Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway
Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Overview

Paul Bunyan is a giant among American tall tales, and the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway captures the spirit of the famous lumberjack as it passes through tall forests, large lakes, and friendly northern communities. Soon roadside panels will tell the story of the Minnesota countryside in Paul's own words, and the attractions in the area allow visitors to experience all the fun of life on the frontier.

There's a tall tale behind some of the local architecture. When Paul was fishing for the 40-ft. walleye called Notorious Nate, he flung the fish so far that his bobber caught on the water tower scaffold of Pequot Lakes, where it remains to this day. Some say that Paul also built the Historic Fire Tower a mile east of Pequot Lakes, even though the Department of Natural Resources has it listed on the National Historic Lookout Register. Those who climb the hill and the tower find a Paul's-eye view of the surrounding forests, which makes a most excellent photo opportunity.

The forest remains much as it was in Paul's day, along with its many varieties of wildlife. The Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area contains fourteen different habitats that draw in non-game wildlife for visitors to enjoy. The Paul Bunyan State Trail connects several of the local townships along the path of the old railway, letting bikers, hikers, and cross-country skiers watch the local birds while enjoying the quiet of the forest.

The Whitefish Chain of Lakes is large enough to have come from several of Babe's hoof prints, and today, the recreational opportunities are equally gigantic. Like the scenery on its shores, the lake activities vary with the season, from summer waterskiing and swimming to winter snowmobiling, skiing, and spear fishing. Be sure to stop by the annual summer Duck Races at the Pine River Dam. Visitors can sponsor or cheer on one of a hundred racing decoy ducks, with prizes for the winner.

Through its expansive nature and its local storytellers, the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway will capture visitors' imaginations.

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Other Stories

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    Just north of Brainerd, MN is the Whitefish Chain of Lakes. One of the Chain's bays, Moonlight Bay, is a great spot to fish. In fact, it was right here on this bay that Paul Bunyan, the giant logger of tall tale fame, once battled the biggest, most cantankerous fish in the North Country-- Ike the...

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  • Hey Paul! Tall Tales of the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway

    The world of American tall tales contains several giants, such as Pecos Bill, Johnny Appleseed, and John Henry. But towering over them all is Paul Bunyan, the incredible lumberjack, and the communities along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway celebrate his larger than life legacy.

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