Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway 

About

This resort region is rich in history and beauty. This thoroughfare and bike trail are named for the legendary lumberjack whose giant footprints produced the area's abundant lakes, or so the tale goes. The water tower in Pequot Lakes is painted to look like Paul's fishing bobber.

This drive is bursting with options for nature enthusiasts – birding, fishing, biking and hiking – and for golfers or casual day-trippers who prefer the boutiques, galleries and gift shops of Pequot Lakes, Pine River and Crosslake. The Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area has a walking trail through the woods. Before a visit, birders may want to check the byway Web site for an online guide to birding along the route.

For cycling enthusiasts, part of the road offers wide, smooth paved shoulders, with numerous spots to stop, snack, dine, swim and relax. The Paul Bunyan State Trail has 70 miles of paved trails for biking and in-line skating.

Pelican Lake and the Whitefish Chain of Lakes are popular fishing and boating waters. This vacation destination has dozens of resorts and campgrounds.