City of International Falls

International Falls, population 6,424 according to 2010 Census, is the largest city and the county seat of Koochiching County. Situated on the border with Ontario and the Rainy River, its name is derived from the falls that were harnessed to provide hydropower to the paper mill – now Boise Inc.

International Falls is truly an “international” city, providing a link, via an International Bridge to sister city Fort Frances, Ontario. Wood products are the number one industry for the community and surrounding area with tourism ranking as number two. Boise Inc, the largest employer celebrated its 100th year anniversary of papermaking in June of 2010. Cold weather testing of major automobile manufacturers and suppliers is also an important component of the winter economy.

Rail Port & Foreign Trade Zone: The area is also a major international rail port of entry for CN Rail. In fact, the port is the busiest in North America and a focus for future economic development. High-quality highways in conjunction with the rail service make this location logistically strategic for a distribution center, warehousing, or importing and exporting through the recently established Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ #259). The FTZ, with over 700 acres, provides duty and logistics benefits for eligible businesses.