Your guide to the Paul Bunyan Trail. 

We've rounded up a list of summer must-stops for your time on the trail this month. 

POPULAR summer ACTIVITIES ON THE TRAIL 

• Biking
• E-biking 
• Rollerblading 
• Hiking/Walking 

Trail Towns 

• Brainerd 

• Baxter 

• Merrifield 

• Nisswa 

• Pequot Lakes 

• Jenkins 

• Pine River 

• Backus 

• Hackensack 

• Walker 

• Benedict 

• Laporte 

• Guthrie 

• Nary 

• Bemidji 

Fun facts:

→ The trail runs over 115 miles from Bemidji, MN to Brainerd, MN.

→ Named after the giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan of American folklore (check out the Babe statue as you roll through Pequot Lakes).

→ The trail is dog-friendly! Bring along your furry friends. 

Grab a scoop

Local ice cream recc's along the trail. * Indicates our personal favorites! 

Big River Scoop 

BEMIDJI, MN 

Right across the street from the iconic Paul + Babe statues in Bemidji! 

Photo courtesy of Big River Scoop on Facebook.

The Village Square 

Walker, mn  

Features a large selection of ice cream and a full coffee menu. Or head over to the restaurant attached next door for homemade pizza + sandwiches for lunch! 

Sun and Fun  

hackensack, MN 

Try out a custom malt from their ice cream selection! 

*The Outpost

Pequot lakes, MN 

A boutique shop offering hard scoop ice cream, bulk candy + summer goods. 

The Chocolate Ox

Nisswa, MN 

Hard scoop ice cream + candy galore! Stop in for your favorites before heading back on the trail. 

Pro-tip → Sign up for a MN Scoop Passport for deals at participating shops across the state! 

Take a sip

The best place to grab a coffee along the way. * Indicates our personal favorites! 

Cantabria Coffee Co. 

Bemidji, mn 

Cozy vibes with plenty of seating, good coffee + treats! Located just off of the trail in downtown Bemidji. Enjoy their patio right next door! 

Java Loon Coffee + Gifts 

Walker, MN 

Steps off of the bike trail in Walker and just a block from the Walker City docks. Offering a full coffee menu as well as locally-themed gifts. As an added bonus, they're connected to the local candy store! Stop in on your journey to check it out! 

*MN Traders Co. 

PEQUOT LAKES, MN 

Downtown Pequot Lakes, MN lies MN Trader’s Co. Offering a wide range of craft coffee, cocktails, and several local craft beers on tap in one stop. Stop in for a flight, a delicious coffee, or a quick bite from their menu! 

Adirondack Cafe 

Nisswa, MN

Park your bike downtown Nisswa and head over for coffee, smoothies, breakfast + lunch items! Tucked away right on main street. 

Have a brew

Our favorite beers + brews on the trail. * Indicates a must-stop! 

*Big Axe Brewing Company

DOWNTOWN NISSWA, MN 

Our personal fav! This downtown Nisswa staple specializes in producing a variety of full flavored, creative and freshly crafted brews and root beer and offers a fun, relaxing environment. Grab a bite from their limited menu while you’re there!

The Snarky Loon Brewing Company

JENKINS, MN 

One of the newest additions to the BLA brew scene — this small-town gem focuses on small batch and experimental beers, IPAs, German lagers and Belgians. Bobber Red IPA and wave runners imperial are a must-try. Come back and check out their unique pontoon stage where they host live music in the summertime! 

Rendezvous Brewing 

HACKENSACK, MN 

Located in downtown Hackensack, MN, Rendezvous Brewing has a large, sun-filled taproom, a party room, and a great summer time patio. They brew a variety of craft beer including light, hoppy, and darker, as well as non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks. Try it out if you haven't been! 

Photo courtesy of Rendezvous Brewing on Facebook. 

*Portage Brewing Company

WALKER, MN 

Just two blocks off of the Heartland Trail (a connector of the Paul Bunyan trail), Portage offers a clean and 'up north' aesthetic in their taproom with a variety of unique taps. Stop back in the summertime on your bike to enjoy their patio with a view of Leech Lake! 

Bemidji Brewing

BEMIDJI, MN

Reward yourself with a beer from Bemidji Brewing when you reach the end of the Paul Bunyan trail, where you can take a photo with Paul himself (+ his babe). Enjoy a pint or sample paddle from their wide spectrum of beers, and take a growler or crowler of beer to-go. 

Photo courtesy of Bemidji Brewing on Facebook.

Roundhouse Brewery

NISSWA, MN

Venture slightly off the trail to check out this Nisswa gem! 18+ beers on tap, including N/A options. 

Main Street Ale House 

NISSWA, MN

Local craft beers on tap brewed throughout Minnesota + beyond with lunch and dinner menu offerings. Just steps off of the trail in downtown Nisswa. 

BIKE RENTALS in the Brainerd Lakes area 

→ EASY RIDERS BICYCLE AND SPORTS SHOP | BRAINERD, MN 

→ MUDDY BIKES | BRAINERD, MN 

→ UP NORTH BIKE RENTALS | NISSWA, MN

BONUS: Pup-friendly stops

MN TRADERS CO.

THE OUTPOST 

BIG AXE BREWING CO. 

THE SNARKY LOON BREWING CO. 

PORTAGE BREWING COMPANY 

BEMIDJI BREWING 

ROUNDHOUSE BREWERY 

Happy trails!