Built in 1937, Eastman Kodak recognized Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox Babe that stand along the shore of Lake Bemidji near the Tourist Information Center as the second most photographed icon in the nation. To this day, thousands of visitors come to see and be photographed with the legendary Paul and Babe.

Paul Bunyan and Babe continue to enjoy participating in area events! Over the years Paul has donned a Lumberjack-sized hard hat, (during construction of the Tourist Information Center), a stocking cap and Babe has worn sleigh bells around his neck during The Night We Light winter celebration. Here are a few photos of the dynamic duo participating in other area events and welcoming visitors to the First City on the Mississippi.

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Photos with Paul Bunyan & Babe

Scooter Christensen, star of the famous Harlem Globetrotters, visited statues of Paul and Babe in advance of the Globetrotters' performance at The Sanford Center in 2011.
Scooter Christensen, star of the famous Harlem Globetrotters, visited statues of Paul and Babe in advance of the Globetrotters' performance at The Sanford Center in 2011. Photo courtesy of Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc.
1995 Rotarian Honor Paul Bunyan was made a 'Paul Harris Fellow' by the Bemidji Rotary Club. Photo Courtesy Monte Draper Bemidji Pioneer
1995 Rotarian Honor Paul Bunyan was made a 'Paul Harris Fellow' by the Bemidji Rotary Club. Photo Courtesy Monte Draper Bemidji Pioneer
Bicycling to New Orleans from the First City on the Mississippi, Paul welcomes this ambitious group of cyclists and wishes them a smooth ride to the Last City! September 4, 2003
Bicycling to New Orleans from the First City on the Mississippi, Paul welcomes this ambitious group of cyclists and wishes them a smooth ride to the Last City! September 4, 2003
Paul and Babe received Villager Name Tags from staff of Concordia Language Villages. February 2002 Photo courtesy Monte Draper Bemidji Pioneer
Paul and Babe received Villager Name Tags from staff of Concordia Language Villages. February 2002 Photo courtesy Monte Draper Bemidji Pioneer
Paul joins in District Lions Convention as the Bemidji area president and district governor watch the bright yellow Lion's vest placed on Paul. February 2002. Photo courtesy Monte Draper Bemidji Pioneer
Paul joins in District Lions Convention as the Bemidji area president and district governor watch the bright yellow Lion's vest placed on Paul. February 2002. Photo courtesy Monte Draper Bemidji Pioneer
Headwaters Quilters Guild member photographs her quilt for marketing of Annual Quilt Show. (July) Babe enjoyed his 'turn to display a signature item, too. April 2009
Headwaters Quilters Guild member photographs her quilt for marketing of Annual Quilt Show. (July) Babe enjoyed his 'turn to display a signature item, too. April 2009
Lincoln Elementary Kindergarten Class visits Paul Bunyan while learning about the letter 'P'. January 2008
Lincoln Elementary Kindergarten Class visits Paul Bunyan while learning about the letter 'P'. January 2008
Paul is honored by a visit from MN Governor Pawlenty. January 2006
Paul is honored by a visit from MN Governor Pawlenty. January 2006
Lincoln Elementary Kindergarten Class visits Paul Bunyan while learning about the letter 'P'. January 2008
Lincoln Elementary Kindergarten Class visits Paul Bunyan while learning about the letter 'P'. January 2008
National Shriner officials invite Paul to their annual Children's Screening Clinic, parade and BSU football game. September 2006
National Shriner officials invite Paul to their annual Children's Screening Clinic, parade and BSU football game. September 2006
Wisconsin natives traveling to Devils Lake, ND for Classic Car Show, stop to visit another classic - Paul Bunyan and Babe! June 2004
Wisconsin natives traveling to Devils Lake, ND for Classic Car Show, stop to visit another classic - Paul Bunyan and Babe! June 2004
Ulen Brothers Construction crew working on Paul Bunyan Dr. were so efficient and ahead of schedule they had time for a photo opp! June 2008
Ulen Brothers Construction crew working on Paul Bunyan Dr. were so efficient and ahead of schedule they had time for a photo opp! June 2008
Paul Bunyan Vintage Car Club members tour Bemidji once a week during summer months. Funds raised by the club are donated to local charities. June 2003
Paul Bunyan Vintage Car Club members tour Bemidji once a week during summer months. Funds raised by the club are donated to local charities. June 2003
A Paul Bunyan-sized Welcome Home for the Men's & Women's 2006 US Olympic Curling Teams with the Men's Team bringing home the Olympic Bronze Medal! March 2006
A Paul Bunyan-sized Welcome Home for the Men's & Women's 2006 US Olympic Curling Teams with the Men's Team bringing home the Olympic Bronze Medal! March 2006
Bemidji State University Mascot "Bucky the Beaver" loves Paul & Babe! These two celebrities share the fun of welcoming visitors to their hometown.
Paul annually dons the traditional Ski Bib as he hails the participants of the Minnesota Finlandia Cross Country Ski Marathon held each February.
Paul annually dons the traditional Ski Bib as he hails the participants of the Minnesota Finlandia Cross Country Ski Marathon held each February.

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