Where to Stop While Biking the Paul Bunyan State Trail
Once part of the long-abandoned Burlington Northern Railroad lines, the 120-mile Paul Bunyan State Trail is one of the longest continuously paved rail-to-trails in the country. From Lake Bemidji State Park in the north to Crow Wing State Park in the south (the trail's newest segment was completed in 2014), the route is generally level, with rolling hills and curves with grades up to 8 percent.
Passing through boreal forests, abundant lakes, streams and rivers, and wildflower meadows, the Paul Bunyan State Trail shares eight miles with the Heartland State Trail and connects to the Blue Ox Trail and Cuyuna Lakes State Trail. Towns along the trail have a long history in the railroad and timber industries, and many are steeped in Paul Bunyan lore.
With towns every 8 to 10 miles and five bicycle repair stations along the way — at the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd, Lake Bemidji State Park visitor center, Crow Wing State Park, Nisswa, and Pine River — there is no shortage of places to rest, repair and refuel.
Bemidji Sculpture Walk
Bemidji
The Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues along Lake Bemidji have long attracted people to visit and stop for a photo, but Bemidji’s Sculpture Walk has emerged as another popular public art display since 1999. Featuring more than 25 sculptures along the lake and through downtown, the sculptures on the walk change annually (with encore and returning pieces that stay for 2–3 years), and most works are available for sale.
While not part of the art walk, the Shaynowishkung (He Who Rattles, also known as Chief Bemidji by settlers) statue in Library Park is a permanent fixture of the town. The first Ojibwe man and his family to live in the area before the non-Indian settlers arrived, Shaynowishkung was respected by both the Ojibwe and the non-Indian settlers and is remembered as a peacemaker between the two communities.
Bemidji Brewing
Bemidji
Founded in 2011, Bemidji Brewing opened its nano-brewery taproom in 2013 — the height of the craft beer boom. Fueled by community support, the brewing project started as a Kickstarter campaign and has grown steadily since then, expanding its brewing equipment, packaging capability and space to accommodate its growth. The brewery, which features a variety of beers on tap and a pizza menu, now distributes its beer to surrounding northern Minnesota communities like Walker, Park Rapids and Brainerd.
Paul Bunyan’s Animal Land
Bemidji
Representing more than 100 animals from every continent, Paul Bunyan’s Animal Land is Minnesota's largest wildlife park and petting zoo. The diverse collection of animals on exhibit includes kangaroos, bears, wolves, bobcats, cougars, bison, monkeys, raccoons, coatimundi, lemurs, white-tailed deer, sika deer, goats, fennec fox, Arctic fox, porcupines, cavies, jackals, reptiles, African grey parrot and more. Those looking for a more interactive experience can feed white-tailed bucks and rainbow trout.
The Piggy BBQ
Walker
Just a short walk from Leech Lake in Walker is freshly smoked Kansas City barbecue, available day and night. The Piggy BBQ has served its self-proclaimed legendary barbecue since 2012 and now has two more locations in West Fargo and Thief River Falls.
In a beaming review from 2013, New York Times writer Robert Lillegard said, “The flavors and textures of hickory-smoked pork back ribs evolved as I ate … Pulled pork comes in still-pink shards. The brisket is tender but not overly fatty, with a clean, robust beef flavor. The best dish, though, may have been a side: corn bread. It’s rich and moist, like a cross between Bundt cake and bread pudding. Studded with sweet kernels of corn and deeply buttery, it’s better than corn bread has any right to be.”
Lucette Statue
Hackensack
Perched on a brick-laid pedestal in Hackensack’s city park on the shores of Birch Lake stands Paul Bunyan’s sweetheart, Lucette. Seventeen feet tall and crafted of fiberglass, the sculpture was constructed in 1952 and rebuilt in 1991 after strong winds blew off her head.
The inspiration for Hackensack’s annual summer festival Sweetheart Days, Lucette was accompanied by a sculpture of her son Paul Bunyan Jr. before he was moved to City Hall in 2007. Hackensack claims to be the birthplace of both characters.
Colonel Cobber Statue
Backus
The town's legendary salesman who grew corn, Colonel Cobber, is honored with a chainsaw-carved corn man statue. Said to have been the one who introduced Paul Bunyan to corn on the cob, the two struck up a deal for Paul to clear a field for Cobber to grow fields of corn. The ears of sweet corn grew as big as Paul and Lucette, and Cobber’s wife, Tasseltop, introduced the pair to different ways to use the commodity.
Cobber continued to grow the corn, which eventually shrunk to be small enough for regular-sized people to enjoy. In 2006, the town decided to honor the salesman’s work with a carving created by Hackensack artist Ross Olsen.
Pine River Information Center
Pine River
Pine River lays claim to being the Birthplace of the Paul Bunyan Trail. The Pine River Chamber of Commerce was the first to put forth a resolution to convert the abandoned railroad into a multi-use recreational trail, which passed in 1983. Adjacent to the Paul Bunyan State Trail, the log cabin–style information center houses vintage displays, including a pair of Paul Bunyan’s baby shoes that are big enough to stand in (which visitors often do for photo ops).
Damsite Supper Club
Pine River
New to the Pine River restaurant scene in 2023, Damsite Supper Club is a casual hangout whose name is a nod to the nearby Pine River Dam, but with promises of not being your grandmother’s supper club. Serving hot and hearty comfort food for lunch and dinner among live music, the veteran-founded eatery picks up the bill for veterans every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The extensive menu effectively covers every craving, with a “dust your stuff” option in which patrons can order a generous seasoning of Greek Freak, Really Ranch, Smokey Habanero or Parmesan Truffle to any menu item for a small upcharge.
A-Pine Family Restaurant
Pequot Lakes
Charming guests since 1965, A-Pine Family Restaurant in Pequot Lakes claims to be the lumberjack’s favorite restaurant. With their generous portions, they might actually be right. The A-frame building features a cozy interior with log-cabin vibes and serves homestyle breakfasts, lunches, dinners and homemade pies.
Just north of the restaurant stands a large Paul Bunyan statue created by artist Josh Porter for the owners of the A-Pine Restaurant in 2008. The statue is located at what’s referred to as the Gateway of the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, between the A-Pine Express Station (the Shell) in Jenkins and the A-Pine Restaurant in Pequot Lakes. For an added novelty experience, take a seat on the adjacent s’mores-styled bench.
Stonehouse Coffee & Roastery
Nisswa
Serving “seriously good” coffee and baked goods, Stonehouse Coffee & Roastery is a rejuvenating spot in Nisswa to fuel up. If you’re looking to wander a bit with your coffee, smoothie, scone, or mushroom drink, the coffeehouse is nestled in the Nisswa Square, which features a strip of gift shops, restaurants and a brewery.
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