The Legend
Standing tall on the shores of Lake Bemidji since 1937, Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox have become symbols of Bemidji’s heritage and hospitality. These larger-than-life statues — now listed on the National Register of Historic Places — attract visitors from around the world. Stop by the Tourist Information Center to learn more about their story, see historic photos, and snap your own iconic picture with this famous duo.
In The News
Smithsonian Magazine
Not only is this northern Minnesota town the self-proclaimed “curling capital” of the U.S., but it’s also the alleged birthplace of Paul Bunyan. An 18-foot-tall statue of the legendary lumberjack and another of his blue ox, Babe, have been standing near the lake—and attracting kitsch-loving photo takers—for 85 years.
Newsbreak
Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox are two giant statues that are located in Bemidji, Minnesota and are a symbol of the state’s rich logging heritage. The statues are a popular destination for tourists and are considered a must-visit for anyone traveling through northern Minnesota.
Kare11
Our continuing drone series takes us over Bemidji, where the giant lumberjack and his bovine chum have stood on the shores of Lake Bemidji since the 1930s.
The Smithsonian Channel
The Smithsonian Channel featured video of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox on its show Aerial America. Watch the clip titled “The Unexpected History of Minnesota’s Logging Industry.”
The Bemidji Pioneer
Photo opportunities with Bemidji’s Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues were temporarily limited in August 2022, as a construction project began to help preserve the statues by improving drainage in the plaza.