Paul Bunyan Land
Paul Bunyan Land in the middle of Minnesota is the only place to see a 26-foot lumberjack, enjoy 18 rides, explore a mine shack, and see a pioneer village.
Event information
In Brainerd, Minnesota, Paul Bunyan Land boasts a 26-foot Paul Bunyan who talks, his giant blue ox, Babe, and Sport the reversible dog. The park also has 18 rides including a climbing wall, roller coaster, ghost mine, and dodgem cars. Pioneer Village has over a dozen historic buildings that visitors can explore. There is even a petting barn with animals the kids can feed and chickens that do tricks.
Part of the charm of this place is the old Pioneer Village with buildings that have been there since before the 1900s. See an old schoolhouse, saloon, post office, grainery, and a blacksmith shop. Antique medicine jars and bottles in the depot station make visitors wonder what they are doing there, and a 1945 newspaper announces the end of the war. The saloon is still stocked with steel beer mugs and the animated life-sized figures in many of the buildings will astound the kids.
The park also has three eateries including an old-time candy shop, snack bar, and a restaurant by the entrance. After eating, take a walk through the tractor graveyard or let the kids play at the playground at the west end of the park. When it’s time to go, don’t go too far. Make reservations at Paul Bunyan’s Campground right on the property. All 32 sites have water and electric, and 16 of them have sewer hookups as well. They even have an arcade, library, laundry, and showers.
Tickets
In the past, a standard one-day pass for Paul Bunyan Land was under $25. Seniors over 65 years old typically get in for about $19 and kids under two are usually free. For those who plan on visiting more than once a year, a season pass is a good deal often under $115 with senior passes for about $95. This does not include parking or camping fees.
Explore Paul Bunyan Land RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
About an hour north of St. Cloud on MN-18, Paul Bunyan Land is easy to find and to get to in any size vehicle. Decent roads with few curves and hills make it an even easier ride. RVers often take a side trip to the exotic animal zoo 15 miles away. Safari North Wildlife Park has more than just a drive through the zoo. Visitors can feed the giraffes, ride camels, and dig for dinosaur bones as well as visiting the petting zoo and play area.
Parking areas
There is a large parking area right outside the front gate of Paul Bunyan Land. In the middle of the parking lot, visitors can see Babe the Blue Ox welcoming them. The gravel parking area has adequate room for the maximum amount of people who visit the park. However, RVers can choose to camp in the park rather than find a parking spot and walk to the entrance.
Public Transportation
Some of the choices of public transportation in Crow Wing County include the Brainerd City Bus and Crow Wing County Public Transit Bus. The routes vary depending on the day of the week and what time of year it is. However, the city has dial-a-ride service on a limited basis as well. Alternatively, travelers might choose taxi service or rideshare apps to get around.
Where to stay
Onsite
Right on the Paul Bunyan Land property, the campground offers 32 spacious RV campsites with level, grassy pads that can accommodate motorhomes and trailers up to 60 feet in length. All sites have 20, 30, 50-amp electric and water hookups and 16 have sewer hookups as well. However, there is an RV dump station nearby to dump the black water, if needed. Sites also have free Wi-Fi, picnic tables, and fire rings. Restrooms and showers are located at the end of the campground. The kids will enjoy the library, arcade, and board games as well as the small camp store.
Nearby
Within 30 miles of the park, visitors can find over a dozen campgrounds with RV accommodations from primitive to posh. In addition, there are several state parks that have RV campgrounds as well. Nearby, just a 15-minute drive to the north is the Cuyuna County State Recreation Area where visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and biking. They offer 29 sites, many with electric hookups, on the shore of Portsmouth Mine Lake. Crow Wing State Park is 17 miles to the southwest and has 59 sites, 12 with electricity, that can accommodate rigs up to 45 feet. And 25 miles to the southeast, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park has 70 sites, 22 with electric hookups.
Getting around
All of the fun is packed into a nice small space, so there is no need for shuttles or tram service. Wheelchairs are allowed for those with mobility needs, but there are not rentals available on-site. Strollers are allowed for the parents of the little tykes. Pack comfortable shoes so the family can walk around the Pioneer Village and tractor graveyard after enjoying the rides, games, and food.
What to pack
Clothing
This part of the country does not typically have super hot summers, so most visitors to Paul Bunyan Land wear jeans and tees and even jackets in the evenings. In fact, it can drop to the 50s at night all summer long. Be sure to pack some comfortable shoes for everyone and extra hoodies or sweaters.
Gear
Pack whatever is needed for your crew, but try not to bring too much since there is a lot to do at Paul Bunyan Land. Nobody wants to be dragging around a big bag or backpack when visiting the petting zoo and rides or while walking around the park and Pioneer Village. It is a good idea to just bring a wallet, keys, and phone if needed.
Health & Safety
Pocket-sized bottles of sunscreen and bug spray are excellent items to pack for this trip. A hat and sunglasses are also great items to have to keep the sun off delicate skin. Bring water or electrolyte drinks to stay hydrated even if it isn’t hot outside. Being out in the sun is enough to cause dehydration in the little ones. Pack some heavy-duty insect repellent for the campground to keep away the mosquitoes and ticks.
Where to eat
Cooking
While many RVers enjoy cooking in the rig, a lot of visitors to Paul Bunyan Land like to take advantage of the mild Minnesota weather by cooking outside. Either way, stock up on important cooking items like cooking spray, foil, baggies, utensils, paper products, and spices including sugar and flour. RVers may want to bring along an extra grill or camp stove just in case as well. Per local regulations, bringing firewood is not permitted, but wood can be purchased through the camp store.
Restaurants
There is no shortage of tasty choices in the immediate vicinity of Paul Bunyan Land. On both sides of the park, there are bar and grill locations with five-star food less than two miles away. But for more choices, head west on MN-18 to MN-25 where visitors can choose from Asian cuisine, a couple of burger joints, two pizzerias, and a couple more pubs. Of course, fast food drive-thrus are all around the park as well.
Vendors
Paul Bunyan Land has several places where you can get some tasty treats. The restaurant near the entrance has a variety of food choices such as burgers, fries, hot dogs, and nachos. The concession stand at the Train Ride Depot also has a nice display of food. For dessert, head over to the candy shop or Dippin’ Dots. Souvenirs and other unique gifts can be found in many areas of the park as well as at the campground store.
Safety
Security
Deep in the heart of Minnesota, guest safety is paramount. There are security measures in place to keep everyone safe while having a good time. In fact, they will probably be having a good time with you. Keep in mind that allowed items may vary between the campground and the other areas of the park. Re-entry on the same day has been allowed in recent years.
Weather
Temperatures in this section of Minnesota are usually quite mild in the summer. In fact, in June, the average high is 76 and the low is 52. July’s high is 81 with the low in the upper 50s. And August has a high average of only 79 with a low average in the middle 50s. Rain is most common in June and July but can happen just about any time in the spring and summer months.
Medical
In case of illness or accidents, Paul Bunyan Land has medical professionals on staff to help. In the rare case of a more extensive medical need, there are five major hospitals within 12 miles of the park. If medication or prescriptions are needed, there are six pharmacies between eight and 10 miles from the park on MN-25. It is also a good idea to bring a first-aid kit on any road trip.
