27 Quirky Roadside Attractions That Turn Ordinary Journeys into Adventures

Lisette Marie

November 12, 2025

23. Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox (Bemidji, Minnesota): Mythical Giants

First statue of Paul Bunyan. Located in Bemidji Minnesota. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons @Nejones1987

Standing proudly in Bemidji, Minnesota, are the towering statues of legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan and his faithful companion, Babe the Blue Ox. These iconic, larger-than-life figures, dating back to 1937, are among the oldest and most recognized roadside attractions in the United States. They epitomize American folklore and the spirit of the logging industry. Visitors can pose between Paul's massive boots or beside Babe's gigantic head, experiencing a charmingly old-school slice of Americana that embodies larger-than-life frontier tales.

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27 Quirky Roadside Attractions That Turn Ordinary Journeys into Adventures

23. Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox (Bemidji, Minnesota): Mythical Giants

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