Contact Information
Paul Bunyan State Trail
1601 Minnesota DriveBrainerd, MN 56401
In Baxter: From intersection of state hwys 210 and 371 in Baxter, go north 1 block to Excelsior Rd, then east 3/4 mile to Conservation Dr; follow signs to parking area. Parking is available in many towns along the trail. Refer to DNR's website.
About
The trail is paved for 115 miles, and stretches between the Brainerd/Baxter area and Bemidji State Park. (The route through Bemidji is currently on-road.) Scenery includes woods, wetlands, lakes, meadows and farmland. The southern half of the trail passes through the towns of Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Pine River and Hackensack. Most of the northern portion, between Walker and Bemidji, is more secluded. The trail is used for biking, hiking, in-line skating, and in the winter, for snowmobiling.
What's Nearby
Mentioned In

Observe roaming bison herds at Minneopa and Blue Mounds State Parks / Roy Son

Follow the Mississippi River's 600-plus-mile journey across Minnesota on the Great River Road

Paul Vincent

Shop and stroll on Grand Avenue in St. Paul, a charming retail district just minutes from downtown / Melanie Graves

At 115 miles long, the Paul Bunyan State Trail is Minnesota's longest continuous rail-trail

The 55-mile Central Lakes State Trail runs beside wildflowers, prairie grass, wetland ponds and wildlife between Fergus Falls and Osakis

Explore over 1,500 interconnected miles of groomed snowmobiling trails in northwest Minnesota / Visit Thief River Falls

Go bike touring on the Mississippi River Trail, which runs 700 miles in Minnesota / Min Enterprises

Bring your bike along to explore the fantastic trails in and around Itasca State Park

Wander the trails at Fort Snelling State Park / Minnesota DNR

Take a scenic loop on Wilderness Drive around Itasca State Park

Biking along the Laurentian Divide / Mesabi Trail

At 115 miles long, the Paul Bunyan State Trail is Minnesota's longest continuous rail-trail

A woman leans against her RV to enjoy a morning cup of coffee while basking in the forest scenery / Andrey Armyagov - stock.adobe.com

All aboard for a paddle boat ride on the Mississippi River in St. Paul / Paul Vincent

Shafts of sunlight waft through through the trees in Itasca State Park

A misty morning over Leech Lake / Peter Hawkins

Petting oxen at Oliver Kelley Farm / MN Historical Society