Looking for cheap Flights to International Falls, Minnesota, USA (INL) airport?

International Falls, accessible via affordable flights to International Falls at INL airport (Falls International Airport), is Minnesota’s iconic “Icebox of the Nation,” often competing for the coldest spot in the contiguous U.S., and serves as the premier gateway to Voyageurs National Park, blending extreme weather, pristine wilderness, and rich historical tapestry for an adventurous, nature-centric travel experience. Voyageurs National Park, a water-based marvel of interconnected lakes and waterways, is the standout landmark, ideal for boating, fishing, kayaking, and winter activities like snowmobiling or ice fishing, offering serene solitude amidst breathtaking northern landscapes. The historic Rainy Lake Gold Mines, accessible by water, provide a fascinating glimpse into the region’s 19th-century mining heritage. The Smokey Bear Park, featuring a towering Smokey Bear statue and a thermometer showcasing extreme cold, embraces the city’s chilling reputation. The Koochiching County Historical Museum explores logging, Native American heritage, and early settlement, while the Bronko Nagurski Museum honors the local NFL legend. The Grand Mound Interpretive Center, though currently closed per tribal wishes, remains a significant cultural site, representing one of North America’s largest Native American burial mounds along the Rainy River. Positioned on the Canadian border opposite Fort Frances, Ontario, International Falls offers a unique international flair. Savor hearty Midwestern dishes, emphasizing fresh local fish like walleye, at cozy diners. With budget flights to International Falls, this rugged northern frontier delivers unparalleled adventure, natural beauty, and historical depth for travelers seeking an authentic Minnesota experience.

Why Visit International Falls, Minnesota

International Falls captivates with Voyageurs National Park’s aquatic adventures, Smokey Bear Park’s quirky charm, and the Bronko Nagurski Museum’s sports legacy. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy kayaking, fishing, and snowmobiling, while history buffs explore logging and indigenous heritage. Families, solo travelers, and couples find affordable activities, from lake tours to cozy dining. With low-cost flights to International Falls, it’s a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers seeking a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Quick Facts & Highlights

• Population: Approximately 5,902 (2023 estimate)
• Founded: 1901
• Area: 6.53 square miles
• Key Highlight: Voyageurs National Park
• Notable Event: Icebox Days Festival, annual January event
• Fun Fact: International Falls is nicknamed the “Icebox of the Nation” for its record-low temperatures
• Local Treat: Fresh walleye dishes
• Landmark: Smokey Bear Park

Geographic Location & Climate

International Falls, in Koochiching County, Northern Minnesota, lies along the Rainy River, opposite Fort Frances, Ontario, 320 miles north of Minneapolis. The climate is subarctic, with cold winters (average high 15°F, lows -5°F) and mild summers (average high 76°F). Annual snowfall is 70 inches, with minimal rainfall (24 inches). Winter (December-February) suits snow sports, while summer (June-August) is ideal for lake activities and sightseeing with cheap round-trip flights to International Falls.

Vital Statistics & Demographics In International Falls, Minnesota

Total Population

Population is 5,902 (2023), with a 2.1% decline since 2020, driven by rural economic shifts.

Age Distribution

Median age is 42.3 years; 18.5% under 18, 8.2% 18-24, 25.1% 25-44, 28.6% 45-64, 19.6% 65+.

Ethnic & Racial Composition

White 92.4%, Native American 3.1%, Two or More Races 2.8%, Black 0.9%, Asian 0.5%, Hispanic 2.1%.

Gender Breakdown

Males 49.7%, females 50.3%.

Household Types & Sizes

Average household size 2.2; family households 58.7%, non-family 41.3%; 22.4% with children.

Population Growth Trends

Decline of 2.8% since 2020, projected to stabilize at 5,800 by 2028, with tourism boosting seasonal growth.

Economy & Living Standards In International Falls, Minnesota

Major Industries & Employers

Tourism, manufacturing, and healthcare lead; top employers:

• Essentia Health International Falls Clinic, 2501 Keenan Dr, International Falls, MN 56649
• Boise Paper, 400 2nd St, International Falls, MN 56649
• Rainy River Community College, 1501 US-71, International Falls, MN 56649
• Koochiching County, 715 4th St, International Falls, MN 56649
• Independent School District 361, 1515 11th St, International Falls, MN 56649

Employment Rate & Job Market

Unemployment rate is 4.8%; jobs focus on tourism (30%), healthcare, and manufacturing, with seasonal outdoor guide roles.

Median Income & Cost of Living

Median household income is $49,500; cost of living 85.2% of U.S. average; median home value $115,200.

Poverty Rate & Economic Challenges

Poverty rate is 14.7%; challenges include seasonal job fluctuations and rural isolation.

Business Environment & Investment Opportunities

Tourism drives small business growth; opportunities in eco-tourism, outdoor gear, and local crafts.

Health & Wellness In International Falls, Minnesota

General Health Overview

Life expectancy is 78.2 years; active outdoor lifestyles support health despite cold-related challenges.

Common Health Issues

Seasonal affective disorder, obesity (28%), and frostbite risks; addressed by community wellness programs.

Fitness Centers & Wellness Studios

• Falls Fitness Center, 1322 3rd St, International Falls, MN 56649
• Rainy Lake Recreation Center, 301 2nd Ave, International Falls, MN 56649

Mental Health Resources

• Northland Counseling Center, 900 5th St #305, International Falls, MN 56649
• Essentia Health Behavioral Health, 2501 Keenan Dr, International Falls, MN 56649

Public Health Initiatives

Koochiching County Public Health offers winter wellness programs, vaccination clinics, and mental health support.

Hospitals & Clinics In International Falls, Minnesota

Top Hospitals & Emergency Services

• Rainy Lake Medical Center, 1400 US-71, International Falls, MN 56649
• Essentia Health International Falls Clinic, 2501 Keenan Dr, International Falls, MN 56649

Urgent Care & Walk-In Clinics

• Rainy Lake Medical Center Urgent Care, 1400 US-71, International Falls, MN 56649

Specialty Medical Centers

• Essentia Health Orthopedics, 2501 Keenan Dr, International Falls, MN 56649

Telehealth & Remote Care Options

Rainy Lake Medical Center and Essentia Health offer telehealth; Northland Counseling provides telepsychiatry.

Veterinary Services & Pet Care In International Falls, Minnesota

Animal Hospitals & Emergency Vets

• Rainy River Veterinary Hospital, 900 3rd St, International Falls, MN 56649

Pet Clinics & Routine Care

• Rainy River Veterinary Hospital, 900 3rd St, International Falls, MN 56649

Grooming & Boarding Facilities

• Paws & Claws Pet Grooming, 1606 US-71, International Falls, MN 56649

Pet-Friendly Parks & Trails

• Smokey Bear Park, 400 4th St, International Falls, MN 56649
• Rainy Lake Recreation Trail, 301 2nd Ave, International Falls, MN 56649

Local Government & Public Services In International Falls, Minnesota

City Hall and Administrative Offices

• International Falls City Hall, 600 4th St, International Falls, MN 56649

County Government Services

• Koochiching County Courthouse, 715 4th St, International Falls, MN 56649

Public Records and Licensing

• Koochiching County Recorder, 715 4th St, International Falls, MN 56649

Planning and Zoning Departments

• International Falls Planning Department, 600 4th St, International Falls, MN 56649

Tax and Revenue Offices

• Koochiching County Treasurer, 715 4th St, International Falls, MN 56649

Police, Fire, and Emergency Services

• International Falls Police Department, 600 4th St, International Falls, MN 56649
• International Falls Fire Department, 600 4th St, International Falls, MN 56649

Courts and Legal Aid

• Koochiching County District Court, 715 4th St, International Falls, MN 56649

Public Works and Utilities

• International Falls Public Works, 600 4th St, International Falls, MN 56649

Voter Registration and Civic Engagement

• Koochiching County Auditor, 715 4th St, International Falls, MN 56649

Current U.S. Senators & U.S. House Representatives

Senators: Amy Klobuchar (D), Tina Smith (D)
House Representative (MN-8 District): Pete Stauber (R)

Education & Libraries In International Falls, Minnesota

Public School Districts

Served by Independent School District 361.

Public School Names and Full Addresses

• Falls High School, 1515 11th St, International Falls, MN 56649
• Falls Elementary School, 1414 14th Ave, International Falls, MN 56649

Charter and Private Schools

• St. Thomas Aquinas School, 810 5th St, International Falls, MN 56649

Colleges and Universities

• Rainy River Community College, 1501 US-71, International Falls, MN 56649; Majors: Liberal Arts, Nursing

Public Libraries and Learning Centers

• International Falls Public Library, 750 4th St, International Falls, MN 56649

Flights & Travel Logistics In International Falls, Minnesota

Best Time to Book Flights

Book 2-3 months ahead for discount airfare to International Falls; September and April offer cheap one-way flights; avoid winter holidays for savings.

Airlines That Serve International Falls, Minnesota

INL served by Delta Air Lines (via its regional partner SkyWest Airlines) with direct flights to Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP).

Nearby Airports and Alternatives

INL is primary; alternative: Duluth International Airport (DLH, 2.5-hour drive). Drive via US-53; no direct public transit to INL.

Transportation After Arrival

Car rentals at INL (Hertz, Enterprise); taxis ($10-20 downtown); Uber/Lyft limited; shuttle to Voyageurs National Park available.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Pack for extreme cold in winter; book Voyageurs tours early; try walleye at local diners; rent a car for park access; check Icebox Days schedules. Secure low-fare flights to International Falls for savings.

Where to Stay In International Falls, Minnesota

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

• Americas Best Value Inn, 2326 US-53, International Falls, MN 56649
• Knights Inn, 1700 US-71, International Falls, MN 56649

Boutique Hotels and Inns

• The Cantilever Hotel, 2181 County Rd 139, International Falls, MN 56649

Luxury Resorts and Spas

• Thunderbird Lodge, 2170 County Rd 139, International Falls, MN 56649

Family-Friendly Lodging

• Holiday Inn Express, 2107 US-71, International Falls, MN 56649
• Super 8, 2000 Spruce St, International Falls, MN 56649

Vacation Rentals and Extended Stays

• Airbnb Rainy Lake Cabins, Various, e.g., 3055 County Rd 24, International Falls, MN 56649
• Sha Sha Resort, 1694 MN-11, International Falls, MN 56649

Getting Around In International Falls, Minnesota

Public Transportation Overview

Limited public transit; Arrowhead Transit offers on-demand shuttles ($2/trip).

Car Rentals and Ride Shares

Rentals at INL (Avis, Budget); taxis $10-20; Uber/Lyft scarce; bike rentals ($8/day).

Walkability and Bike-Friendly Areas

Downtown scores 65/100 walkability; Rainy Lake Recreation Trail bike-friendly.

Parking Tips and Local Driving Rules

Free parking downtown; metered near City Hall ($1/hour); 25 mph in residential areas; watch for icy roads in winter.

Natural Wonders & Outdoor Activities In International Falls, Minnesota

National Parks and Scenic Areas

Voyageurs National Park (10 min); Rainy Lake (5 min).

Hiking, Biking, and Nature Trails

• Rainy Lake Recreation Trail, 301 2nd Ave, International Falls, MN 56649
• Tilson Creek Ski Trail, 2600 County Rd 94, International Falls, MN 56649

Wildlife Viewing

Moose, bald eagles, and wolves in Voyageurs National Park; otters along Rainy Lake.

Lakes, Rivers, and Water Activities

• Rainy Lake, 301 2nd Ave, International Falls, MN 56649; boating, fishing
• Kabetogama Lake, Voyageurs National Park, MN 56669; kayaking, canoeing

Camping and RV Parks

• Arnold’s Campground, 2023 Town Rd 415, International Falls, MN 56649
• Rainy Lake RV, 2166 Town Rd 420, International Falls, MN 56649

Seasonal Outdoor Adventures

Summer boating, fall hiking, winter snowmobiling, spring fishing.

History & Heritage In International Falls, Minnesota

Founding and Historical Background

Founded 1901; grew with logging, railroads, and border trade with Canada.

Major Disasters and Events

Happy: Bronko Nagurski’s NFL fame (1930s). Sad: 2014 flooding; damaged infrastructure.

Recovery Efforts for Recent Disaster

Post-2014 flood: FEMA aid, improved drainage systems, community rebuilding efforts.

Historical Landmarks

• Smokey Bear Park, 400 4th St, International Falls, MN 56649
• Bronko Nagurski Museum, 301 7th Ave, International Falls, MN 56649

Museums and Cultural Centers

• Koochiching County Historical Museum, 214 6th Ave, International Falls, MN 56649

Local Folklore and Legends

Tales of Rainy Lake’s “Lady of the Lake” ghost; Ojibwe stories of lake spirits.

Indigenous and Pioneer History

Ojibwe lands pre-1800s; French fur traders arrived 1730s; logging and mining booms in late 1800s.

Prominent Public and Private Personalities In International Falls, Minnesota

• Bronko Nagurski: NFL legend, born locally.
• Tammy Faye Bakker: Televangelist, born in International Falls.

Arts & Culture In International Falls, Minnesota

Performing Arts Venues

• Backus Community Center, 900 5th St, International Falls, MN 56649

Art Galleries and Exhibitions

• Rainy Lake Art Gallery, 308 3rd St, International Falls, MN 56649

Local Artists and Artisans

Local painters and woodcarvers at Icebox Days; indigenous beadwork artists.

Cultural Festivals and Events

• Icebox Days Festival, 400 4th St, International Falls, MN 56649

Music Scene and Live Performances

• Rainy Lake Community Orchestra, 900 5th St, International Falls, MN 56649

Food & Drink In International Falls, Minnesota

Restaurants by Cuisine

• American - Lenard’s, 3450 Co Rd 2, International Falls, MN 56649; Specialty: Walleye sandwich
• Midwestern - Sandy’s Place, 1510 2nd Ave, International Falls, MN 56649; Specialty: Hotdish
• Pizza - Domino’s Pizza, 1616 2nd Ave, International Falls, MN 56649; Specialty: Thin-crust pizza

Farm-to-Table and Local Ingredients

Lenard’s uses local walleye; farmers markets source regional produce.

Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries

• Rainy Lake Brewing, 314 3rd St, International Falls, MN 56649

Street Food and Casual Dining

• International Falls Farmers Market, 600 4th St, International Falls, MN 56649

Vegan, Vegetarian, and Dietary Options

Sandy’s Place offers vegetarian hotdish; most diners provide gluten-free options.

Shopping & Leisure In International Falls, Minnesota

Local Boutiques and Artisan Shops

• Rainy Lake Outfitters, 2032 2nd Ave, International Falls, MN 56649

Malls and Shopping Districts

• Third Street Shopping District, 300 3rd St, International Falls, MN 56649

Antique Stores and Markets

• Falls Antique Depot, 310 3rd St, International Falls, MN 56649

Souvenirs and Specialty Goods

• Voyageurs National Park Gift Shop, 360 MN-11, International Falls, MN 56649

Events & Entertainment In International Falls, Minnesota

Annual Festivals and Parades

• Icebox Days Festival, 400 4th St, International Falls, MN 56649

Farmers Markets and Local Gatherings

• International Falls Farmers Market, 600 4th St, International Falls, MN 56649

Sports Events and Recreational Leagues

• Rainy Lake Recreation Center, 301 2nd Ave, International Falls, MN 56649

Holiday Celebrations and Seasonal Fun

• Icebox Days Winter Festival, 400 4th St, International Falls, MN 56649

Nearby Destinations In International Falls, Minnesota

Popular Day Trips

• Kabetogama Lake, MN (30 min): Voyageurs National Park
• Fort Frances, ON, Canada (10 min): Border town shopping

Hidden Gems in the Region

• Franz Jevne State Park, 3264 County Rd 52, Birchdale, MN 56629
• Rainy River Boardwalk, 301 2nd Ave, International Falls, MN 56649

Scenic Drives and Routes

• MN-11 Scenic Drive, International Falls, MN 56649

Regional Attractions Worth Visiting

• Voyageurs National Park Visitor Center, 360 MN-11, International Falls, MN 56649

Audience-Specific Guides In International Falls, Minnesota

Family Travel Tips

Visit Voyageurs, explore Smokey Bear Park, stay at Holiday Inn Express, attend Icebox Days with budget travel flights to International Falls.

Solo Traveler Highlights

Kayak Rainy Lake, visit Koochiching Museum, dine at Lenard’s, hike Tilson Creek with low-cost airline deals to International Falls.

Romantic Getaways

Stay at Thunderbird Lodge, boat on Rainy Lake, dine at Sandy’s Place, tour Voyageurs with discount round-trip tickets to International Falls.

Business Travel Essentials

Near INL airport, meeting spaces at Holiday Inn Express, quick dining at Lenard’s, Wi-Fi at Cantilever Hotel with affordable plane tickets to International Falls.

Accessible Travel Resources

ADA-compliant park trails, wheelchair rentals at Rainy Lake Medical Center, accessible shuttles via Arrowhead Transit.

Natural Resources In International Falls, Minnesota

Timber, iron ore, granite, gold. Gold, a historically significant resource, fueled the Rainy Lake Gold Mines in the late 1800s, accessible via Voyageurs National Park tours. The Koochiching County Historical Museum showcases gold rush artifacts, while guided boat tours offer insights into the region’s mining legacy, attracting visitors with cheap travel deals to International Falls.

Ready to explore International Falls? Book low-priced flights to International Falls, Minnesota, USA (INL) airport and save up to $159 with early booking. Keep in mind that the nearest airport to International Falls, Minnesota, USA (INL) may offer best flight deals and alternate date options depending on departure city and season.

Article Published on August 27, 2025, Last Modified on October 8, 2025. Content subject to change at any time.