City of Ranier
Rainy Lake and Rainy River merge beneath the oldest cantilevered bridge in North America located in Ranier, Minnesota, two miles east of International Falls. That bridge serves as the railroad connection to Fort Frances, Ontario. The US Customs Port of Entry (POE) at Ranier is the busiest rail port of entry in the US with more than 19% of all rail cars entering the US through the POE.
Incorporated in 1908, the quaint village has a population of around 600. The majority of the town lies on the shores of the Rainy River or Rainy Lake. Ranier offers low traffic density, safe neighborhoods, affordable housing and a low tax base. This community takes civic pride in its well-maintained public parks and friendly atmosphere. It is a great place to raise families with many recreational opportunities, clean air, and quality public access to Rainy Lake. The town offers safe streets for walking and biking with direct access to an established bike trail connecting International Falls to Voyageurs National Park.
An area of 40 acres south of the river and lake within the Ranier city limits is zoned industrial and is established adjacent to the CN rail line. The 40-acre greenfield site is part of Koochiching County’s Foreign Trade Zone #29, has all utilities at the edge of the property, is less than 1 mile from State Highway 11 and has had a wetlands delineation. The industrial zoning district is established to provide for light and general impact industrial, warehousing, logistics and other activities.
The main industries currently in Ranier are rail/customs, tourism or consumer related including small lodging places, cottages, restaurant, bar, brew pub, gift shop, nursery, hair salon, convenience store, boat sales and service and a specialty soap making business. It is also the home of North American Fishing Hall of Fame member, Barry “Woody” Woods’ Fairly Reliable Guide Service who offers year-round fishing guide services.