Bemidji, Minnesota: Nanobojo, Bunyan's Muffler Man Foe

A statue of the big Indian -- actually a repurposed Muffler Man -- who beat Paul Bunyan to death with a fish. At least, according to Anishinaabeg tradition.

Nanobojo, Bunyan's Muffler Man Foe

The Indian positioned across the street from Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox is a standard brave model Muffler Man with upraised arm.

[RoadsideAmerica.com Team, 01/01/2008]

Nanabojo, Paul Bunyan's Foe

I live in Bemidji, Minnesota, and I had no idea that there were so many other Bunyans out there! You're right about him not caring about ecosystems: according to Chippewa legend, he was so greedy about ripping down all the trees that Nanabojo, a Native American, stopped him by beating him to death with a big fish after several weeks of fighting. A statue of Nanabojo stands across the road from Paul Bunyan in Bemidji. At least this is how I remember the story; what I know for sure is that you never seem to hear that side anywhere.

[Christine, 07/12/1997]

Muffler Man - Indian

Bemidji has a Muffler Man outside the Wolf Trading Post, only a block from their Bunyan.

[Robert Tubbs, 11/16/1996]