Inside Paul Bunyan Land: What to Know Before You Go to Brainerd’s Classic Park
Paul Bunyan is legendary in this part of the country. It is said it took 5 giant storks to deliver Paul to his parents and he could fit into his father’s clothes by the time he was a week old. When he was three weeks old, his rolling around at nap time would destroy 4 miles of timber.
Soon his parents moved out to Minnesota because the East was just too small for him. As a child, he had no interest in playing with balls and other toys. He wanted to play with axes and become a lumberjack.
Today there is a whole land just for him, Paul Bunyan Land.
Paul Bunyan Land
To find Paul in Minnesota, all you have to do is head up to Brainerd. There, Paul Bunyan’s companion Babe greets you out front of Paul Bunyan Land. After going through the welcome center, you are greeted by the legend himself.
At 26 feet tall, he’s one of the biggest Pauls around. This is where the magic begins. He says, “Hello,” and greets your child by name. It doesn’t stop there either. Paul will engage with the kids.
He encouraged them to come closer to get a picture with him. When my daughter was too scared to go up to him to get a picture, he promised her he would not speak while she was up there. He didn’t want to frighten her away.
Throughout the day, we saw staff actively engaging with Paul as they walked by, like he was just another member of the team.
Later, when we walked by him, he said “Hi” again and remembered our kids’ names. It was that personal touch that made this such an enjoyable and memorable trip.
Who is Paul Bunyan Land For?
Paul Bunyan Land is designed for younger children. Think carnival-style rides that found a permanent home. We found there were only a few rides my oldest could not go on.
She is just over 42 inches. My youngest could get on over half of the rides. He is 34 inches. Both had a great time and didn’t want to stop riding, even when it rained on us.
There was little to no waiting in line to get on rides. According to staff, this is common on most days.
Pioneer Village
Besides the rides, Paul Bunyan Land has a small petting zoo and the Pioneer Village. The Pioneer Village is not tied to a specific time period, but it is packed with treasures.
We timed our visit well with the light rain. We were in the Pioneer Village when it rained, so the buildings were perfect for keeping us dry. The park does not close for rain; it only pauses rides if conditions are unsafe.
Pioneer Village has been a family-owned business for decades. In 2003, when the popular Paul Bunyan Land needed a new home, they doubled the attraction by moving the theme park right next door.
Admission includes both parks. The Brainerd area was very excited to see that Paul and Babe stayed in town.
Collection of Obscure Statues
Paul Bunyan Land has become a home for unique displays retired from other places in the region. They have everything from a giant shopping cart to a herd of dinosaurs.
Despite their differences, it all fits together well. When new things become available, the owners jump at the chance to add and grow.
When To Go?
Typical summer season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours can vary by day and weather. Rides may pause during storms for safety. Check the latest hours and ticket info before you go: paulbunyanland.com.
Recent pricing has been around the low-to-mid $20s per person, with toddlers 2 and under free. Verify current rates online.
Admission includes unlimited rides and access to Pioneer Village. In fall, look for special haunted events; in December, watch for holiday lights or seasonal displays if announced for the year.
If you are heading up north with young kids, you should check out this park. Or, if you love selfies, stop by to get a picture with Babe.
As my daughter told everyone at daycare the next day, she loved getting to meet “the Bald Onion.” It wasn’t until her teacher saw the pictures that she figured out who she was talking about.
For more thrilling things to do in Brainerd, check out the Brainerd Zipline Tours.
