




About
The First City on the Mississippi River is a historically charming and beautiful city. Paul Bunyan and Babe his Blue Ox, the legendary lumberjack team, await your arrival on the shore of Lake Bemidji. Bemidji offers a relaxed, small town atmosphere with the amenities of the big city. Bemidji, the First City on the Mississippi River, is a historically charming, progressive northwoods city. The world’s third largest river crosses through Lake Bemidji soon after its’ birth at Itasca State Park, as it travels to the Gulf of Mexico.
History, legend and lore mingle with an abundance of bald eagles and waterways give the Bemidji area its unique character. 400 fishing lakes in a 25-mile radius invite anglers and provide a variety of recreational opportunities all year around. The natural rhythm of changing seasons draw bikers, hikers, skiers and snowmobiling enthusiasts to the area’s State and National Forests. Minnesota’s northwoods holds a treasure trove of natural beauty for those seeking peaceful refreshment.
By way of celebrating the logging industry, an 18 ft. statue of the legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan and Babe his Blue Ox were constructed at the waterfront for the 1937 Winter Carnival. This famous duo has posed with visitors for many memorable photographs ever since – earning Midwest Living magazine’s ‘"Best in the Midwest" Roadside Attraction Award in 2003. Paul’s memorabilia, displayed in the adjacent Tourist Information Center, is sure to bring a grin.
Native American and Scandinavian cultures are woven together into the tapestry of Bemidji’s history. Several events and galleries showcase the community's rich and diverse cultural heritage. A remarkable collection of sculpture and outdoor art throughout the downtown area offers a glimpse into the creativity this beautiful area inspires. The Paul Bunyan Playhouse hosts top performances throughout the summer. The renovated railroad depot is home to a state-of-the-art history museum.
Designated as a "Bicycle Friendly Community", easy, paved trails skirt Lake Bemidji, connect to downtown and Lake Bemidji State Park. NiceRide Bike Share rentals make exploring the area fun and easy.
Bemidji is a regional retail and educational center, large enough to be convenient, small enough to be comfortable. The surrounding region abounds with interesting places and things to do. A few memorable places to visit are: Lake Bemidji State Park, Headwaters Science Center, Beltrami County History Center, Mississippi River birding hot spots or downtown Bemidji Brewery, Chocolates Plus, pubs, bakeries and boutiques.
Dates
Tourist Information Center Hours:M-F 8 am-5pm year around. Jun-Aug Sat 9:30 -5 and Sun 11-3Bicycle Friendly Community
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Ice fishing in the Superior National Forest / Alyssa Hei

Family at the polar bear exhibit, Como Zoo

Angler shows off a 25-inch walleye caught on Maple Lake near Alexandria / Joe Scegura's Guide Service

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

A woman poses with the kaleidoscopic "Times They Are A-Changin" mural of Bob Dylan in downtown Minneapolis

Martin Freeman in season one of Fargo / FX

John Kruesel's General Merchandise, Rochester

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

A woman poses with the kaleidoscopic "Times They Are A-Changin" mural of Bob Dylan in downtown Minneapolis

Lake of the Woods / Buffalo Media Group

Deer at the Superior Forest Scenic Byway

Minnesota boasts nearly half a million deer hunters / Lee Toua

Anglers on Rainy Lake snowmobile to their ice fishing house for the ultimate Minnesota winter experience

Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox mural, Bemidji

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

Reeling in a smallmouth bass while kayak fishing on the Mississippi River in St. Cloud / Chelsea and Eric Eul, courtesy Clear Waters Outfitting

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

Pedal on remote dirt roads and trails in the Chippewa National Forest / Micah Kvidt

Take a scenic loop on Wilderness Drive around Itasca State Park

Fireworks above Lake Superior from the Grand Marais shore / David R. Johnson

The NorShor Theatre brings world-class live performances to the heart of downtown Duluth / Paul Vincent

A canopy of bright orange leaves frames a scenic road in central Minnesota / Anthony Hanson

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

RV camping at the Cut Foot Horse campground in Chippewa National Forest

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

Boat fishing in Lake Margaret in the Brainerd Lakes Area / Paul Vincent

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

The Mississippi headwaters at Itasca State Park / Kvidt Creative