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Where is Bemidji located?
- Bemidji, Minnesota, is a charming town in northwestern Minnesota, celebrated for its natural beauty.
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What is Bemidji known for?
- Bemidji is famous for its legendary logging history, unique Scandinavian and Native American culture, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.
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What attractions can visitors explore in Bemidji?
- Visitors can explore the Headwaters Science Center, downtown Bemidji’s pubs, boutique shops, and eateries, offering a variety of entertainment and cultural experiences.
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1. Lake Bemidji State Park
Explore wooded trails, paddle quiet waters, or relax on an affordable nature escape.
Lake Bemidji State Park features over 1,600 acres of beautiful pine forest, picturesque hiking trails, campground sites, and recreational facilities along the north end of Lake Bemidji, in Beltrami County, Minnesota. The park is ideal for year-round recreation, visitors will have easy access to outdoor activities that include biking, hiking, kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming, and volleyball. During the winter the area is perfect for snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. The park is a great place for camping with its 95 drive-in sites, 43 of which are electric, four pull through, and four handicap accessible. It’s not uncommon to see herons, eagles, and loons around the lakeshore, or even a doe strolling through the woods with her fawn.
121 7th Place E, Suite 360, St. Paul, MN, Phone: 651-556-8465
2. Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox
Snap photos with giant legends and enjoy this quick, unusual roadside attraction.
Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox is a roadside attraction, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and located in Bemidji, Minnesota. As the legend goes, Paul Bunyan was the greatest of lumberjacks to have swaggered through the thick, North American forests, and Bemidji has claimed him as their own (as have five other American towns). Paul stands approximately 18-feet tall with a width of five feet, while Babe is about 10-feet tall, and measures 23-feet long. To this day the pair of statues are historically recognized for being Minnesota’s first and greatest display of a roadside colossus, as the city continues to garner recognition for being a pioneer in Minnesota’s tourism industry.
300 Bemidji Avenue N, Bemidji, MN, Phone: 800-458-2223
3. Bemidji Sculpture Walk
Admire quirky outdoor art and stroll downtown on this easy, self-guided walk.
Since 1999 the Bemidji Sculpture Walk has had a rich history of promoting public works of art in Bemidji, Minnesota. The Walk features over 25 murals and sculptures on public display throughout the course of the year in the city’s downtown business area. Encore, or returning pieces, typically spend about two to three years on display, with many of the pieces being made available for private purchase. The Walk includes several beautiful murals around town, a permanent collection, the Veterans Memorial, and new special works, like Liberty Park’s Shaynowishkung (Chief Bemidji) Statue. During the Walk visitors will see art pieces ranging from a dog sculpture to a harp sculpture to a world globe sculpture.
300 Bemidji Avenue N, Bemidji, MN, Phone: 218-444-3541
4. Headwaters Science Center
Discover hands-on science fun and interactive exhibits perfect for curious kids.
Headwaters Science Center offers hands-on technology and science programs, and exhibits in the lakeside city of Bemidji, Minnesota. Since opening its doors in July of 1993 with a small gift shop and handful of home-made exhibits, the science center now boasts 11 impressive Science Carnival exhibits from the Pacific Science Center. The live animal collection features turtles, an owl, and a snake, among other species for educational purposes and to further appreciation for living things. The center offers interactive programs that include Simple Circuits, a hands-on program introducing basic engineering principals to children; and Animal Menagerie, a demonstration that involves live animals so visitors can learn the proper care, feeding, and handling techniques for several species.
413 Beltrami Avenue NW, Bemidji, MN, Phone: 218-444-4472
5. Paul Bunyan Playhouse
Enjoy live theater performances and support local arts on a weekend trip.
The Paul Bunyan Playhouse is a professional, non-equity, summer stock company situated in the Chief Theater in downtown Bemidji, Minnesota. While Jim Williams is in charge of the artistic direction, the playhouse employs a wide variety of talented actors and actresses from the Twin Cities, Bemidji, and around the country. Getting its start in 1951, the playhouse has now been continuously operating for over 66 years, and is a tradition worth treasuring for both residents and tourists alike. Visitors will be treated to incredible live performances that include The Complete History of America Abridged, Steel Magnolias, Clue the Musical, and Hairspray.
314 Beltrami Avenue, Bemidji, MN, Phone: 218-751-7270
6. Sanford Center
Catch a concert or exciting hockey game at this spacious event venue.
The Sanford Center is a multi-purpose convention center and arena with a capacity of 4,700 seated in Bemidji, Minnesota. First opening its doors in in October of 2010, the center serves as the home to both the men and women’s Bemidji State Beavers ice hockey teams. When the center isn’t hosting collegiate hockey games, visitors can catch a concert, or even compete in the Gigazone Gaming Championship. Part of the Sanford Center, the George W. Nielson Convention Center is equipped with a beautiful ballroom that is perfect for weddings, receptions, dances, banquets, and celebrations. The ballroom has a capacity of 1,000 people and can be set up to provide a romantic, sophisticated, or festive ambiance depending on the occasion.
1111 Event Center Drive NE, Bemidji, MN, Phone: 218-441-4000
7. Buena Vista Ski Area
Ski scenic slopes or snowboard forest runs on a fun winter trip.
Buena Vista Ski Area is a ski resort that offers a plethora of outdoor recreation during both the winter and summer months in Bemidji, Minnesota. When snow isn’t clinging to the ground, visitors can enjoy picturesque, horse-drawn, covered wagon rides along the ridge known as the “Top of the World.” The narrated tours wind through Red Lake and Leech Lake trails, on similar routes traveled by early explorers, pioneers, and Native Americans. During the winter months, Buena Vista is primed for snowboarding, skiing, and tubing. The resort offers more than just runs and lifts, the slopes also feature a Terrain Park, Tubing Park, and a Ski School.
19600 Irvine Avenue NW, Bemidji, MN, Phone: 218-243-2231
8. Lake Bemidji
Paddle peaceful waters or fish from shore on a relaxing summer day.
Lake Bemidji is a cornucopia of rejuvenating sights, soothing sounds, and invigorating scents, making it one of Minnesota’s truest natural gems. An excellent destination any time of year, the lake provides the ideal location for ice fishing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing during the winter months. Spring announces itself with vibrant blooms, especially at the area’s tamarack bog where orchids, dragon’s mouth, and lady’s slippers greet the cheerful hikers. Summer is the season that knows no bounds, this time of year the lake will be packed with people boating, tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, fishing, and swimming. On the north end of the lake is Lake Bemidji State Park, the perfect location for biking, hiking, and camping.
1001 Naylor Drive S.E., Bemidji, MN, Phone: 218-751-6723
9. Paul Bunyan’s Animal Land
Visit exotic animals and pet-friendly creatures in this fun family attraction.
The state’s largest wildlife park and petting zoo, Paul Bunyan’s Animal Land is situated along U.S. Highway 2, in the lakeside community of Bemidji, Minnesota. The zoo is home to almost 100 animal species that represent every continent on the planet. Some of the animals featured include exotic birds, reptiles, rabbits, fox, skunk, coatimundi, cavies, coyotes, jackals, wolves, bobcats, three deer species, raccoons, kangaroos, lemurs, camels, tigers, and lions to name a few. Animal Land offers the perfect family-friendly activity in Bemidji. Here, children can feed and pet deer while learning all about the beautiful, gentle creatures. The zoo features a gift shop, indoor learning center, playground, and picnic areas.
3857 Animal Land Drive SE, Bemidji, MN, Phone: 218-759-1533
10. Beltrami County Historical Center
Explore local history exhibits and discover artifacts from Bemidji’s past.
Beltrami County Historical Center is a history museum situated between Lake Bemidji and Lake Irving in Bemidji, Minnesota. The museum has had several different locations since its inception in 1952 before finally settling in the restored James J. Hill railroad depot in 2001. Visitors will be able to view the county’s history through a variety of collections, public archives, and interpretive exhibits. The museum also provides programs designed to invite dialogue, educate, and inspire self-reflection. There are several exhibits for visitors to explore that include Trails Through Time, Revisiting Beltrami County, Baskets & Beads: Weaving Traditions, The Railroad, and When Beltrami Went to War : A W.W.I. Centennial Exhibit.
130 Minnesota Avenue SW, Bemidji, MN, Phone: 218-444-3376
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Cool temperatures with blooming forests and lakes thawing.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – A comfortable stay near Lake Bemidji.
Visit Lake Bemidji State Park – Enjoy early hiking, birdwatching, and peaceful lake views.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for outdoor adventures.
Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge – A relaxing lakefront resort.
Go Boating or Fishing on Lake Bemidji – Experience the beauty of the northern Minnesota lakes.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning fall foliage.
Hampton Inn & Suites Bemidji – A cozy stay with lakeside views.
Drive the Lake Bemidji Scenic Byway – Witness breathtaking autumn colors.
Winter (December-February) – Cold and snowy, great for winter sports.
DoubleTree by Hilton Bemidji – A warm and inviting winter retreat.
Visit Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox – Take a picture with Bemidji’s famous statues and explore the festive downtown area.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Lake Bemidji State Park
- 2. Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox
- 3. Bemidji Sculpture Walk
- 4. Headwaters Science Center
- 5. Paul Bunyan Playhouse
- 6. Sanford Center
- 7. Buena Vista Ski Area
- 8. Lake Bemidji
- 9. Paul Bunyan’s Animal Land
- 10. Beltrami County Historical Center