Bemidji’s Giant Paul Bunyan and Babe

The Legacy of Giants in American Folklore

Exploring the Myths and Legends of Giants

Towering over the shores of Lake Bemidji in Minnesota are the colossal, incredibly famous statues of legendary folklore lumberjack Paul Bunyan and his giant blue ox, Babe. Built in 1937 for a winter carnival, Paul stands a massive 18 feet tall, while Babe measures 10 feet across. These statues are widely considered to be the second most photographed roadside attraction in the entire United States, beaten only by Mount Rushmore. They perfectly capture the spirit of classic, quirky Americana and have been drawing road-trippers and fans of weird, oversized giants to the Midwest for nearly a century.