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Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, Bemidji, MN

Photo: Kubber333, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingQuirky FunFreeHistory Buff

Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox

300 Bemidji Ave N · Bemidji, MN

Why you should go…

These concrete statues of the legendary lumberjack and his blue ox were unveiled in January 1937 for a Bemidji winter carnival. Paul stands about 18 feet tall and Babe about 10 feet, on the shore of Lake Bemidji next to the Tourist Information Center. Inside you can see Paul Bunyan memorabilia and the Fireplace of States, built from rocks from every state and Canadian province. The pair is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • #roadside attraction
  • #giant statues
  • #photo spot
  • #paul bunyan
  • #lake bemidji

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, ordered by straight-line distance.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Itasca State Park

    Under $25

    See where the Mississippi River begins at Lake Itasca, then explore old-growth pine forest.

    22 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor