Borderwaters 2018

IN MAP SID S E

PLAN YOUR

2018-2019 VISITOR’S GUIDE BAUDETTE • COOK • CRANE LAKE • CUSSON • FORT FRANCES • INTERNATIONAL FALLS • KABETOGAMA • BEMIDJI LAKE OF THE WOODS • LITTLEFORK • ORR • RAINY LAKE • RANIER • TOWER • VERMILION • VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK

Lures belong in the water.

When they land elsewhere, it’s good to know we’re Here.

Emergency Care 24/7

1400 Highway 71 International Falls, MN

(218) 283-4481 www.rainylakemedical.com ain lak dical.c

WELCOME TO BORDERWATERS WRITTEN BY LAUREL BEAGER

Look at the blue sky as white clouds pass overhead. Smell the pine as you hear the crunch of needles on warm rock below your feet. Feel the air on your skin. Your senses come alive with the flavors of BorderWaters.

dock and later taking a dip in the cool, blue waters?

Welcome to a region that truly offers something for everyone. Are you seeking to escape from the stress of the average for just a couple hours or a full day? Or are you looking for a longer stay that will refresh and revive you? It’s all here, in BorderWaters.

And while the outdoors is what we’re known for, we have more. Charming shops, unique entertainment and colorful eateries offer another BorderWaters experience. Lodging and dining in BorderWaters range from the rustic to the elegant. Tent sites, houseboats, cabins, lodges and hotels and motels will bring BorderWaters to your doorstep.

Whether the temperatures are warm, cool or somewhere in between — there’s always something to do in this truly unique area known as the BorderWaters.

Endless possibilities dawn with each sunrise. Will the day bring the vigorous physical challenges that come with kayaking, hiking and casting for muskie? Or is a slower-paced day you crave, that involves watching a bobber from the

Rich, pink and red sunsets bring the end of a day filled with memories and the promise of more BorderWaters experiences.

The BorderWaters experience is broadened by learning about this landscape rich in human history. Museums and visitor centers will help you understand the historic connection the people of this place have had with its lands.

BorderWaters — it’s a place, a feeling, and an experience.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

WELCOME TO BORDERWATERS

12 RANIER

4

ORR AND CUSSON

14

AREA MAP

5

COOK, TOWER AND VERMILION

16

INTERNATIONAL FALLS

6

CRANE LAKE

22 LITTLEFORK

7

KABETOGAMA

23 BEMIDJI

8

VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK

25

FORT FRANCES

26

LAKE OF THE WOODS, BAUDETTE, MINNESOTA

10

RAINY LAKE

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(includes Pelican Lake)

Orr is located on the shores of beautiful Pelican Lake in the heart of what is known as Voyageur Country. Easily reached by State Highway 53, Orr offers a unique combination of modern conveniences within a wilderness environment.

The forests and bogs in the area are home to hundreds of bird species and animals as diverse as gray wolves, black bear, pine martin, otter, beaver, white-tailed deer, and much more. Our dark evening skies and lack of city lights permits hours of stargazing and constellation identification. Our spectacular northern lights are breathtaking as they dance the night away turning many would-be sleepers into night owls.

Centrally located to many points of interest, exploration and adventure, Orr is an easy day-trip traveling distance from: Voyageurs National Park; The Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary; Vermilion Gorge & Falls; The Historic Iron Range; Hockey Hall of Fame; International Falls; Fort Frances, Ontario; the scenic Echo Trail to Ely; Soudan Mine; and much more!

Year around activities will have you exploring our beautiful and unique boreal ecosystem whether it’s fishing, hiking, birding, wildlife watching, skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing or hunting.

Whether you are considering an extended stay or a short visit, on business or pleasure, let us show you “Minnesota nice” and all our area has to offer.

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THINGS TO DO >> Voyageur Country Visitor Center – Located just south of town on Highway 53 for information on everything there is to see and do in Orr and all around Voyageur Country.

Orr Bog Walk – One of the region’s nicest interpretive trails. Located behind the Orr Visitor’s Center, on Highway 53.

Vermilion Gorge – This 1.3 mile trail can be easily hiked in 3 hours. The last portion of the trail parallels the rugged landscape of sheer granite cliffs and rock outcroppings of the Vermilion River along the gorge.

Vermilion Falls – A ten-minute hike on a wellmaintained trail puts the visitor at Vermilion Falls.

Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary – The American Bear Association invites you to view black bears in their natural habitat in this unique wilderness sanctuary. Open Memorial Day – Labor Day. “Fun Day at Orr Bay” – July 3 A full day of fun in Downtown Orr. Vendors, parades, hot air balloon rides, live music, fireworks.

MORE INFO

Orr

Orr Pelican Lake Association, 4540 Lake Street, Orr, MN 55771 1-800-777-4690, www.orrpelcainlake.com

Cook (includes Tower and Vermilion)

THINGS TO DO >>

Soudan Underground Mine Superior National Forest

Bois Forte Heritage Center Fortune Bay Casino North American Bear Center

Cook’s Country Connection Petting farm, education center and event venue

MORE INFO

Lake Vermilion Resort Association • Box 159, Cook, MN 55723 1-800-648-5897 • www.lakevermilion.us

Lake Vermilion Minnesota

Call or visit our website for more information!

800-648-5897 www.visitvermilion.com

Low Prices & Great Selection

Mon-Sat: 8AM - 10PM Sun: 11AM - 4PM

ATM • LOTTERY 5

Crane Lake

Adventures Start Here! Crane Lake is the southern entrance to Voyageurs National Park and only 10 minutes by boat. Glaciers sculpted masterpiece after masterpiece in the chain of lake of our area. Crane Lake is just the beginning!

If you like to fish, our lakes are filled with walleye, northern, small mouth bass, large mouth bass, black crappie, lake trout, lake sturgeon and panfish. Whether fishing in Minnesota or Canada, be sure to read up on the latest fishing regulations.

Nestled along the Vermilion River is a nine-hole golf course. This

challenging and enjoyable course is a par 36 (2,940 yards) featuring four man-made ponds, a natural stream, three bunkers and a cart trail.

Crane Lake is the Gateway to Superior National Forest, the BWCA, and Quetico Provincial Park. Our houseboats, resorts, and motels cater to an array of individual tastes from all-inclusive resorts to rustic lake homes nestled in remote wilderness settings. This community offers boat and motor rentals, lake-side dining, shopping, fishing guide services, and amazing systems of hiking, biking and ATV trails.

THINGS TO DO >> March The Crane Lake Challenge -Takes place the first Saturday in March each year. Watch hundreds of snowmobile racers run amazing machines on 1,000 feet of shaved ice at speeds over 150 mph July 4th of July Parade followed by spectacular fireworks 12-15 Celebrate the rich history of Crane Lake with Pierre and the rest of our Fun-loving Community. Weekend activities include an Art Show at Nelson’s, Bingo games, a challenging Portage-Paddle-Swim endurance race, Live Music, and an outdoor Fish Fry called “Fry for All” at the beautiful Vermilion Falls Picnic Area on Saturday afternoon.

Stay at our Exclusive Boat Accessible Lodge and Resort With Modern Housekeeping Cottages, Rooms and a Houseboat ~New Boat, Motor, Pontoon Rentals, Boat Launch, Docking, Parking, C-Store, Gas, Bait, Ice, Tackle, Fishing License’s, Beach and More~

Or Stay at our Drive to Lakehome and Motel on Gold Coast RD

MORE INFO

September Labor Day Weekend Activities -Including Trading Post Runs, Sidewalk Sales, a Car Show, Guided Trail Hikes, and the Annual Voyageur Days 5K Walk/Run Crane Lake Visitor & Tourism Bureau 7511 Gold Coast Rd., Crane Lake, MN 55725 1-800-362-7405 • www.visitcranelake.com

pinepointlodge.com 7533 Gold Coast Rd, Crane Lake, MN 55725

Call 800-628-4446

Follow us on Facebook

VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK Crane Lake, Minnesota 1-800-882-6287 HouseboatVacation.com

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Kabetogama

A wilderness paradise born of an ancient glacier flow, edged by the great Canadian Shield, Kabetogama Lake is surrounded by wilderness untamed by time. Here you’ll find creation in its most natural state, teeming with plants and wildlife. The lake itself is dotted with over 200 remote, scenic islands that maintain their beauty through harsh winter storms, and produce rich foliage and wild berries in summer.

Kabetogama Lake has a 500 mile rocky shoreline, 25,000 acres of clean, cool water, and is one of five major lakes forming Voyageurs National Park.

Whether you’re an angler looking for walleyes, someone in need of relaxation, or an outdoor enthusiast, resorts along the Kabetogama shoreline can provide you with boats and motors or safe docking for your own boat. Large boats and motors have easy access to the interconnecting Voyageur Waterway of Kabetogama, Namakan, Sand Point and Crane lakes (65 miles west to east). Canoes, kayaks and complete outfitting services are available from local outfitters.

A short scenic boat ride across from the Kabetogama Community shoreline will take you to the historic Ellsworth Rock Gardens, a popular and must-see site that is actively being restored by volunteers and historians.

Kabetogama’s reputation as a great fishing and recreation destination became best known as a resort community in the late 40’s and early 50’s. Today Kabetogama still remains one of the few unique mom and pop resort destinations. The lake offers great walleye, northern and small mouth bass fishing.

THINGS TO DO >> May – August : Annual Fishing Contest Community Hall Bingo – Thursday nights in the months of June, July & Aug Church Services – Kabetogama United Methodist Church are at 9:00 a.m. Sundays June 24, 8-1pm and August 5, 8-1pm Blueberry Pancake Breakfasts July 12 – Kabetogama Church Bazaar from 10am1pm August 24-25 – Community Garage Sales For event dates, call 844-525-3522.

ALL SUMMER LONG Kettle Falls Cruises from the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center Sunday: 10 am departure Monday: 10 am departure Wednesday: 10 am departure Thursday: 10 am departure Friday: 10 am departure North Canoe programs at the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center Tuesday: 10:30 am Thursday: 10:30 am Twilight Walk at Woodenfrog Campground July 5 - August 27

MORE INFO

Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center: Daily May through September, 9 am until 5 pm.

Lakeshore resorts offering a wide range of year-round accommodations, Excellent fishing, family & group vacation destination, Scenic tours, trips, hiking, wildlife & birding

1-844-525-3522 www.VisitKab.com /KabetogamaLake

844-LAKE-KAB • 218-875-2621 9907 Gamma Rd., Lake Kabetogama, MN 56669 www.kabetogama.com

join a community of people committed to the future of Voyageurs national park

Become a member of Voyageurs National Park Association today at

Voyageurs.org/borderwaters and get a Voyageurs hat!

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Voyageurs National Park Voyageurs National Park lies in the rocky Canadian Shield, some of the oldest exposed rock formations in the world.

The pink and gray bedrock has been shaped and carved at least four times by glaciers leaving four large interconnected lakes. The landscape is rugged and varied; rolling hills interspersed with bogs, beaver ponds, swamps, islands, and a variety of lakes. In the years since the glaciers, a thin layer of soil has been created to support the boreal forest ecosystem, the “North Woods” of Voyageurs National Park.

This landscape has a rich human history. The park is named for the Voyageurs – the French-Canadian canoemen who traveled these waters in their birch bark canoes from the Great Lakes to what is now the interior of the western United States and Canada. Modern voyageurs continue to ply these waters. The water, accompanying scenery, geology, and rich cultural and natural resources, gives Voyageurs its national significance, and merit its protection for the enjoyment of future generations.

Over a third water, Voyageurs is an active park that you must see from the water. Access to the Kabetogama Peninsula, islands and nearly all of the park’s shoreline is by watercraft.

The park’s naturalist programs include kids’ activities, canoe trips, boat tours, and the famous North Canoe Voyage. Join a costumed interpreter and learn about the voyageurs as you paddle a 26’ reproduction North Canoe. Free public boat ramps and parking are available at the park’s visitor centers and at the Woodenfrog State Forest Campground near Kabetogama. Watercraft rental and water taxi service are available from private outfitters and resorts at each of the park’s four gateway communities – Ash River, Crane Lake, International Falls (Rainy Lake) and Kabetogama.

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On the northern and eastern edge of Minnesota’s border, 55 miles of the park meanders along the Ontario border of Canada. Voyageurs National Park is located five hours by car from Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, three hours from Duluth, MN and four hours from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Roads approach the park from four points along U.S. Highway 53 between Duluth and International Falls. Air travelers can take advantage of the International Falls or Hibbing airports where rental cars and hotel shuttles are available. The park is open year-round with no entrance fee. The park charges a fee for overnight camping. For more information, go to www.nps.gov/voya.

Rainy Lake Visitor Center, (218) 286-5258 The visitor center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily from late May through late September. The Rainy Lake Visitor Center is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed Monday & Tuesday) from late September through December, and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed Monday & Tuesday) from January through late May. Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center, (218) 875-2111 The Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from late May - late September.

Ash River Visitor Center, (218) 374-3221 The Ash River Visitor Center is open late May - late September four days a week (Thursday - Sunday) from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call for information.

Visitor center schedules are subject to change.

Please call ahead or check the website – www.nps.gov/voya

THINGS TO DO >>

MORE INFO

Summer Naturalist Programs – All visitor centers – program schedule available on the park’s website.

Tour Boat Cruises – Program schedule available on the park’s website. Call for information or visit www.nps.gov/voya Fishing and Boating – Boating and fishing are the most common recreational uses of the park. Known as some of the best walleye and bass water in the nation, the lakes attracted sport anglers long before the park was established. A Minnesota fishing license is required and Minnesota boating regulations apply.

Canoeing and Kayaking – Even though waters are shared with powerboats, the lakes of Voyageurs National Park are large enough to provide for some solitude. Canoe and kayak trips are available through outfitters, from day-trips to journeys lasting over a week; the Kabetogama Peninsula can be circumnavigated in approximately one week.

Boats on Interior Lakes – Voyageurs provides, for $12.00 per day, canoes and/or rowboats on the following interior lakes of the Kabetogama Peninsula: Locator, Quill, Ek, Cruiser, Brown, Peary, Little Shoepack and Shoepack. Boats are available by reservation only. Reservations to use these boats can be made at www.recreation.gov. The trails leading to these interior lake boats are accessible only by water.

Water taxi service to the trails can be arranged through privately-owned outfitters and resorts.

Hiking, Skiing and Snowshoeing – The park has a variety of hiking trails accessible by boat or car. There is a hiking trail near each visitor center as well as two long distance trail systems. The park grooms two ski trails and three snowshoe trails for your enjoyment.

Camping – There are water-accessible campsites distributed throughout the park designed for either tent camping or houseboats. Designated tent sites have a mooring aid, tent pad or level area, fire ring, privy, picnic table and bear-proof food-storage locker. Houseboat sites include two mooring aids and a fire ring. See website for fees and reservation information.

Snowmobiling – Voyageurs National Park has 110 miles of groomed snowmobile trails over frozen lake surfaces. The 11 mile Chain of Lakes trail travels through the scenic interior of the park; this trail is not groomed.

Lodging Facilities – The historic Kettle Falls Hotel offers lodging within the park. Often called the “Jewel in the Wilderness”, Kettle Falls is accessible by boat and float plane. This historic 1912 hotel is a concession-operated complex that includes a dining room, bar, trading post, rooms and modern housekeeping villas. A mechanical portage allows access between Rainy and Namakan lakes (closed in winter).

Boat Tour Schedule – Schedule available on the park’s website.

Voyageurs National Park Headquarters: 360 Highway 11 East, Int’l Falls, MN 56649-8904 (218) 283-6600 • www.nps.gov/voya 9

Rainy Lake offers unparalleled scenic beauty and amazing outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors will find many options when choosing their own “Rainy Lake experience.”

Travel by motorboat, sailboat, canoe or kayak. Stay in a resort, houseboat, B & B or camp. Fish, swim, hike, watch birds and wildlife, or just explore. The expansive stretches of water and networks of bays, channels and islands are enticing to adventurers.

You can travel the U.S. portion of Rainy Lake from Ranier on the west to Kettle Falls on the east, a nice 30 mile cruise. On the Canadian side, Rainy Lake stretches north from Fort Frances to spectacular Devil’s Cascade.

Convenience stores, restaurants, resorts, air bases and houseboat companies are all accessible by car. For a breathtaking view take highway 11 east of Fort Frances to the Noden Causeway, a series of island-hopping bridges spanning the area north of Sand Bay opening up to the “North Arm.” By boat, explore a myriad of large and small bays filled with hundreds of islands.

Anglers will enjoy this fishing paradise. Rainy Lake offers world-class fishing for small mouth bass, northern pike, crappie, muskie and walleye. Fishing guides are available, or you may go on your own, using detailed lake maps and some tips from the bait shops.

There’s more to experience than one season will allow.

So come back for the great autumn colors, excellent ice fishing, fantastic snowmobiling and all that Rainy Lake has to offer!

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Voyageurs National Park Rainy Lake Visitor Center (218) 286-5258 or 888-381-2873 • www.nps.gov/voya Jan. – Mid-May, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Wed.-Sun. Mid-May – Mid-Sept., 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., daily Oct. 1–Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wed.-Sun. MID-JUNE–LABOR DAY Naturalist-led Activities – The Rainy Lake Visitor Center is 11 miles east of International Falls on Highway 11. The center tells the story of Minnesota’s only national park in displays, exhibits and naturalist-led presentations. Boat Tours – Call 888-381-2873.

Rainy Lake Bike Trail – Northern Minnesota’s most scenic bike trail begins in International Falls and ends near the Rainy Lake Visitor Center entrance to Voyageurs National Park. For bike rentals call: 1-877-RAINY-LK. Historic Gold Mines – Visit Bushyhead or Little American islands by private boat. For National Park Service tours, call 888-381-2873.

Historic Kettle Falls – Deep in the heart of Voyageurs National Park lies an historic remnant of the past — the Kettle Falls Hotel. From the end of the nearest road, it’s a boat ride of 20 miles or more to the historic hotel.

Visitors can stay and eat at the hotel that has offered meals and refreshments to its guests for over 80 years. To reach Kettle Falls, visitors can take tour boats offering various trips to the area during the summer months, or experienced boaters can reach the hotel in their own or a rented boat.

Beaches – International Falls’ City Beach is located on County Road 20, three miles east of International Falls. You will find picnic tables, grills, swings, basketball courts and a large sandy beach with a lifeguard on duty. A smaller beach without a lifeguard is also located in Ranier.

MORE INFO

Rainy Lake

THINGS TO DO >>

International Falls, Ranier & Rainy Lake CVB 301 2nd Ave., International Falls, MN 56649 800-325-5766 • www.rainylake.org

Your perfect getawaY at the end of the road!

SHA SHA RESORT

y n i a R n O

Casual Dining with a View Relax on one of our many decks with a tasty burger & our famous Long Island Teas

1.800.685.2776 | 218.286.3241

ShaShaonraInYLaKe.coM 1664 MN-11, International Falls, MN

© Capture Your Moment Photography

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Realtor Mobile: 218-240-9117

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Realtor Mobile: 218-324-3375

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Ranier is an historic little city on the bay offering a unique blend of history, art, fishing and recreational activities.

Situated on the edge of Rainy Lake and Rainy River, this resort community is only eight nautical miles from Voyageurs National Park. It was here that Native people traded furs, fish, berries and handcrafted goods with the Voyageurs and later, local merchants.

During the Prohibition era, Ranier was home to bootleggers who smuggled whiskey between Canada and the United States across the oldest cantilevered bridge in the world.

Spanning the rushing waters, the bridge, built in 1908, is still a vital link at this port of entry, the largest bulk rail port in the United States. Five import/export houses operate in Ranier.

Once raucous with saloons and bordellos, Ranier now enjoys good times in other ways. Over the years, Ranier has attracted innovative entrepreneurs, artists, writers and musicians, who cherish the quaint and lively city.

Ranier is brimming with manicured parks. It is also home to gift shops, an art gallery, a restaurant, a marine shop, pubs, an ice cream shop, tennis court, public beach, a hiking/biking trail and much more. A variety of rental properties are available to visitors.

An interesting fact you may not know: Ranier is the second largest tonnage-capacity port in the United States.

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MAY – OCTOBER Rendezvous Yacht Club – Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll enjoy sailing on Rainy Lake. Wednesday evenings, weekly Sand Bay Races. Tuesdays in June and July, community sailing from the dock in Ranier.

JULY 1 Canada Day Celebration Concert and Fireworks – Ranier Dock, Sand Bay on Rainy Lake 2 International Peace Pull – Annual event pits US/Canadian teams in a pull over the Rainy River.

AUGUST 11 Ranier Days – The little burg of Ranier gets very lively for a day with a Parade, live entertainment, food and vendor booths, games, history tours and more. Contact Ranier City Hall for more information. 218 286 3311.

24-25 Int’l Falls Bass Championship – Annual fishing tournament starts with a boat parade, also beginning today, entertainment events in Smokey Bear Park. Information 218-283-9400 MORE INFO

Ranier

THINGS TO DO >>

Ranier City Hall: 218-286-3311 or Rainy Lake CVB • 218-283-9400 www.rainylake.org • cvb@rainylake.org

Internationally Renowned

Since 1948

• On & Off Sale Liquor • Pool Table • Pull Tabs • Darts • Craft Beer • Daily Happy Hours • WiFi

877-RAINY LK

• 4 Suites – 1 & 2 BR • Wireless Internet • Bicycles, Canoe, Pedal Pontoon Boat • Long and Short Term Lodging 2065 Spruce Street Port of Ranier

The LAKEVIEW A Special Summer Residence on Rainy Lake

Lakeside Cabins • RV sites

dockage • beach Full Hookups 30 - 50 Amps Oak Avenue & Poplar Street P.O. box 2 Ranier, Mn 56668 Open May - Oct. (800) 888-5737 (218) 286-5737

DINING • LODGING & RV • BEACH • ON/OFF SALE LIQUOR • PUB • BOAT RAMP • GUIDES 13

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International Falls

International Falls is relatively young as cities go, yet very old. As a bustling modern community, it dates back over 100 years. Explorers, missionaries and Voyageurs were very familiar with the area as early as the late 1600’s. It is located on the south bank of the Rainy River, near the west end of Rainy Lake. The river forms part of the border between Minnesota and Ontario.

Visitors to International Falls will enjoy majestic scenery, wildlife, water recreation sports and world-class fishing on Rainy Lake and Rainy River. Walleyes, northern pike, smallmouth bass and crappies are popular catches.

The Falls serves as gateway to Minnesota’s only national park – Voyageurs National Park. The Park Service offers an interpretive center, naturalist-guided activities, programs, hiking opportunities, picnic areas and boat cruises.

THINGS TO DO >> May 12 – Walleye Opener in Minnesota June – August Wednesdays from 7 pm – 8:30 pm Featuring local talent gathering at the band shell in Smokey Bear Park.

June 30 – Boundary Waters Dragon Boat Festival - An International effort with teams launching from either the US or Canadian side of Rainy River to participate.

There will also be an International Tug of War over the river.

JULY 1 Our Northern neighbors celebrate with a parade & fireworks!

4 Independence Day Celebration – International Falls/Ranier. International celebrations conclude with the 4th of July fireworks on the US side, there are also parades and entertainment.

26 Crazy Days - Sales Community Wide! Sales, food vendors, entertainment, kids activities and so much more! Some stores opening at 7 a.m.

MORE INFO

AUGUST 24-26 Int’l Falls Bass Championship – The area’s largest event of the Summer! Vendors, entertainment, food & more. Cheer on sixty teams as they compete to win over $10,000 in prizes!

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SEPTEMBER 3 Labor Day: Celebrate Labor Day in Smokey Bear Park with a picnic!

Koochiching Museums – Historical Museum & Bronko Nagurski Museum. The Museums feature 10,000 years of Borderland history, native history and culture, European settlement and the utilization of the natural resources through the fur trade to modern forestry. The Bronko Nagurski Museum is a lasting tribute to this football legend. Located in Smokey Bear Park 218-283-4316.

Golf Course – The River, next to scenic Rainy River, offers an 18 hole championship golf course. The course winds through the beautiful pines and aspen and is laced with a series of streams. PGA Golf Professional, Pro Shop, restaurant, bar, practice range and more.

Tee times call 218-283-4491.

Beaches – City Beach is three miles east of International Falls on CR 20. Picnic tables, grills, swings, basketball courts, lifeguard on duty.

Waters of the Dancing Sky Scenic Byway – Hwy. 11 from Sha Sha Point on Rainy Lake to Karlstad, MN, is a scenic byway with over 47 points of interest.

Sportsmen’s Service Wildlife Museum – Wildlife collection of 100 birds and 50 animals on Hwy. 53.

218-283-2411.

International Falls, Ranier & Rainy Lake CVB • 301 Second Avenue, International Falls, MN 56649 800-325-5766 • e-mail: cvb@rainylake.org • www.rainylake.org

www.borderbobs.com 218-283-4414 Apparel, Gifts, Souvenirs, Art Gallery, Fudge, Old Fashioned Ice Cream & Much More!

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NEW TERMINAL Falls International Airport (INL) is pleased to invite citizens and visitors to the new passenger terminal dedicated in October of 2017. The new terminal with its modern look has a larger secure area with bathrooms and vending machines for your travel convenience. The facility also has a new jet bridge for passenger boarding to the SkyWest jets that serve the airport daily. We can’t wait to share the new terminal experience with you and hope you will choose to fly from the Falls International Airport soon.

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Reservations:

218-283-2002

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http://www.internationalfallsairport.com/ 3214 Second Ave. E | International Falls, MN 56649 17

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1 Block from USA /Canada Border 21

Littlefork Surrounded by the banks of the Littlefork River lies the City of Littlefork. Here you will find a small town atmosphere and local hospitality which will make you feel at home.

business relocation or expansion throughout the community. Local assistance is available through county agencies and the City of Littlefork.

Outdoor activities abound in the Littlefork area. The Little Fork and Big Fork rivers flow north to the Rainy River through many miles of wild land and provide some of the finest canoeing and fishing in Minnesota.

Littlefork offers a municipal airport with property leases available for individual hangar construction and we are twenty minutes from an international airport.

Littlefork has plenty of room for housing, starting with some breathtaking riverfront possibilities. You might be surprised just how much land and home you can get for the price, whether you rent or build.

The economic base for our area is agriculture, tourism and the timber industry. There are ample opportunities for new businesses,

Polkinghorne’s hardware & renTal “Family Owned Since 1928” Main Street, Littlefork • 278-6611

stop and shop our unique hardware store! hours: 8am-7pm Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm sat.

10am-2pm sun.

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rental hours: 8am-5pm Mon.-sat.

THINGS TO DO >> June 2 Garage Sale Day – A community-wide garage sale event.

July 6-8 Northern Minnesota District Fair – Featuring live entertainment, a rodeo, demolition derby, carnival rides, great food and so much more!

OCTOBER 19-20 Spooky Acres – A safe and fun experience for ages 11 and up.

31 Boo Boulevard – A safe and fun experience for all our young hobgoblins.

NOVEMBER 17 Community Craft Fair – This fair is sponsored

by Littlefork Community Education. Come for the food, the crafts and the holiday spirit of this annual event.

MORE INFO

Hunting is excellent whether you’re after big or small game. Vast areas of public lands provide outdoor enthusiasts unlimited opportunity to snowmobile, cross-country ski, horseback ride or just hike the beautiful old logging trails. Just minutes from Littlefork are Voyageurs National Park, Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake and the Ontario lake country.

City of Littlefork 901 Main Street, Littlefork, MN 56653-0131 218-278-6710 • www.cityoflittlefork.com

Bemidji Bemidji has long earned raves as a four-season destination for world-class hunting, fishing, bicycling, boating and snow sports. Few visitors can resist a photo with big Paul Bunyan and blue ox Babe on the shore of Lake Bemidji. But the First City on the Mississippi is also a wonderful place to call home.

Just ask the 46,000 folks who live and work in and around this big small town.

Surrounded by pristine lakes and deep forests, Bemidji is a friendly, family community with rich tradition and the right touch of hipness. It has top-tier higher education, outstanding K-12 schools, a major health care center, convenient air service, fine dining, a vibrant arts scene and the hottest commercial buzz in all of northern Minnesota.

From four-season getaways to special events and meetings, the scope of Bemidji-area tourism continues to widen. It all begins with the magic of the north woods: sparkling waters, deep forests, fall colors and starry skies. These enduring charms continue to draw families and sportsmen for unforgettable vacations.

With major highways in every direction, major bike trails, twice-daily air service and an abundance of quality lodging at hotels and resorts, Bemidji remains a destination that many people return to year after year.

Increasingly, a busy schedule of shows and conventions at the city’s events center, combined with the thriving arts scene, outstanding restaurants and eclectic shopping options, have added a new cosmopolitan dimension to its appeal. There literally is something for everybody in Bemidji, no matter the month.

THINGS TO DO >>

Mississippi Music at the Bemidji Waterfront – Every Wednesday evening during the summer months June 16 – Loop the Lake Festival June 29 - July 4 – Jaycee’s Water Carnival July 21-22 – Art in the Park August 1-4 – Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival October 5-7 – BSU Homecoming October 12-13 – Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon November 23 – Night We Light Parade Early 2019 (Date TBD) Not a yearly event – Hockey Day in Minnesota February 2019 – Minnesota Finlandia

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Welcome to Bemidji, capital of Minnesota’s beautiful north woods. Come see why our unlimited opportunity and outstanding quality of life are no longer a well-kept secret.

300 Bemidji Ave N, Bemidji, Minnesota 218 444-3541 • www.bemidji.org info@bemidji.org 23

Fort Frances Come explore the distinctive treasures of Northwoods Gallery & Gifts and bring a little bit of the area home with you!

The largest town in the Rainy River District with a population of 8,000, Fort Frances is a modern, full-service community, located on the shores of Rainy Lake and Rainy River along the Canadian-U.S. border, making it the gateway to Northwestern Ontario. The town is linked by bridge to International Falls, Minnesota.

Fort Frances is the oldest settled community west of Lake Superior, incorporated in April 1903. The community has grown and prospered in the past century.

A view of pioneer and aboriginal life, along with displays of local arts and crafts, is provided at the newly renovated Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre.

Enjoy walking along the waterfront area to the rapids where Rainy River flows into Rainy Lake. Stop at the Sorting Gap Marina and visit two historic attractions. The Lookout Tower and the logging boat Hallet. If you want a bird’s eye view of Fort Frances and International Falls climb the 115 steps of the tower and take a look. The Hallet is a 60-foot, 57-ton boat that was built in 1941 and was the largest most powerful boat on Rainy Lake until it was taken out of operation in 1974.

find us on the

GREAT CANADIAN MAIN STREET 273 SCOTT STREET, FORT FRANCES, CANADA Monday to Saturday: 10:00-5:30 10:00 5:30 pm TOLL FREE 1-866-311-3811 (807) 274-9224 info@northwoodsgalleryandgifts.ca 24

Before leaving Fort Frances, spend a few moments enjoying the breathtaking view from Noden Causeway, a series of island-hopping bridges just seven kilometers east of town on Highway 11.

THINGS TO DO >> June 30 – International Border Waters Dragon Boat Festival

Museum & Cultural Centre – Located in one of the town’s oldest buildings — a school house built in 1898

July 1 Canada Day - Join in the festivities taking place!

Pither’s Point Park and Big Chair – On beautiful Rainy Lake. Swimming, baseball diamonds, large open fields, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits make the park fun for the whole family. Pither’s Point Park also serves as a campground for RV’s and tents.

July 19-21 Canadian Bass Tournament – www.canadianbass.com. For a complete up-to-date listing, please call the Fort Frances Chamber at 800-820-3678.

August 3- 5 Borderland Quarter Horse Show - The Borderland Quarter Horse Association invites you to come out and watch competitors show their horses in this American Quarter Horse Association sanctioned show.

August 16-18 – RRVAS Fall Fair – A whole weekend’s worth of quality family entertainment! This is one of the largest Fairs in the area, with livestock exhibits, Queen and Mini King & Queen Contest, A Fashion Show, Equipment Displays, Horse and Cattle Shows, Dabber Bingo, A Parade, Petting Zoo and lots of entertainment on the small stage featuring an excellent live band.

MORE INFO

September 20-22 – Rainy River Walleye Tournament

LaVerendrye Parkway – The waterfront along Rainy River offers a great view and peaceful atmosphere while you walk, jog, in-line skate or bike down the twomile cobblestone walkway. Handicap accessible.

Heron Landing Golf Course – This beautifully-groomed course and unbeatable scenery, make a round of golf well worth the trip to the Heron Landing Golf Course, just 2 km east of Fort Frances on Couchiching First Nation Reserve.

Kitchen Creek Golf Club – Rated one of the best 18 hole golf courses in Northwestern Ontario.

Rainy Lake Mermaid – In Silver Island Narrows, near Copenhagen Island, the Mermaid watches over the comings and goings of the lake.

Ft. Frances Chamber of Commerce: 1-800-820-3678 Ontario Tourism Office: 1-807-274-7566

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Lake of the Woods (Baudette)

People travel from all over the world to fish, hunt and explore Lake of the Woods. Walleyes get most of the attention, after all, this is The Walleye Capital of the World. This prolific fishery is also loaded with smallmouth bass, pike, muskies, lake sturgeon, jumbo perch and monster crappies. Whatever your taste, if you enjoy the outdoors, Lake of the Woods should be on your list.

If you enjoy hunting and wildlife, the area has literally thousands of acres of public lands. Bird hunters enjoy the variety of waterfowl that call this area home as well as migrate through. Puddle ducks, divers and geese are prevalent.

Located in the north woods of Minnesota where there may be as many deer as people, finding a variety of good food is not hard to come by. A fresh fish fry or two should be on the list. There is nothing like fresh walleye, fried potatoes, beans and fresh bread. Some resorts cook up your days catch and provide all of the fixings. Try locally grown wild rice. Maybe some freshly prepared prime rib, a homemade pizza or a half pound burger basket. Top it off with homemade ice cream or some fresh raspberries and blueberries.

A word of advice when you come up, bring your appetite for fresh walleye, a good camera and a hankering for adventure!

For more information on lodging, fishing and other activities at Lake of the Woods, go to www.lakeofthewoodsMN.com.

THINGS TO DO >> Hiking and Bike Trails – Zippel Bay State Park The Beltrami Island State Forest – Thousands of acres of wilderness to enjoy and is crisscrossed with graveled roads.

Timber Mill Community Park – One-mile east of Baudette on the north side of State Highway 11.

Opens July 4.

Wildlife Watching – The Waters of the Dancing Sky Scenic Byway follows the Minnesota/ Canadian border over 200 miles!

Swimming Areas – Zippel Bay State Park offers swimmers a two-mile stretch of sandy beach, with safe shallow waters.

County Museum – Open May – September, the County Museum features history of the area, the native cultures, the great forest fire of 1910, and special exhibits of the area.

Four Seasons of Fun! – The area Drifters Club maintains over 500 miles of groomed snowmobile trails throughout northern Minnesota.

Cross Country Skiing – Zippel Bay State Park maintains 10K of groomed trails during the winter.

JUNE 1-2 6th Annual Girls Gone Fishing Walleye Tournament – at Riverbend’s Resort JUNE - AUGUST “Fresh Start” Farmer’s Market – Visit nearly 50 vendors offering homemade, handcrafted, and locally grown products.

JULY 4 Old Fashioned July 4th Celebration 6

MTT Tournament

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Masters Walleye Circuit

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Pay it Forward / Walleye Fest 2018

SEPTEMBER 5 National Walleye Tour

LakeoftheWoodsMN.com 800.382.FISH (3474)

@lakeofthewoodsmn

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@WalleyeCapital

@WalleyeCapital

@WalleyeCapital

MORE INFO

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MN Tournament Trail Championship

Lake of the Woods Tourism 930 W. Main Hwy. 11 West, Baudette, MN 56623 Fishing Hotline: 1-800-382-FISH (3474) www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

We are proud members of the InternatIonal falls CommunIty.

VIsItIng the area?

Come shop here Where you WIll be treated lIke famIly.

MEat DEpartMEnt

proDuCE

Fresh meats cut daily and our own “Smokehouse” meats.

EsprEsso LanE CoffEE shop Coffees, Lattes, Cocoas, Teas & More.

Free internet access.

Lunch specials, take out or sit and relax.

Use our In-store ATM

Highway 11-71 West International Falls, MN 283-8440

Large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

DELi

Meats, Cheeses, Salads.

Lunch & Supper Specials.

Try Our Famous Fried Chicken!

BakEry

From Breads to Donuts we bake it fresh every day.

Your only locally-owned Supermarket for over 50 years.

Visit our website ebsite at superoneifalls.com super

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