Paul Bunyan – Weird Roadside Attraction

Exploring the upper midwest, you might come across Paul Bunyan and Babe, the blue ox in Bemidji, Minnesota. This giant 18ft lumberjack and his trusty sidekick Babe have been gracing the town of Bemidji since 1937, (Babe permanently in 1939). Which gives them the claim as the first statue of Paul Bunyan in the nation among the many other Paul Bunyan statues claiming to be in the city where Paul Bunyan was born. But, since nobody knows for sure where the folk hero lumberjack was born, why not in Bemidji! Plus, This Paul Bunyan and Babe are part of the National Register of Historic Places. As weird roadside attractions go, this isn’t too weird but, it is pretty impressive to stand next to this giant. I even got my photo taken standing between his legs. 🙂 You just got to do it!

First City on Mississippi River

Bemidji is also known as the first city on the Mississippi River. And in the winter it gets lots of traffic from snowmobilers and ice fisherman. This town is a vast winter wonderland for the cold enthusiasts. It always surprises me how many people would take their nice trucks and SUVs out on ice and park altogether. Wouldn’t it make sense to spread them out so, not to have all that ton of weight in one area?

If you are up to a road trip in the great north midwest, take a drive to Bemidji and say Hi! to Paul for me. He and Babe are always ready to greet new people no matter what the weather is outside.