International Falls, Minnesota
International Falls | ||
---|---|---|
FIPS code 27-31040[1] | | |
GNIS feature ID | 0645435[1] | |
Website | ci.international-falls.mn.us |
International Falls (sometimes referred to as I-Falls) is a city in and the county seat of Koochiching County, Minnesota, United States.[1] The population was 5,802 at the time of the 2020 census.[3]
International Falls is located on the
International Falls is nicknamed the "Icebox of the Nation,” with an average of 109.4 days per year with a high temperature below 32 °F (0 °C).
History
The area now known as International Falls was inhabited by many indigenous peoples. The International Falls area was well known to explorers, missionaries, and voyagers as early as the 17th century. It was not until April 1895 that the community was
On August 10, 1901, the village was incorporated and two years later its name was changed to International Falls in recognition of the river's role as a border between the United States and Canada. It was incorporated as a city in 1909.[5]
Realizing the potential for water power and mills in the area, industrialist E.W. Backus, president of the Minnesota and Ontario Paper Company in the early 20th century, built a dam on the Rainy River to power the company's mills. Purchased by Boise Cascade Corporation in 1965, and sold to an investment group in 2003, the company remains the largest business and employer in the area. In 2013 Boise laid off 394 employees and closed down a paper machine. It then sold to Packaging Corporation of America (PCA).
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.53 square miles (16.91 km2), of which 6.42 square miles (16.63 km2) is land and 0.11 square miles (0.28 km2) is water.[6]
Climate
International Falls, with its relatively central position in the North American continent, has a
Climate data for International Falls, Minnesota (Falls International Airport), 1991–2020 normals,[a] extremes 1897–present | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °F (°C) | 53 (12) |
58 (14) |
79 (26) |
93 (34) |
95 (35) |
101 (38) |
103 (39) |
96 (36) |
96 (36) |
88 (31) |
74 (23) |
56 (13) |
103 (39) |
Mean maximum °F (°C) | 38.5 (3.6) |
42.9 (6.1) |
56.1 (13.4) |
72.5 (22.5) |
83.7 (28.7) |
86.7 (30.4) |
88.7 (31.5) |
87.4 (30.8) |
83.6 (28.7) |
74.0 (23.3) |
54.7 (12.6) |
39.7 (4.3) |
90.7 (32.6) |
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 15.7 (−9.1) |
21.7 (−5.7) |
35.4 (1.9) |
50.1 (10.1) |
64.2 (17.9) |
73.5 (23.1) |
77.7 (25.4) |
76.0 (24.4) |
66.4 (19.1) |
51.2 (10.7) |
34.4 (1.3) |
20.8 (−6.2) |
48.9 (9.4) |
Daily mean °F (°C) | 5.0 (−15.0) |
9.5 (−12.5) |
23.6 (−4.7) |
38.1 (3.4) |
51.1 (10.6) |
60.8 (16.0) |
64.9 (18.3) |
62.8 (17.1) |
54.2 (12.3) |
41.1 (5.1) |
26.3 (−3.2) |
11.8 (−11.2) |
37.4 (3.0) |
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | −5.8 (−21.0) |
−2.6 (−19.2) |
11.8 (−11.2) |
26.1 (−3.3) |
38.1 (3.4) |
48.2 (9.0) |
52.0 (11.1) |
49.7 (9.8) |
42.0 (5.6) |
31.1 (−0.5) |
18.1 (−7.7) |
2.7 (−16.3) |
26.0 (−3.3) |
Mean minimum °F (°C) | −33.0 (−36.1) |
−28.7 (−33.7) |
−16.4 (−26.9) |
10.7 (−11.8) |
24.4 (−4.2) |
33.4 (0.8) |
40.1 (4.5) |
37.0 (2.8) |
26.8 (−2.9) |
16.9 (−8.4) |
−3.2 (−19.6) |
−25.2 (−31.8) |
−36.2 (−37.9) |
Record low °F (°C) | −55 (−48) |
−48 (−44) |
−38 (−39) |
−14 (−26) |
8 (−13) |
23 (−5) |
32 (0) |
27 (−3) |
19 (−7) |
2 (−17) |
−32 (−36) |
−41 (−41) |
−55 (−48) |
Average precipitation inches (mm) | 0.79 (20) |
0.69 (18) |
1.02 (26) |
1.64 (42) |
3.06 (78) |
3.78 (96) |
3.97 (101) |
2.82 (72) |
3.00 (76) |
2.22 (56) |
1.39 (35) |
0.99 (25) |
25.37 (644) |
Average snowfall inches (cm) | 15.7 (40) |
12.6 (32) |
7.9 (20) |
7.0 (18) |
0.2 (0.51) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.1 (0.25) |
1.6 (4.1) |
12.1 (31) |
15.8 (40) |
73.0 (185) |
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 10.1 | 9.0 | 8.3 | 9.4 | 12.7 | 13.8 | 12.5 | 11.0 | 12.2 | 12.6 | 10.2 | 11.1 | 132.9 |
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 13.6 | 11.4 | 6.9 | 4.0 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 2.5 | 10.0 | 12.5 | 61.4 |
Average relative humidity (%)
|
70.8 | 67.4 | 65.7 | 61.1 | 61.3 | 68.6 | 71.2 | 74.8 | 77.1 | 74.2 | 78.8 | 77.1 | 70.7 |
Average dew point °F (°C) | −5.4 (−20.8) |
−0.2 (−17.9) |
12.6 (−10.8) |
25.2 (−3.8) |
37.6 (3.1) |
49.6 (9.8) |
56.1 (13.4) |
54.3 (12.4) |
45.3 (7.4) |
33.8 (1.0) |
19.2 (−7.1) |
2.5 (−16.4) |
27.6 (−2.5) |
Source: NOAA (relative humidity 1961–1990)[8][9][10] |
Graphs are unavailable due to technical issues. There is more info on Phabricator and on MediaWiki.org. |
See or edit raw graph data.
Icebox of the Nation
International Falls has long promoted itself as the "Icebox of the Nation"; however, the
Demographics
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1910 | 1,487 | — | |
1920 | 3,448 | 131.9% | |
1930 | 5,036 | 46.1% | |
1940 | 5,626 | 11.7% | |
1950 | 6,269 | 11.4% | |
1960 | 6,778 | 8.1% | |
1970 | 6,439 | −5.0% | |
1980 | 5,611 | −12.9% | |
1990 | 8,324 | 48.4% | |
2000 | 6,703 | −19.5% | |
2010 | 6,424 | −4.2% | |
2020 | 5,802 | −9.7% | |
2022 (est.) | 5,665 | [4] | −2.4% |
U.S. Decennial Census[15] 2020 Census[3] |
As of 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $29,908, and the median income for a family was $41,458. Males had a median income of $41,584 versus $20,053 for females. The
2010 census
As of the
There were 2,903 households, of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.1% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.3% were non-families. 37.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.80.
The median age in the city was 42.4 years. 21.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.4% were from 25 to 44; 27.3% were from 45 to 64; and 19.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.1% male and 51.9% female.
2000 census
As of the
There were 2,959 households, of which 27.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44% were married couples living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present and 40.8% were non-families. 36.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.85.
The median age in the city was 40.5 years. 23.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.1% were between the ages of 20 and 24; 25.5% were from 25 to 44; 22.3% were from 45 to 64; and 20.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.7% male and 52.3% female.
Politics
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third parties
|
---|---|---|---|
2020 | 54.2% 1,660 | 43.9% 1,343 | 1.9% 59 |
2016 | 52.0% 1,451 | 39.6% 1,106 | 8.4% 234 |
2012 | 38.2% 1,106 | 58.9% 1,703 | 2.9% 83 |
2008 | 39.2% 1,190 | 58.4% 1,771 | 2.4% 73 |
2004 | 43.0% 1,442 | 55.7% 1,866 | 1.3% 44 |
2000 | 44.1% 1,383 | 47.3% 1,481 | 8.6% 270 |
Local media
FM
Frequency | Call sign | Name | Format | Owner |
---|---|---|---|---|
88.3 88.3 HD-2 |
KITF |
MPR News Classical MPR |
Classical |
Minnesota Public Radio |
91.9 | KXBR | The Bridge | Christian | Heartland Christian Broadcasters, Inc. |
95.3 | W237EX (KGHS-AM Translator) |
Oldies | R & J Broadcasting | |
97.7 | KITF HD-2 Translator) |
Classical MPR | Classical |
Minnesota Public Radio |
99.5 | KBHW | Psalm 99:5 | Christian | Heartland Christian Broadcasters, Inc. |
104.1 | KSDM | K-104 | Country | R & J Broadcasting |
The local Icebox Radio Theater produces radio drama broadcasts on 106.9 FM, with a power output of one watt.
AM
Frequency | Call sign | Name | Format | Owner |
---|---|---|---|---|
1230 | KGHS | Oldies | R & J Broadcasting |
Television
Channel | Callsign | Affiliation | Branding | Subchannels | Owner | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(Virtual) | Channel | Programming | ||||
9.1 | KAWE Translator)
|
PBS | Lakeland PBS | 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 |
First Nations Experience PBS Kids Create PBS Encore Minnesota Channel |
County of Koochiching |
11.1 | KRII Translator)
|
NBC | KBJR 6 | 11.2 11.3 |
CBS H&I/MyNetworkTV |
County of Koochiching |
13.1 | K24MT-D (WIRT Translator) |
ABC | 13.2 13.3 |
MeTV Ion Television |
County of Koochiching | |
21.1 | K20NR-D (KQDS Translator) |
Fox | FOX 21 | 21.2 | Antenna TV | Red River Broadcasting |
39.1 | K38MM-D | 3ABN | 39.2 39.3 39.4 39.5 39.6 39.7 |
3ABN Proclaim 3ABN Dare to Dream 3ABN Latino 3ABN Radio 3ABN Radio Latino Radio 74
|
Edge Spectrum, Inc. |
Local cable television service is offered by
Newspaper
The Journal
Since 1911 the local newspaper was The Journal which announced its closure on June 3, 2021 with June 24, 2021 being its last edition.[22]
Rainy Lake Gazette
On Friday, July 16, 2021, CherryRoad Media Inc. distributed Volume 1, Issue 1 of its newest publication, the Rainy Lake Gazette.[23]
Culture
The Backus Community Center opened in 2002 and serves as one of the cultural centers of International Falls. Each year, the Backus Performing Arts Series presents a number of musical and stage productions to the local community.[26]
The Borealis Bards community theatre group has staged a number of productions since its founding in 2014, including 2015's production of Alice In Wonderland.[27]
The International Falls post office contains a mural, Early Lodging in Koochichin Falls, painted by
Transportation
The Minnesota, Dakota and Western Railway operates a 4 mi (6.4 km) line between International Falls and Ranier.[29]
Major highways
The following routes are located within the city of International Falls.
- U.S. Highway 53
- U.S. Highway 71
- Minnesota State Highway 11
Port Code : 3604
References in popular culture
A Sears Diehard car battery commercial was filmed in International Falls in the 1970s, playing on the city's extremely cold winter climate to promote the longevity and effectiveness of the product. It led to a parody ad – aired several times in the first (1975) season of Saturday Night Live – promoting a geriatric product.
The fictional Minnesota small town of
The 2019 dark comedy film, International Falls (starring Rachael Harris, Rob Heubel and Matthew Glave), is set and filmed in International Falls.
Notable people
- Edward Backus, industrialist
- Tammy Bakker, PTL The 700 Club
- University of Nebraska, Omaha, NCHC
- Bill Borcher, University of Oregon head basketball coach 1951–1956
- Keith Christiansen, hockey player, United States Hockey Hall of Fame, silver medalist and co-captain of 1972 USA Team in Winter Olympics Sapporo, Japan
- NHL, IHL
- Jim Crotty, pro football player, Washington Commanders
- Mike Curran, hockey player, United States Hockey Hall of Fame, 1972 Winter Olympics silver medal
- Richard Dougherty, Minnesota Gopher Hall of Fame hockey, silver medal 1956 Olympic Games
- Constance Edith Fowler, artist, printmaker, author, educator
- Arlys Johnson-Maxwell, weightlifter Senior World Champion 1987
- NHL 1984–1991, goaltending coach of Minnesota Wild
- Jack McDonald, ice hockey goaltender for Michigan
- Bronko Nagurski, football player, member of the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Bronko Nagurski Jr., football player for Notre Dame and in Canadian Football League
- Bob Neuenschwander, Minnesota state legislator and businessman
- Ernest Oberholtzer, explorer, author, conservationist
- Gary Sampson, hockey player, Washington Capitals
- Neil Sheehy, hockey player, Calgary Flames Hartford Whalers and Washington Capitals NHL Hockey Agent
- Timothy Sheehy, hockey player, United States Hockey Hall of Fame, silver medalist and co-captainof 1972 USA Team in Winter Olympics Sapporo, Japan
- Larry Ross, International Falls High School hockey coach 1954-1985, won 6 Minnesota High school state championships
See also
Notes
- ^ Mean monthly maxima and minima (i.e. the expected highest and lowest temperature readings at any point during the year or given month) calculated based on data at said location from 1991 to 2020.
References
- ^ a b c d e Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) details for International Falls, Minnesota; United States Geological Survey (USGS); January 11, 1980.
- ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
- ^ a b c "Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 2, 2022.
- ^ a b "City and Town Population Totals: 2020–2022". United States Census Bureau. June 3, 2023. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
- ^ Warren Upham (1920). Minnesota Geographic Names: Their Origin and Historic Significance. Minnesota Historical Society. p. 283.
- ^ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 2, 2012. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
- ^ "USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map". Agricultural Research Center, PRISM Climate Group Oregon State University. Archived from the original on February 27, 2014. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f "NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
- ^ a b "Station: INTL Falls INTL AP, MN". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on January 18, 2024. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
- ^ "WMO Climate Normals for INTERNATIONAL FALLS/INT'L ARP, MN 1961–1990". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on January 18, 2024. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
- ^ "Towns face off over claim to be nation's 'icebox'". msnbc.com. January 14, 2008. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
- ^ Curt Brown, International Falls says it loud: We're cold, and we're proud, Star Tribune, February 8, 2008. Archived October 12, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Trademark Status & Document Retrieval, United States Patent and Trademark Office, Accessed May 1, 2015.
- ^ Nation's 'Icebox' hits record 40 below zero, Associated Press, February 11, 2008. Archived June 11, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ United States Census Bureau. "Census of Population and Housing". Retrieved September 11, 2013.
- ^ "2020 Precinct Results Spreadsheet".
- ^ "2016 Precinct Results Spreadsheet".
- ^ "2012 Precinct Results Spreadsheet".
- ^ "2008 Precinct Results Spreadsheet".
- ^ "2004 Precinct Results Spreadsheet".
- ^ "2000 Precinct Results Spreadsheet".
- ^ "Minnesota loses another newspaper as International Falls Journal ceases publication". MinnPost. June 25, 2021. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ "CherryRoad Media Inc. Launches New Newspaper in International Falls, Minnesota". Editor and Publisher. July 26, 2021. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ "The Icebox Radio Theater". Iceboxradio.org. Retrieved July 17, 2022.
- ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "Icebox Radio on Fox-21". YouTube.
- ^ "Series features seven shows".
- ^ "Community theater group to present 'Alice in Wonderland'". March 30, 2023.
- ISBN 9780415968263.
- ISBN 978-0-89024-290-2.
External links
- City of International Falls
- Koochiching County, Minnesota
- Fort Frances, Ontario
- Falls International Airport