Paul Bunyan Trail Tour: Winter Edition

The Paul Bunyan State Trail: Connecting the Brainerd Lakes Area + beyond.

History

The first 50 miles of this multi-use, recreational trail from Brainerd/Baxter to Hackensack, MN was paved with asphalt and opened in October 1983. The trail pathway follows the original railroad line built in 1893 by Burlington Northern and is now among the longest paved trails in the nation at approximately 115 miles.

Popular Activities on the Trail

Biking
E-Biking
Rollerblading
Hiking/walking
Snowshoeing
Cross Country Ski
Snowmobiling

Trail Towns

Brainerd
Baxter
Merrifield
Nisswa
Pequot Lakes
Jenkins
Pine River
Backus
Hackensack
Walker
Benedict
Laporte
Guthrie
Nary
Bemidji

Take a tour of the local breweries by way of the Paul Bunyan Trail.

Grab your sled (+ your helmet!) and try out some of these local pit stops along the Paul Bunyan Trail! Local brews and bites tried, tested + approved by the crew at Woods to Water.

Big Axe Brewing Company

DOWNTOWN NISSWA, MN

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

33488 MN-371 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 summer time!

Rendezvous Brewing

112 FIRST STREET S #88 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

107 5TH ST S 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!

Photo courtesy of Portage Brewing Company on Facebook.

Bemidji Brewing

211 AMERICA AVE NW, 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.

BONUS STOPS:

Roundhouse Brewery

23836 SMILEY RD, NISSWA, MN

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

MN Traders Co.

31038 GOVERNMENT DR, PEQUOT LAKES, MN

Just steps off the trail in 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!