This Minnesota town sued to prove it was America’s coldest city

International Falls, Minnesota

International Falls, founded as a village in 1901, was renamed in 1903 to reflect its location on the Rainy River at the US-Canada border.

Companies flock here to test cars, batteries, and gear in temps as low as minus 55 degrees, making it one of America’s coldest spots.

Here’s how this frozen frontier became the official icebox, and what you’ll find when you visit this chilly corner of Minnesota.

How The Icebox Title Originated

In 1955, Collier’s magazine dubbed International Falls “The Coldest Town in the Nation.”

January temperatures drop to an average low of -7°F out here. High temperatures stay below freezing for 109.4 days yearly.

Even the plants only grow during a short 110-day frost-free period.

Arctic lupine and tamarack sprout only after late snowmelt and prolonged soil thaw in early summer’s brief warmth.

The Record-Breaking Cold Keeps Falling

International Falls hit -55°F on January 6, 1909.

This stands as a testament, until January 21st of 2011 which recorded a lower temperature of -46°F. Temperatures range from -3°F in winter to 78°F in summer.

This creates an 81-degree swing throughout the year.

Winning The Trademark War Finally

Fraser, Colorado challenged International Falls for the “Icebox of the Nation” trademark. The mountain town claimed usage since 1956.

But, International Falls presented evidence dating back to 1948, showing photos of its 1955 Pee Wee hockey team traveling to Boston with the “Icebox” slogan.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ruled on January 29, 2008, giving Registration Number 3375139 to International Falls.

The dispute ended in 1986 when International Falls paid Fraser $2,000 to drop their claim. Days after this win, the city recorded -40°F.

Auto Testing Raised the Economy

Auto manufacturers began testing in International Falls in the early 1960s.

The extreme cold exposed vehicle weaknesses before production. Sears directed a DieHard battery commercial here in 1968.

The ad showcased battery performance in brutal conditions. Cold weather testing grew to a $9 million industry employing 500 people in the 1990s.

Minnesota established a Cold Weather Resource Center in International Falls from 1990 to 2001. The state recognized the economic potential of this natural asset.

Cold Weather Testing at International Falls

The city built a dedicated cold weather testing facility in 1991 which drew more manufacturers to the remote northern location.

In 2001, the facility added a cold room maintaining temperatures as low as -40°F. Testing continued regardless of outdoor conditions.

Community leader Paul Nevanen (Director of the Koochiching Economic Development Authority (KEDA) hosts automobile test groups year-round.

In December 2012, Jaguar Land Rover opened a dedicated winter testing facility in International Falls, Minnesota, according to a company press release.

The Famous Athelete Bronko Nagurski

Bronko Nagurski, born in 1908, brought attention to International Falls. He excelled in football and professional wrestling.

He played for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, then the Chicago Bears. His ring size was 19.5—nearly double the average.

A 21-foot statue of Nagurski moved from the University of Minnesota to International Falls in 2012. It now stands outside the Bronko Nagurski Museum.

Unique Icebox Days Events

Icebox Days began in 1981 to boost the local economy.

The Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run serves as the festival’s signature event. Runners choose between 5K (added in 2003) and 10K distances.

Events include frozen turkey bowling, where turkeys are slid toward pins, and the toilet seat toss, a distance-throwing challenge with toilet seats.

“Smoosh” races require teams of four to strap their feet to the same wooden boards. Teams must coordinate perfectly to move forward.

January 2025 marked the festival’s 45th anniversary, held from 17–25.

New highlights included moonlight skiing in Voyageurs National Park and snow fort building at Smokey Bear Park.

Smokey Bear Park Downtown

International Falls is home to a 26-foot, 1954 Smokey Bear statue, which was gifted by the National Forest Service during World War II.

The statue wears the trademark hat and blue jeans while holding a fire-fighting shovel. Two cartoon bear cubs stand beside the main statue.

Vandals set fire to Smokey’s rear end in the 1970s. This created an ironic situation for a figure meant to prevent forest fires.

Visiting International Falls

International Falls sits 4.5 hours north of Minneapolis via Highway 53.

Falls International Airport offers commercial flights through Delta Air Lines with connections to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.

The city welcomes visitors year-round, though winter brings the full “Icebox” experience from December through February.

For those interested in the cold-weather testing industry, contact the Chamber of Commerce about possible facility tours.

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