Paul Bunyan Trail Tour; A seasonal guide

There's still time to get out on the trail before the summer weather passes us by.

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 
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.
dog + babe the blue ox

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!

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!
sun and fun

*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.

The chocolate ox
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.

Adirondack Cafe

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!

Big Axe Brewing

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!

snarky_loon

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!

*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!

Portage Brewing

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.

Roundhouse Brewery

NISSWA, MN

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

Roundhouise Brewing

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.

Mainstreet Alehouse
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

Up North Bike Rentals

BONUS: Pup-friendly stops

Dog sitting on a patio
MN TRADERS CO.
THE OUTPOST
BIG AXE BREWING CO.
THE SNARKY LOON BREWING CO.
PORTAGE BREWING COMPANY
BEMIDJI BREWING
ROUNDHOUSE BREWERY

Happy trails!

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