Minnesota Trail Guide: Exploring The Paul Bunyan State Trail (Brainerd to Bemidji, MN)
🌲 Discover the beauty of Minnesota on the Paul Bunyan State Trail! Uncover hidden gems and scenic spots with our helpful trail guide. 🌼 #Minnesota #TrailGuide #HeartlandStateTrail
BRAINERD, MN – Stretching an impressive 120 miles, the Paul Bunyan State Trail is not only Minnesota’s longest rail trail but also the longest of its kind in the entire country. This paved pathway has earned its place in the Rails to Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame as a “Signature Minnesota Destination,” and for good reason.
Named after the legendary lumberjack, Paul Bunyan, the trail serves as a reminder of the rich forestlands that once supported a thriving timber industry. As you ride through the pine-laden landscape, you’ll encounter numerous depictions of Paul Bunyan and his faithful companion, Babe the Blue Ox, in the charming towns along the way.
🏞️ From Crow Wing State Park to Bemidji: A Journey Through Nature and History
The Paul Bunyan State Trail begins at Crow Wing State Park near Brainerd and concludes at Lake Bemidji State Park near Bemidji. With a few on-road connections, the total distance spans approximately 123 miles. The trail can be divided into two main sections:
1. Crow Wing State Park to Walker
As you set out from Crow Wing State Park, you’ll catch glimpses of the mighty Mississippi River while making your way through the park towards Brainerd’s Northland Arboretum. The Brainerd lakes area is a popular destination for tourists seeking an authentic “Up North” experience without sacrificing creature comforts. You’ll find numerous resorts, hotels, and campgrounds conveniently located near the trail, catering to the needs of cyclists.
Heading north from Brainerd, you’ll traverse wetlands, gardens, and the quaint towns of Merrifield and Nisswa. Downtown Nisswa is a lively tourist hub, offering a variety of shops and restaurants to explore. Be sure to stop for a tour of the historic pioneer village and enjoy the regular turtle races held throughout the summer. The Pequot Lakes Visitor’s Center provides a perfect spot to rest and recharge, and rumor has it that Paul Bunyan’s bobber now serves as the town’s water tower. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a break in Paul Bunyan’s oversized chair at Bobber Park.
At the Pine River Information Center, you can marvel at vintage displays, including a pair of Paul Bunyan’s baby shoes, which are large enough to stand inside. Keep an eye out for carved critters along the trail, such as Colonel Cobber in Backus, a 10-foot chainsaw carving of a corncob man that serves as a favorite photo opportunity for cyclists. Further down the trail, you’ll meet Paul Bunyan’s girlfriend, Lucette, in Hackensack, a town renowned for its annual chainsaw carving festival.
After Hackensack, you have the choice of taking either the hilly route through the Chippewa National Forest to the shared section of the Heartland and Paul Bunyan Trail or the shorter and easier Shingobee Connector trail. Both routes lead to downtown Walker.
2. Walker to Bemidji:
As you continue your journey towards Bemidji, you’ll cross the Kabekona River and pass through the towns of Benedict, Laporte, and Guthrie. The landscape alternates between quiet, rolling farmlands, crystal-clear lakes, and dense forestlands. Bemidji, the first city on the Mississippi River, is situated on the south side of Lake Bemidji, flanked by the Mississippi Headwaters State Forest to the west and Lake Bemidji State Park to the north. No visit to Bemidji is complete without seeing the famous statues of Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox, Babe. You can choose to continue on to Lake Bemidji State Park or embark on a scenic 17-mile loop around Lake Bemidji.
🔗 Trail Connections and Historical Significance
The Paul Bunyan State Trail offers several connections to other trails and points of interest. When traveling north after Hackensack, you’ll enter the Chippewa National Forest and reach a Y intersection. Taking a left will lead you on the hilly section of the Paul Bunyan Trail through the forest to the intersection with the Heartland Trail west of Walker. Opting for the right will take you on the easier Shingobee Trail into Walker from the south.
After crossing Paul Bunyan Drive on the bridge in Bemidji, you can connect to the 17-mile Lake Bemidji Trail that encircles Lake Bemidji. Regardless of which direction you choose, the route concludes at Lake Bemidji State Park.
The Paul Bunyan Trail also forms part of the Mississippi River Trail Scenic Bikeway, a signed route that extends from the Mississippi Headwaters all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.
The trail’s history dates back to 1893 when the original railroad line was built. Burlington Northern abandoned the line in 1983, paving the way for its transformation into a recreational trail. In October 1992, the first 50 miles of the Paul Bunyan Trail, spanning from Brainerd to Hackensack, opened to the public. Since then, the trail has more than doubled in length, providing an unparalleled outdoor experience for locals and visitors alike.
🌲 The Paul Bunyan State Trail
The Paul Bunyan State Trail is a true gem in Minnesota’s outdoor recreation crown. With its vast length, diverse landscapes, and rich historical significance, this trail offers an unforgettable adventure for cyclists, hikers, and nature enthusiasts.
As you traverse the path once trodden by lumber trains, you’ll immerse yourself in the beauty of Minnesota’s forestlands, charming small towns, and the legendary tales of Paul Bunyan.
Whether you’re seeking a multi-day excursion or a shorter scenic ride, the Paul Bunyan State Trail promises an experience that will leave you in awe of Minnesota’s natural wonders and captivating folklore.
🌍 Explore Minnesota’s Trails
Plan your next adventure! Check out these related articles…
- Blazing Star State Trail (Albert Lea, MN)
- Brown’s Creek State Trail (Stillwater, MN)
- Camden Regional Trail (Marshall, MN)
- Cannon Valley Trail (Cannon Falls to Red Wing, MN)
- Casey Jones State Trail (Pipestone, MN)
- Central Lakes State Trail (Fergus Falls to Osakis, MN)
- Gateway State Trail (St. Paul, MN)
- Gitchi-Gami State Trail (North Shore, MN)
- Glacial Lakes State Trail (Willmar to Paynesville, MN)
- Heartland State Trail (Park Rapids to Cass Lake, MN)
- Lake Wobegon Regional Trail (Waite Park to Osakis, MN)
- Luce Line State Trail (Plymouth, MN)
- Luverne Loop Trail (Luverne, MN)
- Mesabi Trail (Grand Rapids to Ely, MN)
- Paul Bunyan State Trail (Brainerd to Bemidji, MN)
- Root River And Harmony-Preston Valley State Trails (Lanesboro, MN)
- Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail (Mankato to Faribault, MN)
- Shooting Star State Trail (Le Roy to Austin, MN)
- St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail (Stillwater, MN to Wisconsin)
- Willard Munger State Trail (Hinckley to Duluth, MN)
Watch Video: The Beauty of Minnesota (Ultra HD 4K)
Embark on a breathtaking visual journey through the diverse landscapes of Minnesota, from its tranquil northern woods to its vibrant cityscapes. Experience the Land of 10,000 Lakes in stunning Ultra HD 4K. Music composed and performed by Kitty Norton.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
🗣 Have you ever explored the Paul Bunyan State Trail? What is your favorite Minnesota trail? Let others know! We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
