This Unique Park In Minnesota Is Perfect For A Day Trip Any Time Of Year

Most of us in the Land of 10,000 Lakes are quite familiar with the Paul Bunyan legend. Plus, there are plenty of things that are named for the big fella, like the Paul Bunyan State Forest and the Paul Bunyan history museum in Akeley. Plus, you’ll find several statues of the legendary figure all over the state. In fact, the one in Akeley is the largest Paul Bunyan statue in the world. And in Hackensack, you’ll even find a statue of Lucette, who, as legend has it, is Paul Bunyan’s sweetheart. But one small town in Beltrami County has taken the Paul Bunyan legend to a whole other place - and I just learned about it! That’s why I think a trip to Bemidji, the Beltrami County seat, and Kelliher, which is home to this unique park in Minnesota, would make a fantastic day trip.

Bemidji is home to one of the best known Paul Bunyan statues in the state.

He’s depicted with his famous companion, Babe the Blue Ox. Spend a little time in Bemidji, pay your respects to Paul and Babe, and when you’re ready, hit the road.

You’re going to head north of Bemidji for a little less than an hour toward the small town of Kelliher.

Kelliher is a tiny town of fewer than 300 people.

And it’s also home to the object of our quest: Paul Bunyan Memorial Park.

At first glance, the park seems pretty typical - maybe even better than typical.

It has a playground, places for picnics, and even a campground.

But there’s also a long, symmetrical mound, about 20 feet or so in length.

And there’s a marker at its head indicating that the mound is the gravesite of none other than… Paul Bunyan.

Hence the name of the park, I suppose.

Paul was apparently born in 1794 and died in 1890.

And his epitaph reads, “Here lies Paul, and that’s all.” I suppose it makes sense that he’s no longer with us. But nevertheless, I was taken aback.

I was definitely surprised to learn about Paul Bunyan’s demise, and visiting his place of rest is one way to show a little respect for the Big Man. Be sure to pack everything you’ll need for your road trip to these Beltrami County attractions, and you may want to stop and grab a meal in Bemidji - there’s a fantastic Italian restaurant in town.

Did you know about Paul Bunyan’s gravesite? Have you visited this unique park in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments!