Things to Do - Minnesota Vacations | Family Fun in the Rainy Lake International Falls Area

Summer
fishing, friends & fun in the sun abound on rainy lake.

There are many attractions to see and fun things to do year round throughout our area, on land and water, beginning with a visit to Voyageurs National Park. Voyageurs National Park was established because of the spectacular scenery, rich natural resources and vibrant history of this historic waterway. The Park Service offers regularly scheduled guided boat tours, canoe trips and much more at both the Rainy Lake and Kabetogama Visitor Centers. From fishing to snowmobiling, the Rainy Lake area offers activities in all four seasons for the whole family.

World Class summer Fishing

Summer: when the temperatures and fishing on Rainy Lake really begin to heat up. The borderland has long been a favorite Midwest fishing vacation spot for Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and Crappie. During the summer as the water warms up, walleye and other species of fish make their way towards the reefs or deepest parts of Rainy Lake in search of food. 

Canoeing and Kayaking

Our National Park is named Voyageurs in honor of the fur trade era laborers that paddled the water routes deep into North America. Exploring Voyageurs by canoe or kayak will bring you up-close and personal with the scenery and vibrant history of the Park.

Camping

Voyageurs National Park allows tent camping on islands throughout the park and there are houseboat mooring sites as well. You are best off to contact the National Park Service regarding camping within the park, the Rainy Lake Visitor Center phone number is (218) 286-5258.

Motorcycling

The Waters of the Dancing Sky Scenic Byway begins on Rainy Lake and then extends west through the beautiful Rainy River Valley. Koochiching County also features miles of low-traffic, high scenic value paved roads. Stop by our office while you are here, we can highlight some great rides.  ​

Houseboating

Check out Minnesota houseboat vacations on Rainy Lake in Voyageurs National Park – the only inland water-based park in the National Park System. Access fishing, swimming and counting the stars right from the water.

Fall
Let us lure you in once & You'll be hooked.

World Class fall Fishing

The arrival of fall brings changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and great fishing in to the borderland. Rainy Lake has long been a favorite Midwest fishing vacation spot for Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and Crappie. During this time of year, follow the fish as they migrate into shallower areas of Rainy Lake. 

Snowmobiling & ATV

In season, ATV riders can explore forestry roads and trails from one end of the county to the other. In the winter, sledders will find hundreds of miles of groomed trails that can include the winter beauty and solitude of Rainy Lake, both from the frozen surface of the lake and overland portages.

Hunting

There are vast tracts of public land in Koochiching County with an extensive system of forestry roads that provide access to the public for hunting. Common big game hunts in our county are black bear and whitetail deer with archery and firearms seasons in the fall. Small game in our area generally involves grouse or squirrel hunting.

Dining

International Falls offers a variety of restaurants, from ice cream parlors to coffee shops to pubs to family dining establishments. Who's hungry?!

CROSSING THE BORDER

Why not make it a two-nation vacation while you are here. Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada is only separated from International Falls and Ranier by the width of the Rainy River. Please do visit our neighbors to the north, it is a distinctly different country where you will find the people friendly and the dining and shopping options truly different.

Winter
Brave the cold to experience the beauty.

Snowmobiling & ATV

In season, ATV riders can explore forestry roads and trails from one end of the county to the other. In the winter, sledders will find hundreds of miles of groomed trails that can include the winter beauty and solitude of Rainy Lake, both from the frozen surface of the lake and overland portages.

Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing

Voyageurs National Park is home to excellent cross-country ski and snowshoeing trails. This is an incredible way to experience the serene beauty of Rainy Lake. Leading deep into the backcountry of the park, you never know what kind of wildlife you might see. The best part? Free ski & snowshoe rental is available at Voyageurs National Park Rainy Lake Visitors Center! Pack some warm clothes and a thirst for adventure, they will supply the rest!

Ice Fishing

Rainy Lake is known across the country for it's great fishing. For this reason, we have countless visitors from thousands of miles book a yearly trip to this area. When the ice conditions are good, our frozen lake is speckled with hundreds of ice-fishing shelters. It's hard to beat the feeling of sitting around a warm stove, waiting to hook into a beautiful walleye or Northern pike. If you're looking for something a little different, one of our local favorites is tip-up fishing. Whether you're five or fifty years old, the excitement you feel watching a flag pop up never goes away. Our planning experts can help you plan your trip if you've never experienced fishing quite like this.

Spring
the air is fresh, the grass is green, the sun is warm & the fishing's great.

Hiking, Biking and More

Hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking are also some fun outdoor activities to enjoy. The area has also become a choice location for birding. Touring historic sites, enjoying scenic drives and golfing along Rainy River are also popular summer recreations. There are also several unique shops in the area for souvenirs, antiques.
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The Rainy Lake Recreation Trail follows the south shore of Rainy River and then Rainy Lake east from International Falls to the Rainy Lake visitor Center for Voyageurs National Park. The paved trail takes you through lakeside residential areas and forested highlands a distance of about 12 miles.

World Class spring Fishing

Because Rainy Lake and Rainy River are border waters, there is an extended walleye season allowing for the latest season ice fishing on Rainy Lake and the earliest open water fishing on Rainy River...and don't forget about our legendary lake sturgeon flowing through Rainy River this time of year! Spring fishing on Rainy Lake and Rainy River has something to offer every angler. 

Birding

The Rainy Lake and Voyageurs National Park area provide excellent opportunities for birders. Our widely varied habitat is within the flyways for hundreds of species of migrating birds. There are well adapted species that winter here as well.

Shopping

See all that International Falls has to offer. From coffee shops to pizza, and bath bombs to apparel, the Rainy Lake area has something for everyone on your shopping list!

Explore Rainy Lake

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