Paul Bunyan Park

The picturesque shores of Lake Bemidji in Minnesota hide one of the most recognizable roadside attractions in the USA. This is Paul Bunyan Park—an iconic destination where legends of the giant lumberjack and his faithful blue ox come to life. Located in the city of Bemidji, this park serves as both a recreation area and a significant monument to the region's forestry heritage.

The centerpiece of the park is the monumental statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, erected back in 1937. These figures are considered among the oldest "roadside" attractions in the country and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park harmoniously combines the spirit of American folklore with modern tourist infrastructure.

In addition to the legendary sculptures, the grounds house a year-round information center where you can see the unique "Fireplace of States" and rare artifacts related to the city's history. It is an ideal spot to experience the culture of the northern states and a wonderful place for an outdoor stroll.

To plan your visit to Paul Bunyan Park, you can use the official contact details for the Bemidji administration and tourist center. Below is the current information for communication and navigation.

First and foremost, most guests head for a photo op with the giant statues. These colorful figures are a true magnet for travelers, and capturing a shot against the backdrop of sparkling Lake Bemidji is a must-do ritual. Keep in mind that there are often lines at the monuments, so a little patience is worth it for a great photo.

For families with children, the park offers an excellent play area with safe surfacing and unique musical instruments. Here, you can not only spend some active time but also try your hand as a musician on the giant outdoor xylophones. Those seeking relaxation will enjoy the covered picnic tables, perfect for a snack while enjoying the fresh lake breeze.

Be sure to stop by the Tourist Information Center. Inside, you'll find an interesting collection of the "giant's" personal belongings, including Paul Bunyan’s massive axe. From here, you can also start your journey along the Sculpture Walk—a route featuring outdoor art that leads into the heart of the city, revealing modern murals and sculptures by local artists.

Finding the park is easy—it is located at US-2 Old, Bemidji, right on the shores of picturesque Lake Bemidji. For travelers by car, this is an ideal stop: the park is situated next to the busy US-2 highway, and ample free parking is provided for guests.

If you arrive in the city by plane, Bemidji Regional Airport (BJI) is just a 10–15 minute ride away by taxi or rental car. For those already staying in hotels in the central part of the city, the park is within walking distance—a stroll through the charming streets of downtown to the waterfront takes very little time.

For fans of active recreation, a bike ride or a walk is an excellent option. Well-maintained paths lead to the park, and the location itself serves as a central hub where many city routes and sculpture trails begin. This makes the site easily accessible for every type of tourist.

The history of this place is inextricably linked to North American lumberjack folklore from the late 19th century. Legends of Paul Bunyan, a giant who supposedly created lakes with his footsteps and dug the Mississippi River bed, were a vital part of the workers' culture. As a major hub for the timber industry, the city of Bemidji proudly proclaimed itself the birthplace of this mythical hero.

The famous statues of Paul and his blue ox, Babe, appeared here in 1937. At the height of the Great Depression, this was a strategic move to attract tourists and support the local economy. Creating these colossi took 2.5 tons of materials and over 700 hours of painstaking labor. The efforts paid off: today, these figures are recognized as the second most popular roadside attraction in the US, according to Kodak.

An interesting feature of the park is the "Fireplace of States", located in the visitor center. It is built from over 900 stones brought from every state in America and various Canadian provinces, symbolizing the unity of the region. Since 1988, the statues have been officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, confirming their status as a Minnesota cultural icon.

For those who just want to take souvenir photos with the famous statues against the lake backdrop, 30 to 45 minutes will be sufficient. This is enough time to see the figures of Paul and Babe and take a short stroll along the shoreline.

If you are traveling with family, plan to visit the visitor center, and want to give the kids time to play on the modern playground, we recommend allowing 1.5–2 hours for your visit. The park is perfect for leisurely relaxation, so many guests choose to stay longer to enjoy the water views or have a small picnic in one of the pavilions.

You can enjoy the beauty of the park and see the legendary characters almost anytime. Paul Bunyan Park is open to the public daily, providing access to its attractions from early morning until late evening.

The park's schedule is the same for weekdays and weekends: from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Please note that the visitor center located on the grounds may have its own operating hours, so for indoor exhibits, it is best to plan your visit during the day.

A stroll through Paul Bunyan Park is just the beginning of your acquaintance with this charming city. Within walking distance of the lakeshore, you will find historic buildings, museums, and cozy establishments that will help you dive deeper into the local culture and the history of northern settlement.