Overview
Falls (International Falls), Minnesota, sits on the northern edge of the United States, right on the Canadian border across the Rainy River from Fort Frances, Ontario. Nicknamed the "Icebox of the Nation" for its famously cold winters, it's best known as the gateway to Voyageurs National Park, a vast wilderness of interconnected lakes, forest and islands. It's a small, characterful destination that suits travellers after genuine wilderness, watersports and dark-sky scenery rather than a big-city break.
Best time to fly to Falls
Late spring through early autumn (May to September) brings the mildest weather and full access to Voyageurs National Park for boating, fishing and hiking. Winter is bitterly cold but rewards visitors with ice fishing, snowmobiling and some of the best Northern Lights viewing in the contiguous US, away from light pollution. Shoulder months often bring quieter airports and better value fares — check the When to book chart above for current pricing trends.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights to Falls from the UK, and none are likely given the size of the destination. The realistic route is to fly from London (or another UK city) to Minneapolis-St Paul (MSP), a hub served nonstop from Heathrow by Delta, with other UK–US carriers connecting via hubs such as Chicago. From MSP, a short regional flight operated by United Express covers the final leg into Falls International Airport, typically taking around 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes. All told, door-to-door journeys from the UK usually run 12–15 hours including the connection.
Things to do in Falls
Falls is compact, but its surrounding wilderness and border-town character give visitors plenty to explore:
- Voyageurs National Park: a boat-access park of lakes, islands and boreal forest, superb for kayaking, fishing and stargazing.
- Rainy Lake: the region's main waterway, popular for boating, houseboat holidays and fishing trips.
- Grand Mound History Center: ancient Native American burial mounds beside the Rainy River, among the largest prehistoric earthworks in the Upper Midwest.
- Smokey Bear Park: a quirky roadside stop with a giant Smokey Bear statue, popular for photos.
- Koochiching County Historical Museum: local exhibits on the fur trade, logging heritage and frontier history.
At Falls International Airport (INL)
Falls International Airport is a small regional airport just a couple of miles from downtown International Falls, so transfers are quick — usually five to ten minutes by taxi or pre-booked rental car. Facilities are limited compared with major hubs, so it's worth arranging a hire car in advance if you plan to explore Voyageurs National Park or cross into Fort Frances, Canada, as public transport options are minimal.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Falls
- Book the MSP–INL regional leg well ahead, as seats on smaller aircraft sell out faster than on transatlantic routes.
- Fly midweek where possible — Tuesday and Wednesday departures are often cheaper than weekend travel.
- Stay flexible with your travel dates and use the price charts on this page to spot the best-value days.
- Compare fares across different transatlantic carriers and hub options, since your choice of UK departure airport and US hub can make a noticeable difference.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders don't need a visa for short US visits but must apply for ESTA authorisation online before travelling, valid for 90 days under the Visa Waiver Programme. The currency is the US Dollar, so budget in GBP and expect card payments to be widely accepted, with cash handy for smaller rural spots. No special vaccinations are required, but pack for genuinely extreme winter cold if travelling outside summer, and take out comprehensive travel insurance given the remote location.