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My favorite photos from the Rainy Lake area of Minnesota

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Here are some of my favorite photos from around my home, International Falls and Rainy Lake, Minnesota

Just browse, you might enjoy the photos, and pick up a tad of information along the way.

The photo you are looking at was taken at the city dock in Ranier, just east of International Falls, it was used in a statewide distribution scenic calendar for 2009. Although the photo was shot in November, before ice-up on Rainy Lake, the publishers used the photo for the month of February.

Photos in this collection have been used in various lenses about Rainy Lake, International Falls, Ranier and Voyageurs National Park. Just scroll down and you will visit a fair amount of northern Minnesota throughout the four seasons.

Baby the Rain Must Fall

type=textAbout 30 motorcyclists passed through International Falls on their way to the annual Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota. They were taking advantage of the Waters of the Dancing Sk\y Scenic Byway while heading west. Unfortunately, on this particular day, we were hit with monsoon like rains. Fortunately, it lasted less than an hour and cleared up quickly afterward.
Ranier summer Festival 2011

Adoptable Dog in the annual "Dog Parade"  

And more photos from the Ranier Summer Festival

August 12, 2011

Yes, the parade starts out going to the dogs! Dog owners proudly walk their costumed pets. It's a good thing volunteers also parade the adoptable dogs in the area.

Yes, the parade starts out going to the dogs! Dog owners proudly walk their costumed pets. It's a good thing volunteers also parade the adoptable dogs in the area.

Yes, the parade starts out going to the dogs! Dog owners proudly walk their costumed pets. It's a good thing volunteers also parade the adoptable dogs in the area.
Typical dog walker
Color Guard leads the regular parade
Grand Poobah
And Grand Marshall
Free will offering hot dogs to support the dog pound! It was a good day, people were very generous.
Got to have some classic transportation!
Kids love this form of transportation, the Ranier Train.
Russ's grandkids enjoyed this ride
No dunes in Ranier....but there's a dune buggy?

Field and Stream

type=textFlip to page 44 of the May issue, and you'll find an article featuring International Falls and Rainy Lake. I'd direct you to their website to read the article, but for some reason, it is not on their web??? The article promotes the world class multi-species fishing on Rainy Lake and several local hot spots to take in. Thanks Field and Stream!

This is me

This is a shot of me modeling a hoodie designed to promote our area. International Falls is the "Icebox of the Nation" and while not really the coldest spot in the U.S., it is probably the most well known cold spot. The hoodie notes the record low of 55 degrees below zero F. If you'd like one, I know how to get you in contact with the folks selling them. Email me at cvb@rainylake.org

Incidentally, the sweatshirts are oxford gray in color, but the snow and sunlight has thrown the color balance off, giving the hoodie a blueish tint. Notice how the light has also made my beard appear white. Go figure. Also, I happen to be standing in front of a welcome runners sign, as the area is preparing for the 31st annual 10K Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run.

Early on a frosty morn'  

Smokey Bear is our city mascot!

type=textHere, Smokey dons a safety vest and hard hat to celebrate 100 years of paper making at the Boise mill in International Falls. Smokey was erected in 1954 and has been greeting visitors ever since. The statue is there to remind everyone of the importance of forest fire prevention. The regional economy is highly dependent on the forest products industry. Smokey has more seasonal gear and is a popular photo opportunity. Check the photo gallery below. The reason for the fishing vest is the International Falls Bass Championship held in late August every year.

I have opted not to have the photos rotate so if you want to see a bigger picture, click on the thumbnail and it will replace the large image.

Fun with Smokey Bear

Smokey became the symbol of forest fire protection in 1945, making him 65 years old. Should he retire?

Smokey became the symbol of forest fire protection in 1945, making him 65 years old. Should he retire?

Smokey became the symbol of forest fire protection in 1945, making him 65 years old. Should he retire?
Visitors take advantage of the photo op.
Smokey Bear Park fills with family fun every August during the International Falls Bass Championship.
Smokey ready for angling
Smokey, where's your wool coat? Yes, he wears a buffalo check red plaid wool coat most of the winter.
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Big Vic 

And then there's his twin.

type=textVic greets visitors to Ranier, just a couple miles east of International Falls. Big Louie is Vic's twin. They began life as part of a land management protest on Rainy Lake. Vic took up residence in Ranier after the dispute. Louie ended up outside the Lakeside View Restaurant in Barnum, Minnesota, just south of Cloquet on I-35. Stop in and say hi to Louie if you're ever passing by. Vic and Louie are 30 foot tall Voyageurs, the term used for the French Canadian laborers that carried furs east and trade-goods west. Using huge North Canoes, the Voyageurs would paddle and portage all day for months.

Photo; courtesy Lakeside View Restaurant

Who doesn't like Fall Colors

again, click to enlarge and rotate.

I like Rainy Lake/Voyageurs National Park

type=textRainy Lake is part of Minnesota's only National Park, Voyageurs, created to showcase the natural beauty of the area. Rainy Lake has an interesting history that includes being part of the major waterway used by the Voyageurs, being the site of a late 1800's gold rush, and being one of the best walleye, northern pike and smallmouth bass fisheries in the state. The photos show the beauty of our area. My thanks to Elisa Winterland for the use of some of her great summer fun photos.

Click to enlarge and rotate.

"The Voyageur" a 49 passenger tour boat for Voyageurs National Park.

"The Voyageur" a 49 passenger tour boat for Voyageurs National Park.

"The Voyageur" a 49 passenger tour boat for Voyageurs National Park.
Gold mine shaft on Bushyhead Island, the only horizontal shaft in the gold mine district.
Foggy Day
Foggy Dock
Looking west from the seaplane dock just below the Ranier Rapids
Looks like fun, could be dangerous, courtesy Elisa Winterland
Visitors arrive at Little American Island to tour the defunct gold mine
I call this "Jump in the Lake" courtesy Elisa Winterland
Voyageurs National Park participates in the Ranier Days celebration by providing north canoe rides.
Some equipment from the head frame of the gold Mine on Little American Island

So, why Rainy Lake?

No, it doesn't rain all the time, another lens tells the history of the name, and examines the sometimes confusing and amusing collection of lake names in Minnesota
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“If you are not the lead dog, the scenery never changes.”

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Photo courtesy Tom Walter  

Wilderness equals Wildlife

type=textExtensive forestland around International Falls provides habitat for all sorts of wildlife, making the area a wildlife watchers dream. There are birding checklists and suggested routes availble through the International Falls, Rainy Lake and Ranier Convention and Visitors Bureau. Call them at 1-800-325-5766. As this photo suggests, some wildlife is not bothered by human activity at all.

An extensive network of forestry and secondary roads in Koochiching County can bring you through many types of habitat, and during migration season, there are birds all over.

Click to enlarge and rotate

Three does in a freshly mowed field.

Three does in a freshly mowed field.

Three does in a freshly mowed field.
look under the pine bough, there's a ruffed grouse
Moose in Voyageurs National Park. Photo courtesy VNP
The state bird, the loon.
The national bird, the bald eagle.
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You just don't see this every day!  

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This, you could probably see every day. 

Beam me up?

Some logging operations deliver wood to the Boise paper mill already chipped and loaded into vans. To empty the van, the whole truck is tipped on a huge hydraulic lift. Chips move from the delivery/process center, shown here, to the mill through an overhead pipeline.

Winter can be beautiful.

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Winter 2010

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International Falls crews string lights on a Christmas Tree set up at the end of 3rd Street, adjacent to the Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitors Bureau offices. The next four photos are courtesy of Janine Burtness of the CVB.

International Falls crews string lights on a Christmas Tree set up at the end of 3rd Street, adjacent to the Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitors Bureau offices. The next four photos are courtesy of Janine Burtness of the CVB.

International Falls crews string lights on a Christmas Tree set up at the end of 3rd Street, adjacent to the Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitors Bureau offices. The next four photos are courtesy of Janine Burtness of the CVB.
Every year, the Mann's give horse-drawn rides as the holiday season kicks off.
Okay, a scene from "A Christmas Story" it's not, but it is a nice shot of downtown International Falls.
The Chamber/CVB offices decorations.
Santa is always a big hit.
Looking west down the Rainy River.
Smokey in buffalo check cruiser jacket.
snowy trees along the waterfront.
snowy trees
even more snowy trees.
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St. Thomas Aquinas Church  

A Historic Building!

type=textThe most common question in International Falls is: "So, where's the falls?" and the answer could be; "Go look at St. Thomas."

Industrialist Edward W. Backus forged ahead with civilization, damming the Rainy River just below the falls and harnessing the tremendous water power. Rock quarried from the falls was used to construct the church.

The photo to the right shows hoar frost on bare trees near the south end of the church in January of 2010.

I can't resist this!

A painter got the contract to paint the steeple on his church. Wanting to save his congregation as much as possible, he bought just enough paint to do the job. However, halfway through, he realized he had miscalculated and would not have enough paint. Resourceful soul that he was, he thinned the remaining paint until he had enough and finished the job.

He put away his ladders and stepped back to admire his job and was horrified to see the steeple was two distinctly different shades. The painter turned his head to heaven and asked: "Oh God, what will I do now?" Just then, clouds broke and the sun burst through as a voice boomed out from the sky and said; "Repaint, and stop your thinning."

Sorry.

Payback here

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Quirky Art?

Click to enlarge and rotate

Sculpture outside Rainy River Community College

Sculpture outside Rainy River Community College

Sculpture outside Rainy River Community College

Basshenge?

type=textTravel a little west, and you'll see "Basshenge" a roadside artwork that was the dream of Joseph Gustafeste. Various sized bass violins were cut from sheet steel and mounted on concrete pillars in a rough circle, kind of like Stonehenge. This quirky roadside art can be found on the north side of Highway 11 just east of Birchdale.

If you spot Basshenge, just a little further down the road will be the turn to Franz Jevne State Park. If you have never hiked there, you should, there are great views of the Long Sault rapids.

“Holy Cow!”

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Hay Man?  

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Requires no comment, or explanation.  

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Rainy Indeed!

The above photos were snapped on July 1, 2010, following an early morning downpour that overwhelmed the storm sewer system. It took an hour, perhaps more, to drain from the streets. As you can see, passenger cars couldn't make it through, but an 18-wheeler had no problem.

Click to Enlarge and Rotate

Pat Roche Access

Pat Roche Access

Pat Roche Access
Stretching the rope
Gettin' ready
First, the National Anthem
Get Ready
Pull!
Pull harder!
Ah Victory
And Again!
And a reaction

International Tug of War

International Falls is just across the Rainy River from Fort Frances, Ontario. So, why not stage a tug of war over the river? Above is a look at the 2010 event. A 1200 foot rope stretches from the Sorting Gap Marina in Fort Frances to the Pat Roche Access in International Falls. Each team sings their national anthem, then gets organized and at the starters call, it's pull, pull, pull!

For 2010, the International Falls team managed a win, this year, the Canadians took the trophy and the event is set for the same time next year. The tug of war has grown to include a celebrity tug with the US team featuring quite a few Viking football players past and present. This has started to draw national attention in each country, so does that qualify as international attention?

The Tug of War is scheduled to coincide with the July 1, Canada Day and July 4, Independence Day celebrations.

Grousing About

click to enlarge and rotate.

Hunter walking trail

Hunter walking trail

Hunter walking trail
Original port-a-potty
Dead end spurs off of national forest roads are marked with an alphabetical addition to the road number.
The lost 40 is not lost, merely remote.
National forest road.
Miit Lake Creek
Huh????
Glove Lake
Sign of fall.
Big Fork River.

What the???

type=textIn the above photos, you take a little trip around the southwest corner of Koochiching County. This is also the far northwest corner of the Chippewa National forest. As you check the photos, note that the Forest Service has devised a system to keep a record of just when safety signage was installed. I can't make heads or tails of it, and the reason for keeping this record escapes me as well.

The photo above shows the Peter Fussy marker. Peter died of a heart attack at this spot along Caldwell Brook in 1979 and his family erected this marker in his memory. It has been there and maintained for 31 years now.

Many of the photos in this lens were shot for use in other lenses. For instance, the gallery below is made up of photos shot in 2009 for a lens on ruffed grouse hunting. My friend Ron "Willburr" Wilcox tagged along and got some of the shots for me.

Click to enlarge and rotate.

Hunter walking trails in Koochiching County, Minnesota.

Hunter walking trails in Koochiching County, Minnesota.

Hunter walking trails in Koochiching County, Minnesota.
This is me.
This is Ron Wilcox.
Forestry road with several walking trails branching off.
The Galvin Line is a key forestry road.
Nice trail.
High bush cranberries, ruffed grouse love 'em.
An old forestry road that is somewhat overgrown and might as well be called a walking trail now.
It was a good year for various berry bushes.
Aspen regrowth is a favored habitat for ruffed grouse.

Want to see the lens? click here!

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Cool Photo?  

Signs of the times, and other place you might recognize.

click to enlarge and rotate.

Wildwood/Plum Creek town hall, east of Northome and south of Gemmell.

Wildwood/Plum Creek town hall, east of Northome and south of Gemmell.

Wildwood/Plum Creek town hall, east of Northome and south of Gemmell.
Trestle Lake, south of Big Falls.
Wirt Lake, near...you guessed it, Wirt.
Lindford Free Church
Picnic area at Keuffner's Landing, Big Fork River.
View from the seaplane dock on Rainy River.
Rainy Lake Bike Trail
Ray Janz Fishing Pier, Rainy River, International Falls.
Spruce Lake, near the Noma Lake Campground
Phonebox Corner

Koochiching County Veterans Memorial

The landscaping was completed this spring. The memorial honors all Koochiching County Veterans of all eras and services.

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Veterans Memorial 

Having Fun?

Here's a link to a lens with plenty of photos and suggestions of things to see and do in the area of Rainy Lake.
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Click to enlarge and rotate.

Visitors are often interested in seeing Tamarack, a hardwood that turns color and sheds leaves that mimic pine needles. In the fall, they add some great color, and in the spring when they green up again, the hue of green is distinct and quite beautiful.

Visitors are often interested in seeing Tamarack, a hardwood that turns color and sheds leaves that mimic pine needles. In the fall, they add some great color, and in the spring when they green up again, the hue of green is distinct and quite beautiful.

Visitors are often interested in seeing Tamarack, a hardwood that turns color and sheds leaves that mimic pine needles. In the fall, they add some great color, and in the spring when they green up again, the hue of green is distinct and quite beautiful.
A young oak many years from being mighty.
Caldwell Brook
Caldwell Brook
Dinner Creek
Dinner Creek
Tilson Bay Ski Trail, a great hike with wildlife watching possibilities.
See the Deer?
See them any better here,
Cause after this shot, they are gone!

Woods and Water!

The Rainy Lake region is blessed with abundant woodlands and waterways. Voyageurs National Park was established to showcase the pristine wilderness quality of Rainy Lake. Nearly all of Koochiching County is within the Pine Island, Koochiching or Smokey Bear State Forests. For those wondering, the name of our county is pronounced Koo-Cha-Ching.

Click to enlarge and rotate.

Turn here to visit the Voyageurs National Park Rainy Lake Visitor Center.

Turn here to visit the Voyageurs National Park Rainy Lake Visitor Center.

Turn here to visit the Voyageurs National Park Rainy Lake Visitor Center.
View from the Visitor Center grounds looking southwest.
Black Bay on Rainy Lake
Picnic area
Rainy Lake Visitor Center.

Art Photos?

Over the years, grants have helped pay to have historic and decorative murals painted in Downtown International Falls. One at the intersection of third street and third avenue depicts the historic Iltis Drug Store, an early 1900's Independence Day celebration and Edward W. Backus standing in front of his "City of Destiny" vision for International Falls. Another tells visitors that Rainy lake is just east of town on Highway 11, and suggests Rainy Lake is full of fish. (which is true) Naturally, there is an elk on the side of the Elks Club building. The Border Theatre is depicted on the wall of the building that used to abutt the theatre. Do you remember seeing movies in the Border or Grand? You'll get a chance to tell me about it, there will be a comments section below.

Click to enlarge and rotate.

The Voyageur

The 49 passenger tour boat launched in 2009. The National Park Service provided free public tours for her maiden voyages in September.

Click to enlarge and rotate

photo essay courtesy Ron "Willburr" Wilcox

Want to go on a VNP tour?

This lens will take you on a boat tour of Voyageurs National Park to the Gold Mining district on Rainy Lake, yes, Gold Mining!
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Enjoy? Check Back

I have literally thousands of photos to sort and resize for this lens. If you enjoyed this visit, check back again, as I will update it as time permits.

Enjoy the photos? Let me know here!

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Here's more information and photos

International Falls, Rainy Lake and Ranier are featured!
This website will have events listings, lodging options and more.
Do you know where the Lost 40 is?
It's not lost, it is remote though, and a very cool point of interest in the Chippewa National Forest.
The High Falls on the Vermilion River offer great photo ops!
Here's a little description of a day trip from International Falls to Vermilion Falls, about 70 miles south east.
You can find your way in the woods, even after you've lost your GPS
A quick look at the land description/survey markers that can help you determine where you are.

Please do provide your feedback!

  • TheLittleCardShop Feb 8, 2012 @ 6:31 pm | delete
    Hi Pete, ow I know why these photos are your favorite. They are lovely and Rainy Lake area looks so pretty :)
  • charmilbrettdotcom Feb 5, 2012 @ 1:14 pm | delete
    Beautiful. My Painting with Acrylic lens includes some paintings I did of Rainy Lake for the Arts for the Parks competition...
  • MareeT Jan 5, 2012 @ 9:20 pm | delete
    Love seeing these photos and Basshenge was really cool!
  • sukkran Dec 28, 2011 @ 9:12 am | delete
    wow. stunning pictures. really enjoyed my visit. thanks.
  • davespeed Dec 20, 2011 @ 4:32 pm | delete
    Hi, Pete! I live in Alabama where we wonder how you good people can possibly live in such a cold place, just as I'm sure you folks wonder how we down here can possibly tolerate such terrible heat! Enjoyed your photos. All the best.
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PeteSchultz

My name is Pete Schultz and I work for the International Falls, Ranier and Rainy Lake Convention and Visitors bureau. The job has allowed me to experi... more »

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