bike trail guide PAUL BUNYAN 33754 Charles Ave. • Jenkins, MN • 218-568-5299 • crowwingcycleworks.com Sports & Recreation • Bike Shop Sales & Service • Bike Rentals Right on the Paul Bunyan Trail and Highway 371 between Pequot Lakes and Pine River LOWEST PRICES IN THE COUNTRY Huge Inventory with Over 100 Models to choose from! Air conditioned • cAble tv • wireless internet • secure bike storAge 1.800.254.7612 • 218.963.7611 • nisswamotel.com • [email protected] We serve 32 classic and unique varieties of pizza! S w e e t R e v e n g e Ole & Lena’s Vintage Soda Fountain Ole’s Pub Pine River, MN • 218-587-2438 Ole’s has the coldest beer around! Walker, called the city on the bay on the south side of Leech Lake. Walker is another hub for visitors, because it is at the crossroads of the Paul Bunyan and Heartland Trail, and the North Country Hiking Trail, surrounded by state forests and the Chippewa National Forest. This golden spike was hammered into the tar when the Paul Bunyan and Heartland Trails officially joined in 2006. Almost a decade later, thousands hike, bike and skate over this spot every year in a silent testament to the realization of Terry McGaughey’s dream. Jan Lasar photo. Walker to Bemidji On the way to Bemidji, you will cross the Kabekona River and go through Benedict, Laporte and Guthrie in a mix of quiet, rolling farmlands, crystal clear lakes, and forest lands. Bemidji, the first city on the Mississippi River, is on the south side of Lake Bemidji and flanked by the Mississippi Headwaters State Forest to the west and Lake Bemidji State Park to the north. In Bemidji, you’ll want to visit the famous statue of Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox named Babe, right on the trail. Continue on to Lake Bemidji State Park or ride a 17-mile scenic loop around Lake Bemidji. 38 Summer 2015 Minnesota Trails 1505Summer.indd 38 5/5/15 1:46 PM