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Hospitality Excellence Award Nominations Now Open

A promotional flyer for the 2026 Hospitality Excellence Award, featuring gold and white text on a dark blue background with a gold seal, announces nomination and event details for International Falls, Rainier & Rainy Lake, Minnesota. | Rainy Lake, MN

Hospitality Excellence Award nominations are now open for the International Falls, Ranier, and Rainy Lake area. This award recognizes someone who helps visitors, customers, and residents feel welcome through outstanding […]

Rainy Lake Fishing “Cheat Sheet”

Four people in winter clothing kneel on a frozen Minnesota lake, smiling and holding several fish each. More fish are arranged on the ice in front of them, with two off-road vehicles parked nearby—an unforgettable day on Rainy Lake. | Rainy Lake, MN

This Rainy Lake fishing guide gives anglers a quick look at popular fish species, seasonal tips, handling reminders, and record catches in the Rainy Lake and Rainy River area. Use […]

Wildlife in Northern Minnesota

A common loon with black-and-white plumage floats on calm green water in Minnesota’s Rainy Lake, with a blurred green background. | Rainy Lake, MN

Northern Minnesota wildlife is one of the best reasons to slow down and explore the Rainy Lake area. Around Rainy Lake and Voyageurs National Park, visitors may spot whitetail deer, […]

15 Must See Stops Heading North on Highway 53

A large yellow mining dump truck is parked outdoors on gravel near Rainy Lake, Minnesota. Four people, including two children, stand by the truck, highlighting its massive size beneath a cloudy sky. | Rainy Lake, MN

Planning your drive north? These Highway 53 stops make the trip to the Rainy Lake area more memorable, especially if you have time for scenic detours, historic sites, museums, overlooks, […]

Keep It Clean

A snow-covered frozen lake at sunrise or sunset on Rainy Lake, Minnesota, features an ice fishing hut, a snowmobile, and an ATV. Tire and track marks crisscross the snow as distant trees line the horizon. | Rainy Lake, MN

Ice Fishing Season Is Here on Rainy Lake — Let’s Keep It Clean As winter settles in across the Rainy Lake area, anglers head back onto the ice. For many, […]

Boat Landing Accesses on Rainy Lake

A scenic lakeside view of Rainy Lake in Minnesota, with a partly cloudy sky, trees and greenery along the shore, and a parking lot with several cars in the foreground. | Rainy Lake, MN

Looking for Rainy Lake boat landings before your next trip? This guide highlights public boat launch access points around Rainy Lake, including landings near International Falls, Ranier, Black Bay, Tilson […]

Icebox Days

Logo for the 46th Annual Icebox Days in International Falls, Minnesota, featuring large icy blue text with icicles and a frosty background. The year 2026 appears in the design, highlighting Minnesota’s chilly charm near Rainy Lake. | Rainy Lake, MN

What Is Icebox Days? Icebox Days is International Falls’ signature winter festival, celebrating the city known as the “Icebox of the Nation.” Each year, the event brings together winter games, […]

Winter Fun on Rainy Lake: 6 Outdoor Activities

A person snowshoes uphill through a snowy Minnesota forest with sunlight streaming through tall, snow-covered pine trees under a clear blue sky. | Rainy Lake, MN

Rainy Lake winter activities give visitors plenty of ways to enjoy the season outdoors. Once the lake freezes, the area becomes a destination for ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, […]