International Falls Is Minnesota's Most Charming Border Town

Minnesota is full of small towns with big character. They have charming restaurants, lovely scenery, and great people. You can expect to find them no matter which road you travel down. The towns sprout up along lake shores and on river banks, on the edges of forests and in the middle of vast grasslands. We’ve covered many of those small towns, but there is still one region of Minnesota that hasn’t gotten its share of attention.

The communities that dot Minnesota’s border with Canada may be as far north as you can get in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but they are worth the drive. In particular, International Falls is one border town that is just too charming for words. What does the Icebox of the Nation – so named because of its frigid temperatures – offer that makes it so charming? Read on to find out.

Located just about 300 miles from the Twin Cities, a drive to International Falls would easily take up the better part of a day.

But that's why you plan to stay for at least an entire weekend. There's a lot to do to occupy your time there.

For one thing, it sits at the entrance of Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota's only national park.

If you love to get out on the boat, you won't find any wilderness much more pristine than it is at Voyageurs.

Or if driving is more your thing, you can hop on the Waters of the Dancing Sky Scenic Byway. This will give you an unforgettable tour of Northern Minnesota near the border.

There's plenty to do in town, too. International Falls has a thriving Main Street full of local businesses.

One must-stop attraction? Border Bob's. Calling itself the last building in the U.S., this place is sure to have the souvenir you're looking for.

And don't forget to eat at the famous Chocolate Mousse. It's possible that everyone who's ever visited International Falls has eaten here.

A lot of visitors make a stop at the Smokey Bear Park. It's a fun place for a quick stop to stretch your legs and see the giant Smokey statue.

International Falls also has many events throughout the year. These bring people out even when it's cold.

*Especially* in the cold. The annual Icebox Days festival celebrates the city's reputation as the Icebox of the Nation.

The celebration features a 5K, frozen turkey bowling, a boot hockey tournament, and more.

Have you ever been to International Falls? What’s your favorite thing to do there? Do you have another favorite border town? Let us know! If you’re interested in more charming towns in Minnesota, check out the little town in Minnesota that just might be the most unique town in the world.

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The Minnesota Border Town That Is Too Charming For Words

Betsy Rathburn

Author

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