Bemidji, Minnesota: Nanobouzou, 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. To pay for his crime, the Indian stands frozen in a perpetual salute to a Bunyan statue across the street.
- Address:
- 337 Bemidji Ave., Bemidji, MN
- Directions:
- On the west side of Hwy 197/Bemidji Ave. N. between 3rd and 4th Sts NW. Outside of an Indian handicrafts store, and across the street from the boxy Paul Bunyan and Babe statues.
- Phone:
- 218-759-0164
- RA Rates:
- Worth a Detour
-
The Muffler Men Map
Muffler Men: Find more like this in our roadside roundup map of The Muffler Men
Results 1 to 4 of 4...
Visitor Tips and News About Nanobouzou, Bunyan's Muffler Man Foe
Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.
The tree in front of Nanabozho has grown substantially. Difficult to see the entire attraction. Believe his right hand is missing.
[Cindy Eliason, 06/05/2015]
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]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 Nanabozho [previous tip sp.: Nanabojo], a Native American, stopped him by beating him to death with a big fish after several weeks of fighting. A statue of Nanabozho 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]Bemidji has a Muffler Man outside the Wolf Trading Post, only a block from their Bunyan.
[Robert Tubbs, 11/16/1996]Nearby Offbeat Places
Niiemii - Dancing Indian, Bemidji, MN - < 1 mi.
Fireplace of States, Bemidji, MN - < 1 mi.
Boxy Bunyan and Babe Statues, Bemidji, MN - < 1 mi.Latest Tips Across Roadside America
Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.
Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!
Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.
