The Rainy River traces the international border with Ontario, Canada along the entire northern boundary of Koochiching County, flowing west-northwest as it goes. Like the lakes upstream, its waters ultimately drain to Hudson Bay.
For communities near International Falls, the river is a working border, a fishing destination, and a quiet ribbon of water and woods all at once. It shapes daily life along its banks in ways big and small.
Before heading out, check current levels and flow on the Water Levels page.
The Rainy River is well known for its spring sturgeon fishing, which draws anglers under special regulations each year. Anyone planning a trip should confirm the current rules with the Minnesota DNR before fishing.
The river corridor is also part of a waterfowl flyway, with ducks and geese moving through the area. That makes the river a draw not just for anglers but for those who enjoy watching the seasons change along the water.
Public access points are spread along the length of the river, from the Falls eastward toward the smaller communities downstream. The site keeps a guide for each one:
Several communities sit along the Rainy River, including Birchdale, Pelland, Loman, and the Manitou Rapids area. Each adds its own character to the river corridor as it winds through the county.
Franz Jevne State Park sits along the river as well, known for its rocky bedrock outcrops and quiet shoreline. It’s a good spot for those who want to slow down and take in the river away from the busier crossings.
The Fort Frances-International Falls International Bridge, also called the Aazhogan Bridge, crosses the Rainy River between the Falls and Fort Frances, Ontario. It carries both road and rail traffic and serves as a full-service border crossing.
For travelers, the bridge is the main land link between the two communities, tying the river’s two shores together day in and day out.
Spring is prime time on the river, when the sturgeon run brings anglers to the water and the flyway fills with migrating birds. It’s also a season of changing flow, so checking conditions before a trip is a good habit.
Through the warmer months, the landings and Franz Jevne State Park offer easy ways to reach the water, while the smaller riverside communities make for a relaxed drive along the border. Whatever the season, the Rainy River rewards those who take their time along its banks.
Other places to explore on and around the Rainy River:
AI Model: Claude by Anthropic
Sources:
AI-generated content may contain errors. Community members are encouraged to verify important details independently.
Rules for this place
The Rainy River is named in the border waters section of the Minnesota fishing regulations, which decides which license lets an angler fish which side of the line. Minnesota’s invasive species law rides home with the trailer: pull the drain plug, drain the water, and leave plants and prohibited species at the access. The Rainy River is on the DNR’s infested waters list for spiny waterflea, which adds bait and water-transport rules for anyone leaving it. Most motorized boats must carry current watercraft registration, and the DNR’s boat and water safety pages carry the life jacket and operation rules.
Verified 2026-09-07. Rules change; check the official page before you go.
