Thief River Falls

Thief River Falls is a cosy city in northwestern Minnesota, attracting travellers with its tranquil atmosphere and proximity to wildlife. When planning how to get to Thief River Falls, tourists will discover that this corner of the United States, despite its modest size, offers excellent transport accessibility for those ready for a small road adventure. You can get here in various ways, most often by combining a flight to neighbouring major hubs with a car or bus ride along the region's picturesque highways.

Although there is no major passenger terminal within the city itself, travelling to Thief River Falls by air is quite simple if you utilise airports in neighbouring cities. The closest airport to the destination is located in the city of Grand Forks (GFK), situated just 67 kilometres away, making it the optimal choice for most tourists.

Alternatively, one can consider a flight to Bemidji (121 km) or the larger regional hub in Fargo (145 km). All these airports accept regular domestic flights and ensure convenient connections to the city via a network of high-quality roads.

Direct rail service to the city is absent, as Thief River Falls does not have its own passenger station. Nevertheless, travellers who prefer the romance of trains can reach the nearest major stations in the region by rail, such as Grand Forks or Fargo.

These cities are included in the national network of railway routes, and from there, it is easy to continue the journey in a rented car. This travel option allows you to combine the comfort of a train with the opportunity to independently explore the American Midwest on the final leg of the journey.

Currently, there may be few direct regular bus routes directly to the city centre, so the route often requires careful planning. It is recommended to check the schedule in advance with regional carriers serving the state of Minnesota, as service availability may depend on the season.

The most reliable option for those wishing to save money is to take an intercity bus to major transport hubs, such as Fargo or Grand Forks. From these cities, organising a further transfer or finding local transport to Thief River Falls will be significantly easier.

Travelling by car is one of the most popular and scenic ways to reach the city, allowing you to appreciate the vastness of the region. The fastest route runs from Grand Forks: the distance is about 83 km, and the travel time will take just 1 hour on an excellent highway.

If you are heading from Bemidji, prepare for a trip 148 km long (about 1.6 hours), and the path from Fargo will take slightly more than 2 hours (181 km). The roads in this part of the country are wide and not heavily congested, making driving comfortable and safe.

Preparing for a trip to this region of Minnesota requires taking into account local climate features and cultural nuances. Here are several useful tips that will make your stay in the city comfortable and safe.

1. Clothing and Seasonality: Winters here can be harsh and snowy, so be sure to pack thermal underwear, a warm jacket, and waterproof footwear. In summer, the weather is pleasant, but a light windbreaker for the evenings is advisable.
2. Transport: Renting a car is the best way to get around. Public transport is not widely developed, and a personal vehicle will give you the freedom to visit natural attractions.
3. Finances: The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, but keeping some cash for small expenses and tips is always useful.
4. Health: Medical care is of high quality but expensive. It is strongly recommended to arrange full medical insurance before the trip. The emergency number is 911.
5. Communication: The main language is English. Locals speak with a characteristic accent, but they are very friendly and always ready to help a tourist.
6. Local Etiquette: The culture of "Minnesota Nice" prevails here — be polite, hold doors open for others, and do not forget to smile when interacting.
7. What to Avoid: Do not underestimate the winter weather. If a storm is forecast, it is better to postpone long car trips.
8. Additional Tip: The city is known as the home of Arctic Cat snowmobiles, so be sure to try this active leisure activity in winter — the infrastructure for it here is excellent.

By following these simple recommendations, you can avoid everyday inconveniences and fully focus on relaxing and exploring the local charm.