Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway
Places to Visit
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Cross Lake Dam Recreation Area (MN)
With multiple sites for camping and water recreation, the Cross Lake Dam sits at the lower end of the whitefish chain of lakes. The United States Army Corps of Engineers continues to work with local communities to improve the site.
Location: Located on the west side of CSAH 66 across from the Chamber of Commerce Information Building on Cross Lake.
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Crosslake Historical Society Museum and Historic Log Village (MN)
Composed of log buildings from the surrounding areas, the Historic Log Village demonstrates the life of early settlers through interactive history days. Demonstrations include weaving, blacksmithing, and other period activities.
Location: The Historic Log Village is at the south end of Crosslake at the intersection of CSAH 3 and 66, on the north side of the bridge.
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The area surrounding the open-air Gateway Gazebo features several recreation opportunites, including golf, restaurants, and historic cutouts of Paul Bunyan.
Location: The Gateway Gazebo activity area is located at the corner of Highway 371 and Crow Wing County Road 16.
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Listed on the National Historic Lookout Register, the Historic Fire Tower offers visitors sweeping views of the surrounding forests and many hiking opportunities.
Location: The Historic Fire Tower is located on CSAH 11 a little less than a mile east of the intersection with Highway 371 in Pequot Lakes.
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Formerly a railroad, the paved Paul Bunyan State Trail runs 110 miles through the cities of Pequot Lakes, Jenkins, Pine River, and Bemidji.
Location: Along Highway 371, with trailheads in Pequot Lakes, Jenkins, Pine River, and Bemidji.
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Pequot Lakes Information Center (MN)
A re-creation of a railroad depot, the Pequot Lakes Information Center offers visitors information about many of the areas attractions, including resorts, dining, retail shops, and lodging.
Location: The Pequot Lakes Information Center is located at the intersection of Highway 371 and CSAH 11.
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This river recreation area allows visitors to swim, canoe, picnic, and watch the summer Duck Races.
Location: The town of Pine River is at the intersection of CSAH 1 and Highway 371. Four blocks east of this intersection is the Pine River Dam and Recreational Park.
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Pine River Information Center (MN)
The log building houses several cultural artifacts, including Paul Bunyan's baby boots and an antique Russian sleigh. The helpful staff provides information about the byway, and the center is near the Paul Bunyan State Trail.
Location: The Pine River Information Building is located at the intersection of Highway 371 and Barclay Ave. (CSAH 1) in Pine River.
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Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area (MN)
Designed to attract several different species of wildlife, the Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area also offers well-paved trails for bikers, hikers, and cross-country skiers.
Location: Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area is located 8.1 miles east from the intersection of Highway 371 and CSAH 16.
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Veterans Hiking Trail at Island Lake Woods (MN)
The Veterans Hiking Trail crosses reforested land, and an interpretive panel gives the history of both the fire of 1958 and the reforestation effort.
Location: From the intersection of Hwy 371 and CSAH 16, travel 2.6 miles east on 16. Entrance and parking is on the north side of 16.
