City Escape: Bemidji, MN

Bemidji, MN, is one of the cities claiming to be the birthplace of Paul Bunyan. Although we may never know for sure where (if anywhere) Bunyan was born, this tour will certainly convince you he hails from northern Minnesota.

You’ll begin and end your ride at Bemidji’s famous 18-foot-tall statue depicting Paul and Babe the Blue Ox, erected in 1937 to catch the attention of passing motorists. Mission accomplished, we suppose.

Rolling out of the city, you’ll motor through peaceful Minnesota countryside and open fields in a more-or-less straight line. The trees surrounding the road get thicker and some turns show up as you pass the Mississippi River and enter the Leech Lake Reservation.

Our route takes you along wooded two-lane backcountry roads, skirting the Cass and Winnibigoshish lakes. After a stop at the Big Winnie Store in Bena, you’ll head south for more woods, lakes, and the big riding prize of the tour—the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway.