Call Us Home!
What’s it like to live in the International Falls area?
Living on an International border, at the top of Minnesota, is exciting. International Falls is a true “International City”, that enjoys a friendly cultural and economic relationship with its sister city across the International Bridge – Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada.
The area enjoys four distinct “Minnesota Seasons”, each offering a plethora of outdoor activities – making our area one of the greatest outdoor playgrounds in the Midwest.
“The Falls”, the town’s abbreviated name by those who call it home, has a population of approximately 6,400, according to the 2010 consensus. However, there are approximately another 4,000 people beyond the municipal boundaries who call International Falls home.
Forests are abundant in North Country. Hence, the primary industry is wood products; with the Boise paper mill (A Packaging Corporation of America Company) as our major employer. The second industry is tourism, and it’s easy to see why. As the northern gateway to Voyageurs National Park, (Minnesota’s only congressionally enacted national park), we host thousands of tourists year ‘round. Our famous, “Rainy Lake” is partially inside the park boundaries, and offers world class fishing. The national park is comprised of 218,000 acres of jaw-dropping pine studded, glacier carved islands and water, is motorized and open four seasons.
As an International City, we are a key hub in North American’s transportation system. The area is proud to have the Falls International Airport, with daily flights provided by Sky West, with connections to Delta. The airport is a preferred full service US Customs/Immigration check in point for private aircraft coming back into the United States. The city is also adjacent to North America’s busiest rail port of entry, owned and operated by CN Railroad.
Residents enjoy short work commutes, affordable housing, low cost utilities, broadband, cultural opportunities, quality health care and results oriented schools. The local school district provides free preschool programming, and quality education through grade 12. The community college – Rainy River Community College – provides a quality education to students, with all credits transferrable to other colleges and universities.
Newcomers to the community often tell us they moved here because they fell in love with the area when they were here on vacation. It truly is a community rich in culture, scenic beauty, activities, affordable housing and people who care about one another. Join us!
-Danielle S