Bunyan Amusement Center may get developer's axe; Paul to move
Brainerd's giant animated, talking Paul Bunyan may be forced from his chair after 50 years of sitting. The Bunyan, along with his sidekick Babe the Blue Ox, will move when the owners of the Paul Bunyan Amusement Center sell their 8-acre park to developers. Both statues may be moved to a water park in Nisswa. As the Baxter-Brainerd population has expanded, owner Don McFarland has been under pressure to sell the prime real estate due to exorbitant property taxes and insurance.
This giant Bunyan is unique -- he personally greets many park visitors, cracking jokes about the life of a gargantuan woodsman. His arms slowly raise and lower, while his head bobs, his eyes blink, and his mouth moves. The only other conversational Bunyan is at Trees of Mystery, Klamath, CA, and he doesn't move.
The amusement park will continue operations through the 2003 summer season. (Thanks for the lead to tipster Mike Meinz)
[11/10/2002]Paul Bunyan Land
- Address:
- 17553 State Highway 18, Brainerd, MN
- Directions:
- Part of Paul Bunyan Land at This Old Farm Pioneer Village. Seven miles east of town on Hwy 18.
- Hours:
- Summer daily 10-6; also open late Oct. thru Dec.. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 218-764-2524
- Admission:
- Admission
- RA Rates:
- Major Fun
