Lumberjack Days Parade – Stillwater, MN

Lumberjack Days Parade – Stillwater, MN

When Paul Bunyan Dined at A-Pine Restaurant Serving Pequot Lake for over 50 years! – Pequot Lakes, MN

When Paul Bunyan Dined at A-Pine Restaurant Serving Pequot Lake for over 50 years! – Pequot Lakes, MN

A-Pine is a Family Restaurant serving American style comfort food in a North woods Atmosphere!

HISTORY

Some say, Paul Bunyan was born in Maine … But, here in Minnesota we know better!

Imagine, if you can, the excitement that was caused by the birth of Paul Bunyan! It took five giant storks, working overtime, to deliver him to his parents. As a child, Paul played with an axe and crosscut saw like the other children played with toys. On his first birthday his father gave him a pet blue ox named Babe.

Paul and Babe grew quickly. In fact, they became so large that the tracks they made gallivanting around Minnesota filled up and make the 10,000 lakes. Lakes close by the spot you’re now standing are the fourteen interconnected lakes of the Whitefish Chain, Sibley, Pelican, and the Ossawinamakee Chain.

Although Paul logged the northwoods from coast to coast, one of his favorite places was the Pequot Lakes area. His large bobber got stuck on top of the water tower smack dab in the middle of town during an epic fishing battle with a wily northern named Notorious Nate.

A TRAIL BEARING HIS NAME IS JUST ACROSS HIGHWAY 371

The Paul Bunyan Trail is a 100 mile long multi-use paved trail that winds through many towns and past lakes and rivers. Pine River, six miles north of here, is the birthplace of Paul Bunyan.

Also named after the logger, the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway boasts 54 miles of beautiful scenery, recreation, and area history and culture. Just out the A-Pine driveway in access to the spine of the Byway, County Road 16 heading east toward Crosslake. Stop inside for a detailed map.

Like the intricacies of a good Paul Bunyan tale, the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway cleverly weaves together the stories of a well traveled past. Read more about it on the fourteen interpretative kiosks along the route. Tour in your car, pedal your bike or just put on some good walking shoes. Here’s your invitation to the lakes and lands that helped give life to the Great Northwoods and the Legend of Paul Bunyan.

ONE OF PAUL’S MOST NOTABLE FEATURES WAS HIS BURLY SIZE

A man that size needed grand comrades too. Appetites of the hard-working ‘jacks and Paul Bunyan himself kept two comrades, camp cook, Sourdough Sam, and baker Creampuff Fatty, mighty busy making food. In fact, legend holds that Sourdough Sam made flapjacks in a griddle so large that fifty youths strapped pork rinds to their feet and skated around to grease it.

While logging in the northwoods of Minnesota, Paul Bunyan discovered the A-Pine Restaurant nestled under century old Norway Pines. Exhausted from hard work and his constant travels, Paul sat right down and enjoyed a hefty, hearty A-Pine meal.

Shirt buttons ready to pop and very tired, Paul set up his tent across County Road 16 on the current site of the AmericInn Lodge and Suites. Paul slept so soundly, it took seven hours of cannon fire from Fort Ripley to wake him for his tee time and the Wildwedge Golf and Mini Golf.

Paul’s caddy then was Fanny, Babe’s girlfriend. She’s still there! You can see her waiting for Paul at the Clubhouse along with Paul’s set of custom made giants clubs and his big cart.

IN 2008, PAUL BUNYAN WAS INVITED BY THE OWNERS OF THE A-PINE RESTAURANT TO MAKE A CAMP IN JENKINS

Paul, ever the schmoozer, loved the idea of being in the midst of all the Lake Country folks.

So, today, Paul Bunyan stands proud and welcomes everyone through the Gateway of the Whitefish Area. He invites you hungry ones to stop in at the A-Pine Restaurant for your own hefty, hearty meal-the same delicious eatin’ that nearly popped Paul’s shirt buttons years ago! Grab a giant cookie from the Paul Bunyan Cookie Company or stop in at the A-Pine Express for a quick snack before hitting the road, the Trail or the Byway.

Thanks for stopping by … & hurry back!

Polar Fest Opens: Celebrate Winter in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

Explore Brainerd Lakes & Meet Paul Bunyan – Brainerd, MN

Explore Brainerd Lakes & Meet Paul Bunyan – Brainerd, MN

Explore Brainerd Lakes and discover why this central Minnesota region meets all your vacation needs. Whether you are looking for adventure or looking for relaxation, you will discover endless options year-round in the lakes country. World-class golfing, fishing and boating, biking, snowmobiling, shopping – even bird watching or kayaking – are just some of the reasons people choose to visit the Brainerd Lakes Area. The region is an outdoor paradise, boasting more than 500 lakes and rivers as well as beautiful parks and forests. Throughout the seasons, you will find reasons – such as the festivals, the outdoor experiences, shopping for unique gifts, the breathtaking environment – to love it here. Discover why There is More to Explore™ in the Brainerd Lakes Area, Minnesota’s premier vacation destination.
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We’re here to welcome you when you’re ready to travel. With our abundant nature and pristine lakes, we have plenty of recreational activities perfect for small groups and social distancing. A change in scenery and a break from the noise is good for the soul. You may wonder what’s open and what to expect when you get here. Businesses are reopening and your health and well-being are a top priority!
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Our community has rallied behind Lake Country Cares, which is a COVID-19 safety campaign to build trust among our residents, visitors, and local businesses. Businesses are adopting practical measures to help prevent the spread of the virus. You can help, too. Consider bringing a mask (some of our stores require them), be mindful of social distancing, and wash hands regularly.

This campaign is endorsed by all 3 of our local hospitals, the cities of Brainerd and Baxter, Crow Wing county, area businesses, and 5 local Chambers of Commerce.

Open for Business:

Resorts, hotels, and campgrounds
You’ll find availability at many of our lodging properties. You can spend time enjoying the sun and sand as resorts’ beaches are open. Pools and waterparks are open at 50% capacity. Campgrounds and their amenities are ready to welcome guests, too.

Restaurants
Restaurants are open! You’ll need to plan ahead as reservations are required. You can sit inside or outside, but there are capacity limits. Takeout and delivery are still options.

Retail
Retail shops—including boutiques and downtown shopping areas—are open at 50% capacity. You’ll be able to find the one-of-a-kind souvenir to remind you of your trip!

Golf
Golf was one of the first activities allowed to open. Lucky for us, we’re a top golf destination in the country.

Salons and Spas
If getting pampered is on your vacation bucket list, our salons and spas are open (with limits) and will have you feeling relaxed in no time.

Family Attractions
Many of our family attractions are reopening. Paul Bunyan at Paul Bunyan Land is ready to start greeting visitors. You’ll also find mini golf, go carts, Brainerd Zip Line Tour, and Safari North Zoo are open.

Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor recreation is open! You can rent boats, bikes, and kayaks to hit the water for fishing or just for fun. Parks and trails are open for hiking, birding, biking. Guided fishing trips and boat charters are open. Boat landings are open. You can find more information on the Minnesota DNR website.

Check Minnesota’s Stay Safe Plan for the most up to date information on the state’s guidelines, including capacity limits.

And remember…Paul Bunyan loves visitors! Stop in the Explore Brainerd Lakes Welcome Center to meet, say ‘hi’, take a pic with Paul and learn the lore!

explorebrainerdlakes.com

 

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