VACA: Here’s Where To See Gigantic Paul Bunyans In Minnesota

Discover Paul Bunyan...He's Literally All Over Minnesota!

Paul Bunyan, the giant lumberjack, can be found in both American and Canadian folklore, but 'round these parts, his exploits, so they say, created the 10,000 Lakes of Minnesota (with his stompin' around and such). Apparently, he also was part of the fight in WWII.

Hanging out with Babe the Blue Ox, Paul Bunyan began as a story told by North American loggers. William B. Laughead, a writer, scribed his stories down in a 1916 promotional pamphlet for the Red River Lumber Company.

However, no matter what the legends say, he MUST be Minnesotan because the first statue of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox was built in Minnesota.

Where Can I See Paul Bunyan In Minnesota

Below are the statues, the BIG statues. Here, though, are the smaller odes to Paul B and BTBBO. In Ortonville, Minnesota, you'll find PB's anchor. In Rush Lake, Minnesota, they have his 1,199-pound trophy walleye, and in Kelliher, Minnesota, pay your respects at his gravestone.

Then there's something altogether different. Up t'Hackensack, you can take a selfie with PB's GF, Lucette, his girlfriend, in Hackensack on the shores of Birch Lake.

According to https://www.exploreminnesota.com/

"Travelers that are looking for a little adventure can take a ride on the Log Chute at Nickelodeon Universe inside Mall of America to see Paul, Babe, and a plate full of flapjacks. If you're traveling along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway, take a break and snap a photo with the iconic lumberjack outside the A-Pine Restaurant in Pequot Lakes."

Akeley

Need a rest after the long drive Up North to Akeley? Go ahead, take a load off in the palm of Paul Bunyan's hand, a statue unveiled during the annual Paul Bunyan Days festival in 1985. He even crouched down for us, to make it easier. There's a museum next door, not just Paul Bunyan stuff at that museum, but you'll learn about Akeley, too.

Bemidji

Head to Bemidji to see the first Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statue in the world. Built for the winter carnival in 1937, they are 18 feet tall. According to explore Minnesota, "...the burly lumberjack stands beside the shores of Lake Bemidji for a picturesque backdrop. In 1939, a 10-foot statue of Babe the Blue Ox was built to stand by his side."

BONUS FIND: The visitor center in Bemidji has PB's giant-flannel shirt, telephone, wallet, and toothbrush.

Brainerd

"Since 1954, Paul has been saying hello and answering questions from travelers in Brainerd. In 2002, he moved from the Paul Bunyan Amusement Center to Paul Bunyan Land. Located on 23 acres, this family-friendly park features 40 rides and attractions, a petting barn, and the Pioneer Village (buildings and antiques 1800 - 1900s)."

SAY WHAT? They call the place Paul Bunyan Land? Not nice to tell us about PB's foot issues, Brainerd.

As always, if you have a comment, complaint, or concern about something I wrote here, please let me know: james.rabe@townsquaremedia.com

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