9:00 - 0 mile / 0 - 9:00
The Pine River Information Center, an official Minnesota state toursim center, provides authoritative information about local activities and culture. The capable byway staff can both answer questions about recreation and entertain visitors with tall tales, as staff leader John Wetrosky demonstrates in this photo. Exhibits include local art and historic artifacts and several pieces of Paul Bunyan memorabilia like the baby boots pictured here. The center also provides information on local events and resources. Canoe enthusiasts can find information about the Pine River Canoe Route that passes through the town of Pine River, and other visitors can learn about the Pine River Duck Races held during the summer months.
9:00 - 12.5 mile / 25 minut - 9:25
Pequot Lakes Information Center
The Pequot Lakes Information Center borrows from both legend and history in its unique architecture. Designed in the style of the town's original railroad depot, the information center hosts a staff well versed in the local lore. The center provides informative fliers and pamphlets for several Byway activities, such as boat rentals, fishing guides, and the location and history of area resorts. The Information Center is also the home of several local community events. Legend has it that when Paul Bunyan went fishing for the forty-foot walleye Notorious Nate, he flung him from the lake right into the middle of town. Paul's bobber snagged on the water tower scaffold, and Nate hit with such force that he made a large hole. The settlers started cooking beans in this hole, and the Pequot Lakes Bean Hole Days were born. Whether you're looking for information on Paul Bunyan, tubing hills, or the Antique Snowmobile Festival, you'll find the answers at the Pequot Lakes Information Center.
9:55 - 13.9 mile / 27 minut - 10:22
Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area
The Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area, donated in 1987, contains 110 acres of landscaped wildlife habitat. Following Carroll Henderson's highly regarded reference book, Landscaping For Wildlife, the DNR manages the site to attract everything from butterflies to whitetail deer. As one of the few non-game wildlife areas, Uppgaard is perfect for nature watching. Its wide, well-packed woodland trails work well for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross country skiing. The area features guided tours during the summer, departing every Wednesday at 9:30 am.
11:07 - 11.9 mile / 23 minuty - 11:31
The Gateway Gazebo provides an excellent introduction to the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway near the town of Jenkins, MN. The covered gazebo is near several Byway attractions. In the A-Pine Restaurant, visitors can see a giant wooden cutout of Paul Bunyan, formerly used for the Paul Bunyan Cookie Company. The Gazebo is close to both miniature and par 3 golf courses, and during the summer, visitors can participate in Scheer's Lumberjack Show to get a taste of the life of Paul Bunyan.
11:51 - 14.1 mile / 28 minut - 12:19