Explore Off the Beaten Track on the Paul Bunyan Senic Byway, Minnesota

Stretch your imagination and take a trip back in time to when the lumber jack was king of the woods and legends like that of Paul Bunyan grew as big as the trees and as wide as the lakes. Take a weekend to explore off the beaten path in the land where legend say Paul Bunyan and his pet ox, Babe roamed the land, leaving their footprints and stories behind them. It is a short trip on the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway in Minnesota and one that children will fall in love with. And so will you.

Your first stop will have to be the Pine River Information Center. They will help you with directions. If it is happening in the area, they know about it. If one of the sites is closed, they will let you know the why and wherefore about it. And they have some very interesting items on display that just might catch your interest and have you asking questions.

One place they will point you to is the Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area, Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway
11174 County Road 16
Pequot Lakes, Minnesota 56472
You can explore off the beaten track here on about 110 acres of wildlife preserve. They have guided tours all summer long and you can also explore by hiking, biking or horse back riding.

You might want to spend a day or two in Jenkins, Minnesota, especially if you like to explore golf courses. It is near here where you will find the Gateway Gazebo and there are several things going on all the time.

Pack a picnic, and get ready to see the sights from way up high. Climb up, way up to the top of the Historic Fire Tower and see a panorama like you have never seen before. It might be a good idea to wait till you come back down to have the picnic.

At the end of the trail is the Cross Lake Dam Recreation Area. Spend a day enjoying the lake and the playgrounds, explore off the beaten track on the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway, Minnesota for one more time, or pitch your tent and camp for a while. There is plenty to do on the lake to keep you busy, swimming, boating and fishing and it is a great chance to just sit back and relax before you head back home.