Visit 6 Of The Best Paul Bunyan-Themed Attractions In Minnesota On One Road Trip Adventure

Anyone who's lived in the Land of 10,000 Lakes for any amount of time knows that we Minnesotans have a bit of a thing for a certain large lumberjack and his blue bovine companion. So much so, in fact, that you'll find plenty of sights, businesses, landmarks, and attractions bearing the Paul Bunyan moniker. To be honest, though, I'm not so much fascinated by Paul Bunyan, himself, as I am by our fascination with the famous Northwoodsman. And that's why I thought it'd be fun to put together a road trip to six of the best - or at least, the best known - Paul Bunyan attractions in Minnesota that celebrate the big man and our state's fandom of him.

Starting at Paul Bunyan Land, just east of Brainerd, you could do this whole road trip in just over three hours of driving time. But you'll certainly want to take a little time to explore as you go. I think it works best as a weekend adventure. Tap or click on the map above for route guidance or to customize your trip in ​​Google Maps.

1. Paul Bunyan Land - Brainerd

You'll start your journey at an amusement park that once shuttered but was reborn and now lives on. That's right, I'm talking about our beloved ​​Paul Bunyan Land, located just outside of Brainerd. Open seasonally, this theme park and heritage village has much to offer those interested in the history of the region, as well as Paul Bunyan buffs and amusement park lovers.

2. Explore Brainerd Lakes Welcome Center and Gift Shop - Brainerd

The city of Brainerd has cycled through a few famous Paul Bunyan statutes, some of which - like certain infamous Minnesota sports teams - were dismantled and shipped off to other states. But we think the waving Paul at the Explore Brainerd Lakes Welcome Center and Gift Shop will probably stick around for awhile.

3. Lucette (Paul Bunyan's Sweetheart) - Hackensack

The ​​charming town of Hackensack, Minnesota, is home to Paul Bunyan's sweetheart, Lucette Diana Kensack. Coincidentally, it's also the birthplace of Paul, Jr. You'll find a statute memorializing Lucette at a lakeside park in this quaint Northwoods town.

4. Paul Bunyan Historical Museum and World's Largest Paul Bunyan Statue - Akeley

If you truly geek out on all things Paul, then our stop in ​​the town of Akeley will get your heart a-pumpin'. Akeley is home to the largest Paul Bunyan statue in the world, which sits next to the Paul Bunyan Historical Museum. The museum houses many Paul Bunyan-related artifacts and exhibits, as well as plenty of information about the history of the town and the region. Make the trip over the last full weekend in June, and you'll hit Akeley in time for its annual Paul Bunyan Days festival.

5. Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox - Bemidji

Bemidji is home to the ​​best known statutes of Paul and Babe in Minnesota, if not the world. If there's one Paul Bunyan statute that every Minnesotan must visit at some point in there lives, it's this one.

6. Paul Bunyan Memorial Park - Kelliher

The last stop on this road trip is, appropriately, ​​the final resting place of our favorite lumberjack. That's right, our journey ends where his did: at Paul Bunyan Memorial Park in Kelliher. There, you'll find Paul Bunyan's grave, complete with a marker that reads, "Here lies Paul, and that's all."

So there you have it: six of our state's best Paul Bunyan attractions in 171 miles. There aren't too many other adventures that scream Minnesota! quite like this one, eh? Before you head out on your journey, though, be sure to pack everything you'll need for a road trip, as well as plenty of tasty snacks.

How many of these Paul Bunyan attractions in Minnesota have you visited, and which are your favorites? What are some others that we should be aware of? Let us know in the comments!