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Paul Bunyan Welcomes You to Bemidji
Bemidji, Minnesota has been around since 1896. Yet, despite its rich history, it remains one of the best-kept secrets in the state. Spread gently across 16 square miles at a head-turning elevation of more than 1,300 feet, it is a crossroads for those heading between Duluth and Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Home to about 15,000 residents, Bemidji lies on the shore of a gorgeous lake of the same name. Lake Bemidji is the northernmost feeder of the Mississippi River – and so, it has a claim to fame as the "First City on the Mississippi." It's considered the Curling Capital of the United States.
It also happens to be a college town well known for the arts and a culture of language learning backed by unique Concordia College programs and local meetup groups.
With all the warm and welcoming people in Bemidji, you might overlook its most famous resident …(Though, you can't miss him if you just remember to look up!) Bemidji is the proud birthplace of one of America's greatest tall tales: The story of Paul Bunyan.
Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox Hold a Unique Distinction in American Folklore
In the panoply of stories from America's frontier days, few stand out--figuratively and literally--as well as the story of Paul Bunyan. The mighty lumberjack Bunyan was said to be as big as a mountain and ate wagon trains full of flapjacks and syrup every day.
In the midst of a winter so cold that words would freeze before they could be heard, Paul came across a little blue ox. With Paul's help, Babe soon grew so big that it took a flock of crows a whole day to fly from the far end of Babe's left horn to the far end of his right.
It was said Paul Bunyan made the Great Lakes, Grand Canyon, and nine other American landmarks.
Some stories say Paul came originally from northeast Maine, but the people of Bemidji know better. They've immortalized his true home with twin statues of Paul and Babe that have been called the second most photographed statues in the whole United States!
(#1 consists of those other larger than life figures at Mt. Rushmore.)
The pair serves as examples of the "roadside colossus" style: The first and best known in Minnesota.
Roadside colossus statues started to appear in the 1930s and beyond as the interstate highway system spread across the U.S. and road trips became popular as family-friendly weekend adventures. The intrepid duo has been around since 1937, though Babe spent a few years on the parade circuit first.
In addition to Paul Bunyan and Babe, Minnesota counts among its beloved locals the Jolly Green Giant and Big Ole, America's largest Viking.
See Bemidji With Counselor Realty
There's more to Bemidji than fun roadside attractions, its flourishing outdoor scene, and artistic centers like the Paul Bunyan Playhouse. At any given time, there are many wonderful Bemidji homes for sale.
At Counselor Realty, our real estate agents are true experts on the local housing market. Our years of experience help you find the perfect home for you and get a price you can be happy about. Contact us to learn more living in Bemidji, MN.