Paul Bunyan and his blue ox have been welcoming visitors to Trees of Mystery in Klamath for generations. A popular roadside attraction along U.S. Route 101, the park is notably home to interpretive trails through redwoods groves, some of which contain unusual tree formations. However, it’s the massive Paul Bunyan statue that makes the first impression on highway travelers. Here’s the backstory behind this beloved statue in Northern California.
Standing tall and in full view of Highway 101, Paul Bunyan and his faithful blue ox, Babe, are the first thing visitors see when stopping at Trees of Mystery in Klamath.
Paul and Babe come from a legendary tale told by French Canadians around the time of the Papineau Rebellion in 1837. Although oversized Paul Bunyans can be found along highways all over the country, we have no problem asserting that Klamath's statues are our favorites.
Trees of Mystery was established as a natural history theme park in 1931. Highway 101 was a lot more remote back then and it definitely didn't have much in the way of tourism. Trees of Mystery changed all of that and has since become an iconic redwoods attraction.
Standing 49-feet tall, the current Paul Bunyan statue was constructed all the way back in 1961! However, it took them a few tries to get it right. The first statue was made from papier mache and only lasted a year before Paul's head melted during a winter rain.
A second version of the statue appeared in 1947, crafted from wood and concrete. Babe the Blue Ox made a charming addition just a few years later. Both of the current statues are made from wooden beams, chicken wire, and stucco.
Visitors are often surprised that the Paul Bunyan statue can actually talk! He may even give you a big wave of his hand. Known to comment on visitors' clothing or pass the time by telling jokes or riddles, it's tradition for many to stop for a brief conversation with this gentle giant when at Trees of Mystery.
The next time you find yourself driving past Paul and Babe, take a moment to think about the generations of travelers who have been greeted by the same jolly face. Learn more about the statues by visiting the Trees of Mystery website.
Do you have a photo with Paul Bunyan and Babe? These iconic statues have been NorCal icons for decades. Share your own memories at Trees of Mystery with us in the comments below!
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