You've probably seen the pictures. Maybe a grainy Polaroid from your grandma’s 1970s road trip or a high-def selfie on Instagram. There’s a guy in a red plaid shirt, standing 18 feet tall, looking like he just stepped out of a logging camp and into the 21st century. That’s the Bemidji Minnesota Paul Bunyan statue. Honestly, if you grew up in the Midwest, this duo—Paul and his buddy Babe the Blue Ox—is basically royalty.
But here’s the thing: Paul isn't just a statue. He’s a survivor.
He was built during the Great Depression. Think about that. In 1937, while the rest of the country was struggling to keep the lights on, the folks in Bemidji decided they needed a giant concrete lumberjack to bring in tourists. It was a total gamble. It worked. Within a decade, Kodak named these statues the second-most photographed icons in America, right behind Mount Rushmore.
The Weird, True Story of How Paul Was Built
Most people assume some famous artist flew in to sculpt a masterpiece. Nope. This was a total DIY project by the locals. Cyril Dickinson, a local construction guy, was the mastermind. He didn't have a blueprint, so he basically used the mayor at the time, Earl Bucklen, as his model.
They scaled the mayor up three-to-one.
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Because they were building him in a rush for a winter carnival, the lighting was kinda terrible. That’s why, if you look closely, Paul doesn't really have a neck. His head just sorta sits on those massive, boxy shoulders. He weighs about 2.5 tons (not counting the massive footings underground), and it took about 737 man-hours to finish him.
Babe the Blue Ox Had a Secret Life
Babe wasn't always standing still. Originally, the ox was built by Jim Payton using wood, wire, and canvas. He was actually mobile! They mounted Babe on a Ford Model T chassis and drove him around in parades.
It gets weirder.
Back in the day, Babe’s eyes were made of automobile tail lights that actually glowed. They even hooked up a pipe to his nostrils so he could "breathe" exhaust, making it look like he was huffing steam in the cold Minnesota air. By 1939, the wear and tear of being a parade float was too much, so they gave Babe a permanent concrete skin and parked him next to Paul for good.
Bemidji Minnesota Paul Bunyan: More Than Just a Photo Op
If you’re planning a trip, don't just snap a photo and leave. There’s a whole vibe to the park that most people rush past. The statues sit right on the shore of Lake Bemidji, which is stunning at sunrise.
- The Fireplace of States: Right next to the statues is a fireplace built with rocks from every U.S. state and Canadian province. It’s a literal piece of North American geography.
- The "Talking" Legend: There’s a persistent rumor—well, it's actually a fact—that Paul used to have a public address system. He could literally talk to passersby. Imagine walking up to a giant concrete man in 1940 and having him say "Hello" in a booming voice. Kinda creepy, right?
- Selfie Station: In 2015, the city tried to change the plaza to make it easier for selfies. The locals lost their minds. It was called #Paulmageddon. People are that protective of this spot. They eventually fixed the plaza, but the passion showed that these statues are sacred ground for "Bemidjians."
Why the Birthplace Debate Is Actually Hilarious
If you travel around the Northwoods, you’ll notice other towns claiming Paul. Akeley, Minnesota, has a Paul you can sit in the hand of. Brainerd has a talking Paul at an amusement park. Bangor, Maine, even claims him.
But Bemidji was the first.
They officially claimed the title of "Paul Bunyan’s Birthplace" decades ago. Is it true? I mean, he’s a folklore character created by lumberjacks telling "tall tales" in the 1800s. But in terms of the "Roadside Colossus" movement, Bemidji started the trend. Before the giant balls of twine or the world's largest loons, there was the Bemidji Minnesota Paul Bunyan.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Honestly, the best time to see them is early morning before the tour buses arrive. The lighting over the lake is perfect for photos.
- Parking: There’s plenty of room for RVs and cars at the Tourist Information Center right there at 300 Bemidji Ave N.
- The Museum: Go inside the visitor center. They have actual Paul Bunyan memorabilia and giant-sized items (like his toothbrush) that really lean into the kitsch.
- Winter Visits: If you go in winter, Paul is often wearing a massive scarf or a funny hat. It’s cold, but the lake freezes over and the scene is classic Minnesota.
- The Trail: The Paul Bunyan State Trail starts right near here. It’s the longest continuously paved rail-trail in the country. You can bike for miles through the woods Paul supposedly cleared.
You shouldn't just think of this as a quick stop on the way to Itasca State Park. It’s a piece of American history that survived the 1930s, a 2021 incident where Paul actually lost an arm (it was repaired, don't worry), and nearly a century of brutal Minnesota winters.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Webcam: If you can't make it today, the Bemidji Chamber of Commerce runs a live webcam of the statues so you can see the current weather and crowds.
- Plan for 45 Minutes: Don't just do a drive-by. Give yourself time to walk through the Visitor Center and read the plaques on the Fireplace of States.
- Book Nearby: If you’re staying overnight, look for hotels on the south end of Lake Bemidji for the best views of the skyline—including the big guy himself.