Paul Bunyan Land | Brainerd

Paul Bunyan Land – In Detail

Overview and Setting
Paul Bunyan Land is a beloved amusement park located just east of Brainerd, Minnesota, on the grounds of “This Old Farm.” It’s one of Minnesota’s most iconic roadside attractions, built around the folklore of Paul Bunyan, the legendary lumberjack. This whimsical park blends a vintage amusement experience with a walk through historical Americana and frontier life, offering a rare combination of thrills, nostalgia, and education.

Historical Background
The park began in 1950 when a massive animated Paul Bunyan statue, originally showcased at the 1949 Chicago Railroad Fair, was moved to Baxter, Minnesota. Over time, rides and a themed village were added around the talking statue. In 2003, Paul Bunyan Land relocated to its current rural location on a family-owned farm. Despite the move, the original rides, buildings, and the iconic statue were preserved and relocated intact, ensuring continuity for generations of returning visitors.

The Paul Bunyan Statue
The star attraction is a 26-foot-tall, 5,000-pound animatronic Paul Bunyan. As guests arrive, he greets children by name, an unforgettable interactive experience that has been captivating young visitors for decades. His mouth and eyes move, he gestures, and even shares humorous or friendly remarks. Behind the scenes, park staff operate the figure manually with live voiceovers, giving the experience a personal, magical quality unmatched by modern automation.

Amusement Rides
Paul Bunyan Land offers more than 40 amusement rides catering to a wide range of ages. The layout is compact and walkable, making it easy for families with children. Highlights include:

Classic rides like the Ferris Wheel, Tilt-a-Whirl, Roller Coaster, Scrambler, and Bumper Cars.

Kiddie rides, including miniature versions of thrill rides such as the Mini Himalaya, Space Shuttle, Red Baron Planes, and a small carousel.

Family rides like the Antique Cars track and the Ghost Mine dark ride.

All rides are unlimited with admission, allowing guests to enjoy them as many times as they wish.

Pioneer Village ("This Old Farm")
Adjacent to the amusement rides is the impressive Pioneer Village, an open-air historical museum with over 40 authentically restored buildings. It’s laid out like a frontier town and includes:

A blacksmith shop with live forging demonstrations.

An 1800s schoolhouse with original desks and chalkboards.

A general store, post office, barbershop, jail, doctor’s office, and saloon.

Antique-filled interiors, from pioneer homes to a grain mill and chapel.

A massive collection of early American and Minnesotan artifacts, old toys, radios, medical tools, and vintage signage.

Visitors can stroll through this area at their own pace, with many buildings offering hands-on items or placards with historical context.

Paul’s Petting Barn
Inside the Pioneer Village, Paul’s Petting Barn provides an interactive animal experience for kids and adults. Animals include goats, llamas, peacocks, ducks, miniature horses, and chickens. Feed is available for purchase, and animals are accustomed to gentle interaction, making the space calm and safe.

Seasonal Events
During the fall, the park transforms into “Haunted Hidden Hollows,” a Halloween event featuring:

A haunted house within the historic buildings.

A large corn maze and pumpkin patch.

Bonfires, food trucks, and spooky family activities.
This seasonal attraction draws large crowds and offers a very different, atmospheric version of the park experience.

Campground
Onsite camping is available for RVs and tents. The campground is simple but functional, offering:

Electrical and water hookups.

Fire rings and picnic tables.

Modern bathrooms with showers.
Guests who stay overnight often receive discounted or package admission to the amusement park, making it a good option for weekend trips.

Visitor Information

Open Seasonally: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Hours: Generally 10 AM – 6 PM, closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Admission: Free for children under 2; paid admission includes unlimited access to all rides, Pioneer Village, petting zoo, and live shows.

Food and Amenities: Food stands offer typical fair fare – hot dogs, burgers, nachos, soft-serve, and cotton candy. Picnic tables are available for outside food. Restrooms, stroller rentals, and shaded rest areas are well distributed.

Overall Atmosphere
Paul Bunyan Land is a nostalgic gem - it feels like stepping into the mid-20th century with modern comforts. It combines amusement park fun with Minnesota folklore and rural history, making it appealing for both young children and older adults who may recall visiting as kids. The entire park emphasizes friendliness, family tradition, and wholesome entertainment, avoiding the corporate feel of large-scale theme parks.

This unique destination, deeply tied to Minnesota’s identity, offers not just a day of rides, but a full experience of cultural heritage, hands-on discovery, and playful storytelling.