Where to see the 11 Paul Bunyan statues in MN
There isn’t just one Paul Bunyan Statue in MN, but 11 hiding throughout the state. Each has its own unique personality. Some are outside of visitors’ centers, while others are hidden inside destinations.
It took me a few years, but I finally saw the five big Paul Bunyan statues in Minnesota during my travels, plus a few extra. I’m dishing out where to find them all.
How many Paul Bunyan Stateus are in Minnesota?
There are 11 statutes. The big five include:
- Brainered Visitors Center
- Paul Bunyan Land, Brainered
- Bemidji Visitors Center, Bemidji MN
- The Mall of America, Bloomington, MN
- The World’s Largest Paul, Akeley MN
The other statues:
- Paul Bunyon and Babe Statue inside Scheels, Eden Prairie
- A-Pine Family Restaurant in Jenkins MN
- Baxter MN NE side of the intersection of highways 371 and 210
- A junior statue Hackensack, MN
- Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake in Brainerd
- Paul Bunyan Statue on the sign for Winton MN.
Where to Find Paul Bunyan Statues in Minnesota?
Brainerd Visitors Center, Brainerd MN
Some people in Brainerd claim that the statue of Paul Bunyan is the world’s largest. Standing 12 feet tall and 14 feet wide, the statue has been standing in front of the Brainerd visitors’ center for over 15 years.
The statue was made by Rudy Zavolny. It shows a huge Paul Bunyan with his loyal friend, Babe.
The statue was made to attract tourists to Brainerd and to connect the city with the well-known American characters Paul Bunyan and Babe. The sculpture has brought in many tourists over the years.
To visit Paul, pull off at the visitors’ center exit. The visitors center sits on the left side, in between the divided highway. You’ll see him right out front.
Make sure to stop inside and see what else there is to do around Brainerd, Minnesota. It’s also the turn off to Crown Wing State Park. I highly recomend it.
Paul Bunyan Land, Brainerd MN
The Paul Bunyan Statue in Paul Bunyan Land is a lot of fun to see.
This 26-foot statue was built in 1954. What sets this statue apart from the rest is that Paul moves and speaks. Included with the price of admission to the theme park, the statue greets visitors by name.
Before you go inside, make sure to check out the giant statue of Babe the Blue Ox in the parking lot. It’s out of this world.
TIP: The park is geared for younger kids. If you just want to see Paul, they have a discounted rate.
We went when my kids were much younger. One was so terrified by Paul, he promised not to move or talk, so we could get a picture. The kids still talk about it.
Brainerd has a lot going on. Make sure you check out the other fun things to do nearby: 38 FUN Things to do in Brainerd Minnesota
Bemidji Visitors Center, Bemidji MN
The statue is an iconic landmark in Bemidji; many people come to take photos and enjoy the view. It was created to honor the logging industry that brought prosperity to much of Northern Minnesota.
The statue was created by James Edward Daugherty. It was erected in 1936 after it was commissioned by the Rotary Club of Bemidji.
The Paul Bunyan Statue in Bemidji has moved to different locations since 1960 and is now at the Paul Bunyan Visitors’ Center since 1993. Today it sits with the beautiful Lake Bemidji in the background.
Make sure to check out the nearby Lake Bemidji State Park.
The Mall of America, Bloomington, MN
Do you remember the days of Camp Snoopy? One thing I loved about the MOA is when they built the theme park, they did so with Minnesota culture in mind. And one thing they incorporated was Paul Bunyan.
With the crossover to Nickelodeon Universe, the park still kept Paul and Babe around.
They erected the statue of Paul Bunyan in 1990 to honor the state’s lumberjacks, which was an enormous industry. The statue of Paul Bunyan is 19 feet tall and very imposing.
It’s the only ride in the mall that features animatronics. You’ll also see Babe a few times on the ride. He’s full size towards the end, as you go up. Don’t stress out, the drop isn’t for a bit later.
They don’t allow photography on the rides, and you can get kicked out of the park for doing so. Because I love the MOA, I wans’t willing to risk it.
You can only see Paul Bunyan’s Statue at the Mall of America on the Log Ride. You can purchase tickets just for the ride, or the all-day wristband and do it as many times as you like.
Bloomington, MN has a bunch of fun activities. Make sure to check them out while you are there. 28 FUN Things to do in Bloomington Minnesota
Worlds Largest, Akeley MN
The joy of road trips is finding the unexpected. That is exactly what happened to us on our way to Itasca State Park when we found the world’s largest Paul Bunyan Statue in the small town of Akeley.
Erected to commemorate what people called “The Biggest Lumberjack in the World,” Paul Bunyan. He is said to be over 60 feet tall if he were standing and with an ax larger than any man could handle.
The statue is also home to one of Minnesota’s best selfie spots! Right in front of the statue is a selfie stand for you to get your perfect picture of Paul.
Honorable Mentions:
There are a few more obscure Paul Bunyan statues around the state. These are relatively new, misfits, or promotional of smaller businesses. They are quirkier and worth checking out.
- Paul Bunyon and Babe Statue inside Scheels in Eden Prairie.
- A-Pine Family Restaurant in Jenkins MN has a smaller statue outside.
- Baxter MN has a smaller one on the NE side of the intersection of highways 371 and 210. He holds a bowling ball outside a muffler shop.
- A junior statue is located at 208 1st St. N., Hackensack, MN in Hackensack.
- Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake in Brainerd has a small statue outside the entrance to the resort.
- Just outside of Ely you’ll find another Paul Bunyan Statue on the sign for Winton MN.
Make sure to explore the town of Ely while you are there. It’s an amazing north woods experience. The 23 Best Things to do in Ely, Minnesota
The Legend of Paul Bunyan in MN
The Paul Bunyan folklore is a part of the culture of the state of Minnesota. The origins of this folklore are not clear, but it has been passed down through generations.
The story itself is not only about Paul Bunyan but also about his leading companion, Babe the Blue Ox. It also talks about their adventures and how they created many features of Minnesota’s landscape, such as lakes and forests.
Paul was eight feet tall and weighed 300 pounds. It was said that he was so strong, he could cut down a tree in one swing of the ax.
Minnesota has a special affinity for Paul Bunyan, evident in the numerous statues and things named after him, making him a beloved figure in the state’s folklore.
Which Paul Bunyan Statues in Minnesota have you been to?
These roadside attractions are spread out all over Minnesota. While you could do them all in a weekend, I recommend taking things slow and enjoying the towns that Paul Bunyan calls home.
