On the Canadian-U.S. border, International Falls is a major gateway to Canada and a resting spot for travelers heading to Voyageurs National Park. This large park (218,000 acres/88,250 hectares) contains a network of lakes that once formed part of the primary fur-trade route in North America (it adjoins the lakes contained in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness). Today, the park offers camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Facilities and services include snowmobile trails, guided tours, boat ramps, boat and canoe rentals, a store and lodging. Backcountry-use permits are required for overnight trips. If you can do nothing else, we recommend a canoe tour. The park is best seen from the water.
While in International Falls, make time to visit the nearby Grand Mound Interpretive Center. This large burial mound is one of five in the area that date back 2,500 years. It contains remains from the Laurel people, who lived in the area up to AD 800. International Falls is 245 mi/395 km north of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
