What would you like to see in our town?

How about a resort similar to the Wild Mountain Resort near the Twin Cities?
I have always wondered why when we have this long cold winter up here that our town does not have some type of downhill ski resort/hotel. Yes, I know it's flatter than a squashed woodtick here, but that's what makes the idea stick in my head.
Isn't a manmade ski terrain possible? Just think, a hotel with a downhill ski area, snowboarding, tubing hill for kids and non-skiers too. That would be a boon with our long winter season. It could even have an indoor water park or at least a water slide like so many have now. It could be on property on the outskirts of town. It wouldn't have to be exactly like Wild Mountain, but something similar. Possibly a name to tie in with the proposed Frostbite Falls Theme? It would create jobs and draw people into our town while passing through to other areas. Heck, it might even make us more of an actual destination instead of a "pass through point." Even one tubing business could bring much recreation to the local children and families here in town along with winter profits.The tubing business could be man made hills of various heights with tow ropes up, tube rentals, concessions etc. I have also thought that the land near the mall would be an ideal place for a Business Convention Center. Why not have something City owned for Business people? Our surrounding area would make this town an ideal place for such a venture. What business person from the City or Suburbs wouldn't jump at the chance to enjoy the wilderness and fishing, our beautiful Rainy Lake after their seminars and meetings were over? A convention center could also be used for concerts etc. This would also bring more employment and dollars into the town. Just a few ideas Norpole. Thanks for the forum.

Camping, nice playground, miniature golf, go-kart track ... recreational fun for kids & families. I've always wondered what is here for families to do when dad comes fishing? We go to Bemidji camping once a year because they have a wonderful State campground on the lake. What we like about it are the nice wooded campsites, clean shower facilities, beaches with swimming, sand volleyball court AND it's close to town were we go to shop or garage sale on Saturday. I've always thought the Falls could have a similar set up & truly be a tourist attraction for the whole family.

And a gourmet chocolate shop would be nice ... The "ICE"Box Shop ... International Chocolate Emporium

I really like all of VikesFan's ideas. That is what we need.

Some great ideas; I think we need to look at other successful places to see what they have created...like the Wisc Dells, they don't have anything on Borderland and look what they built up over the years. Consider all of the large community wide enterprises around the US that have turned small towns into huge, well known attractions that draw thousands of people a month (or week) each summer. It takes thinking big, creating something that catches the attention of the media and the vacationer. The MOA created a world known shopping center. What will be unique enough and large enough to draw bus-loads of people? There has been talk of a casino, but people better take a hard look at what comes with casinos---crime sky-rockets in EVERY community where a casino is built. House break-ins are a way of life for the people who live near one. Pawn shops sprout up over night for the locals to trade their valuables for cash to feed the casino habit---think carefully before that monster comes to town, and it won't go away.
Be creative and get the combined thinking power of the community together...that is where success comes from.

One nation under God

What we don't want here in I Falls seems to be the question. It seems that citizens of our fair city DO NOT want to be like Brainerd or the Wisconsin Dells. They don't want a casino or a business that would be non union. JUST what do you want? I just don't know how this town will ever get back to what it once was if we don't take some risks and try something different. I hate to tell you but many people go to the casinos on the weekends and guess what, they are our local citizens. Whatever business we can get here will bring more people (which is the goal) and with more people comes some crime. It is so fustrating to try and make everyone happy. If you have always worked in Boise and lived a comfortable life you may not realize how hard the businesses struggle to survive with the number of people who reside here. Maybe those of you who do not want change can explain how the city can continue as it is. I would like to know the answer.

Would the City of International like to see a Ferris wheel at the city beach. The city beach committee came up with all these bogus ideas that were related to the 1950's era. Bus the children and all that old fashioned baloney. Kids do not ride the bus; they play video games, skateboard, and roller blade and drive their own cars. The committee was hand picked by the Mayor and City Administrator and were told what to do and were facilitated by their hand picked city council person. This reminds me of Nazi Germany. What is next? Sell out to a Rocky and Bullwinkle developer.

ps - what is wrong with birch trees, sand, and water??????????

Lets see now, the Falls needs 1) Casino - except that they attract undesirables. 2) Water park - if the market studies demonstrated a chance of making a return on investment (ROI), one would be under construction right now. 3) Community center - we tried about 10 years ago, couldn't put together the financial package, even the public sector needs ROI. 4) Bike trails - great idea but taxpayer needs to fund, county takes great pride in paying for as little as possible, who pays? 5) City Beach - already a drain on the taxpayers of IF, what is the ROI? 6) Campground on the lake - another great idea but who can afford the property (I understand the city has some land on the river that might be available, but someone would have to check - there is always City Beach, rentals could pay for some of the cost.) We want people to come, but we don't want to be like Wisconsin Dells (no problem inasmuch as we are not located near the population centers or transportation routes.) The "big ideas" will come out of the woodwork as soon as some one figures out a way to get that horible ROI. Unfortunately, IF is close to the end of the world. But, I always gripe about not providing some positive suggestions so here's my 2 cents. 1) VNP has to become more user friendly, it is the major tourist draw we have, work with it. a.)Get rid of rangers carring handguns (and the attitude that goes with), no one is going to take out a stand of white pine w/with their jet ski. b) Make it more accessable - It is not and was never meant to be a wilderness park. c) Work w/ the locals to identify the importance of the park, respect and welcome the non-motorized users along with the boaters. 2) Make a real effort to buy local, not just ice cream but what ever you can. If you have to go out of town to buy something, ok but don't make a big shopping trip to Sam's just to save $10.00. I hope your time on the lake is more important than that. 3) Volunteer - work with the Chamber on the "Blast" even if you don't like it. The 4th of July committee, Rotary, Lions, church groups, all can use help. Make the town the most friendly and inviting community that you can.

Just a thought, but if we do get added tourism with activities at City Beach, the Park, or wherever it is, I am thinking we will need additional security forces, whether it is a private firm for each area or more sheriff or police. Those are jobs that are important too, to keep a positive visibility to our area and not one where you can do whatever you want. Also, on a smaller scale than the wonderful responses so far, I would like to see more shopping to attract both American and Canadian buyers and a super Wal-mart or a big Target would be nice. I would like to see an upscale restaurant like a Outback, TimberLodge steak house or Red Lobster, or maybe even a Long John Silvers. Maybe an enterprising person could tap into a regional or local theme restaurant. ( I like the idea about the chocolate shop, "Rainy River Chocolatiers" perhaps). When I crossed the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, the fare was only $1.50 not $6.00 like it is here, and they gave you coupons to encourage you to stay. Have Boise drop the fee on the bridge and allow private business in town in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, and whoever else, pass out coupons or something to entice them to come back and do more than get gas and buy a souvenir. Meet the need of the people and they will come back for more. Start in the Twin Cities area and have billboards, bright and encouraging, list our wonderful benefits we have. Promise them the vacation of a lifetime that could be their home one day. Flood magazines with pictures of Rainy Lake, the Park, and our historic Rainy River. Dedicate a section of the River to history and tell the story of how Benjamin Franklin chose this river to separate the U. S. from Canada. Tell over and over the story of the Voyageurs and their ninety pound packs of tightly wrapped beaver skins. Offer people real authentic voyageur wear like toques, Hudson Bay blankets, birch bark crafts, moccasins, etc., the area is teeming with promise and possibility. Let's keep thinking about improving our future and thanks so far for all the great ideas and discourse.

Economic Development. That is what we need to see in IFalls. More economic growth will bring all the other attributes to the community. Tourism is great, but seasonal. The city and county need spend time and energy on building the area for a stable economy. That will bring the Targets and Fine dining. More industry so that we are not dependent on a small number of employers.

Water playground. Down south they have playgrounds where water sprays up from the ground and the smaller children can run and play in it. That might work at city beach.

I didn't know which blog to put this under but this has to do with our town. Tomorrow if you can't go fishing and wondering what to do there is a horseshow on the truck route. This is put on by the local saddle club that has lasted in this town for the past forty years or so. Your kids or grandkids just might like to watch it for awhile. These riders are anywhere from six years old to sixty something. Not everyone can be in a high school sport but have a talent in this sport that is very competitive. It would be nice to see the Journal there to take pictures to put in the paper that would be of interest to many people. Try it you just might enjoy watching but be prepared to hear-Can I get a horse?

Yes, all the "little" things for our town, do add up. They should be supported.