10 Must-Experience Activities in and Around International Falls, Minnesota.
In the uppermost regions of northern Minnesota lies the little-known vacationing gem of International Falls. Remote enough not to be overrun by tourists, the area in and around International Falls, Minnesota offers thousands of acres of unspoiled wilderness just waiting for adventurous explorers. Thousands of years ago, slow-moving glaciers sculpted out the lakes and hills of this spectacular terrain, leaving a spectacular habitat for wildlife and fauna here in the Minnesota Northwoods. For visitors fortunate enough to have the chance to spend some time in and around International Falls, Minnesota, below is the International Falls ‘bucket list,’ if you will; the activities every visitor to this spectacular wilderness area should be sure to experience during their time here.
1. Canoeing in Voyageurs National Park or the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Imagine the peace and stillness of paddling your way along the lakes and streams of these extraordinary parks, catching glimpses of amazing wild creatures along the shores and in the boreal forests.
2. Touring the Boise Cascade Paper Plant. Located in International Falls itself, the Boise Cascade Paper Plant offers visitors unique insight into the impact this industry has had on the local economy and culture throughout the years. The impressive tour allows visitors to witness what has been described as the fastest paper machine in the world. Children under the age of ten are not permitted. (301 2nd Ave, International Falls, MN 56649. 218-285-5011)
3. Climbing Eagle Mountain. The highest point in Minnesota at 2,301 feet, Eagle Mountain is located in both the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Superior National Forest. Visitors can enjoy a true sense of accomplishment (and bragging rights) after hiking to its peak during their visit to northern Minnesota.
4. Shopping in Border Bob’s. For truly unique souvenir shopping, Border Bob’s should not be missed. The last building in the United States before crossing into Canada, Border Bob’s features hand-crafted Minnesotan gifts including throws, cabin accents and wildlife art. It is also a great spot to stock up on supplies before a trek into the Minnesota Northwoods.
5. Lunching at the Kettle Falls Hotel. A shuttle service boats visitors over to the Kettle Falls Hotel located on the Kabetogama Peninsula, the largest land mass in Voyageurs National Park. In operation since 1913, the Kettle Falls Hotel has long been a vacationing haven for those seeking solitude in nature. Quaint and charming, the Kettle Falls Hotel isn’t luxurious, but it is certainly an experience. The old-style saloon, complete with its sloping wooden floor, features a working nickelodeon. The screened-in veranda beckons weary travelers. From the Kettle Falls Hotel property, visitors can stand in Minnesota and look south into Canada due to its unique positioning in Voyageurs National Park. For those unable to arrange to stay overnight, a ‘cream of wild rice soup’ lunch is sure to hit the spot after a morning of kayaking or hiking in Voyageurs National Park.
6. Wildlife watching in Voyageurs National Park or the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Without modern development, wildlife has been able to flourish in both of these protected areas. Hikers and boaters should keep watch for glimpses of wildlife including beavers, otters, eagles, bobcats, black bears, moose, deer and even the occasional timber wolf here.
7. Dog-sledding in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. In the winter season, dog-sledding is a favorite pastime here in the northern Minnesotan wilderness and an activity many folks might never otherwise have a chance to experience in climates further to the south. Ice fishing is another quintessential Minnesotan event that should be experienced at least once a lifetime.
8. Exploring an old gold mine. On Little American Island in the heart of Voyageurs National Park, visitors can explore a formerly working gold mine, complete with some of the machinery that was once used to find gold over a century ago.
9. Staying overnight on a houseboat. Rainy Lake, adjacent to International Falls, Minnesota, has several companies which rent houseboats. Fully-equipped with modern comforts (and some of these ‘floating hotels’ will even conveniently stock the refrigerator with requested groceries for visitors before their arrival!), house-boating in the beauty of Minnesotan nature is an experience visitors are sure to remember for the rest of their lives.
10. Taking time to reflect on the beauty of the natural world. Often times, we as a human race lose get caught up on the details of our everyday lives; we are too worried about being constantly plugged in to our cell-phones, computers and other modern technologies that we lose perspective on things that truly matter. Spending time in places such as Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, both adjacent to International Falls, Minnesota, can re-connect human beings with nature; allowing them to truly relax and appreciate the beauty surrounding them. For folks looking for a vacation experience unlike none other, the natural beauty in and around the town of International Falls, Minnesota is sure to fit the bill!
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