Minnesota State
Highway Map of the International Falls Minnesota area
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Chamber of Commerce 301 2nd Avenue International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-9400 Web: www.ifallschamber.com The International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is the cornerstone of this vibrant and beautiful community. We are passionate about our goal of promoting a healthy community in which individuals, families, and businesses can flourish. The people of International Falls are proud to live and work in an area characterized by friendly people, low crime rates, breathtaking natural scenery and abundant year-round recreational opportunities. |
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| Grand Mound & Interpretive Center 6749 Highway 11 International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 285-3332 |
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| Koochiching County Historical Museum 214 6th Avenue International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-4316 |
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| Sportsmen's Service & Wildlife
Museum 424 3rd Avenue International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-2411 |
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| Burlington Park Adjacent to International Falls Chamber of Commerce and across the street from the State of Minnesota Tourism Information Center |
 Photo courtesy City of International Falls |
| City Beach 3 miles East of International Falls on County Road 20
- 650' of sand
beach on Rainy Lake |
 Photo courtesy City of International Falls |
| Kerry Park 11th Street between 4th and 6th Avenues - 2 Regulation slow-pitch softball fields |
 Photo courtesy City of International Falls |
| Shorewood Park Shorewood Drive and 20th Ave. - 24' by 50'
covered picnic shelter with |
 Photo courtesy City of International Falls |
| Smokey Bear Park 3rd St. between 6th and 8th Avenues - 24' by
50' covered picnic shelter |
 Photo courtesy City of International Falls |
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Voyageurs National Park 3131 US Highway 53 International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-9821 Web: www.nps.gov/voya Nearly 200 years ago voyageurs paddled birch bark canoes full of animal pelts and trade goods through this area on their way to Lake Athabaska, Canada. Today, people explore the park by houseboat, motorboat, canoe and kayak. Voyageurs is a water-based park where you must leave your car and take to the water to fully experience the lakes, islands and shorelines of the park. |
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| Lake Name | Size (acres) |
Lake info | Lake Map | Rec Map | Topo Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rainy | 18,949 |
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| Duluth Clinic International Falls 2501 Keenan Drive International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-9431 |
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| Falls Memorial Hospital 1400 US Highway 71 International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-4481 |
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International Falls Public
Schools - District 361 1515 11th Street International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-2571 Fax: (218) 283-8104 Web: www.isd361.k12.mn.us |
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| Falls High School 1515 11th Street International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-2571 Grades: 7-12 |
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| Falls Elementary School 1414 15th Avenue International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-2571 Grades: K, 3-6 |
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| West End Elementary School 1515 11th Street International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-2219 Grades: 1-2 |
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| Rainy River Community College 1501 US Highway 71 International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 285-7722 |
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| Berean Baptist Church 2602 Crescent Drive International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-2727 Web: www.bbcifalls.com Pastor Shane Belding Sunday School: 9:30am |
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| Bethany Lutheran Church 123 Wayside Lane International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 285-3315 |
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| Christian Life Chapel Highway 11-71 West International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 285-9297 Pastor Ernest Witmer Sunday Worship: 10:00am |
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| Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints 1340 Keenan Drive International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 285-3682 |
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| Evangelical Covenant Church 1631 1st Avenue E International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-3365 |
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| Faith United Church Of Christ 1001 5th Street International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-2486 |
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| First Assembly Of God Church 1309 3rd Avenue International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-2131 Pastor Steve Kruse Sunday School: 9:30am |
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First Baptist Church 115 Shorewood Drive International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-3598 Web: www.firstbaptistchurchifalls.org Pastor James Elkins Sunday School: 9:30am |
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| First Lutheran Church 123 Wayside Lane International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-2208 |
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| Full Gospel Fellowship WWM 1530 6th Avenue W International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-2088 |
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| Holy Trinity Episcopal 820 4th Street International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-8606 |
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| International Falls SDA Church 1214 7th Street International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 383-8384 |
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| Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness 1500 3rd Avenue International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-4684 |
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| Pleasant Hill Baptist Church 2726 Pleasant Avenue International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-4859 Pastor Don Clark Sunday School: 9:45am |
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| Point Of Pines Mennonite Church 3607 County Road 93 International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-9326 |
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| St. Paul Lutheran Church 1324 9th Street International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-8642 |
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| St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 810 5th Street International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-3293 Fr. Roger Bergkamp, OMI Mass Schedule |
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| Zion Lutheran Church 530 6th Street International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-9865 |
| B93 FM Radio Station 242 Scott Street PO Box 1250 International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-4420 |
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| Daily Journal 1602 US Highway 71 International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 285-7411 |
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| KBHW 4090 Highway 11 International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 285-7398 |
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| KGHS 519 3rd Street International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-3481 |
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| KICC US Highway 71 International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 285-2218 |
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| KSDM 519 3rd Street International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-3481 |
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| Budget Host Inn 10 Riverview Blvd International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-2577 |
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Days Inn 2331 US Highway 53 International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-9441 Fax: (218) 283-9441 Web: www.daysinn.com |
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| Falls Motel 2101 2nd Avenue International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-8434 |
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| Hilltop Motel 2002 2nd Avenue International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-2505 |
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| Holiday Inn 1500 US Highway 71 International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-8000 |
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| Northern Lights Motel 1602 2nd Avenue International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-2508 |
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| Rambler Motel 1901 2nd Avenue W International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-8454 |
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| Super 8 2326 US Highway 53 International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-8811 |
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| Tee Pee Motel 1501 2nd Avenue W International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-8494 |
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| Voyageur Motel 1210 3rd Avenue International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-9424 |
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Camp Idlewood 3033 County Road 20 International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 286-5551 Toll Free: (888) 741-1228 Fax: (218) 286-3005 Web: www.campidlewood.com On beautiful Rainy Lake, Camp Idlewood offers everything you need to enjoy your family vacation. Located just six miles east of International Falls, Minnesota, our nine fully furnished cabins are equipped with all of the comforts of home. Enjoy our beach, sauna, and canoes or rent a boat and motor to experience the natural beauty of this spectacular lake. |
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Island View Lodge 1817 Highway 11 E International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 286-3511 Fax: (218) 286-5036 Web: www.rainy-lake.com Our Lodge is nestled in Northern Minnesota on
the shores of beautiful Rainy Lake. We overlook Majestic
Voyageurs National Park and are located just 12 miles East of
International Falls. Our cabins range in size from a quaint one bedroom log cabin
up to a large 6 bedroom 2 bath retreat. |
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| Sha Sha Resort 1664 Highway 11 E International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 286-3241 |
| Arnold's Campground & RV Park 2031 2nd Avenue W International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 285-9100 |
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| International Voyageurs RV Park 310 Van Lynn Road International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: (218) 283-4679 |
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LakesnWoods LLC All Rights Reserved |
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