Tour of 10,000 Lakes 
Destination International Falls
by Jim Maurice, WJON.com

INTERNATIONAL FALLS -- This week our "Tour of 10,000 Lakes" takes us way up north to the Canadian border and the International Falls/Rainy Lake area. 

Most people are familiar with the Voyagers National Forest, but there's also much more to see and do in the area.

Pete Schultz is with the Rainy Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau. He says you should schedule a visit to the Boise Paper Solutions Mill.   It is the second largest and fastest paper making machine in the world.

Schultz says another popular stop in International Falls is the Smokey Bear Park.   Smokey stands 26 feet high, and weighs 82 tons.

And while you're at the Smokey Bear Park, visit the Koochiching Museum and Bronko Nagurski Museum. Schultz says the history of one of their most famous sons is especially popular with sports fans.

And before you head up north, don't forget to pack your birth certificate. The International Border and Bridge into Fort Francis, Ontario is a must for people visiting International Falls.

And finally, check out the historic gold mines left behind from the gold rush of 1879.

Resources
Rainy Lake Area Chamber of Commerce website

Next week we'll tour the Bemidji area.

AUDIO:  You can hear Jim Maurice's report -- with expanded comments -- by click on the player below.