If you spent your childhood in Minnesota, chances are you’ve been to at least some of its amusement parks. Valley Fair is the largest and most modern, with its high-flying towers and lightning-fast roller coasters. But there are some other, more low-key amusement park destinations that have stood the test of time for far longer. One favorite, which has been delighting generations of Minnesotans since 1950, is Paul Bunyan Land. This northern Minnesota attraction, themed after Minnesota’s favorite tall-tale hero, is a nostalgic spot that takes older generations back in time and provides newer generations with old-timey thrills. Read on below to learn about this Minnesota landmark:

Paul Bunyan Land is an amusement park in Brainerd, Minnesota. It covers 180 acres, making it one of the largest parks of its kind in northern Minnesota. Many guests travel from miles around to visit.
Dan Samudio/Google
The park first opened as Paul Bunyan Center in 1950. Its original location was in Baxter, Minnesota. In 2003, the park found new owners and was moved to Brainerd.
Michelle Perks/Google
Despite the new ownership, many features of the old park remain the same. The most famous is the iconic Paul Bunyan that greets visitors by name as they approach. Generations of Minnesotans share this childhood memory!
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After your friendly welcome, other Paul Bunyan-themed attractions await. There are many fun props to climb over and take photos with. Kids will love these whimsical, oversized items!
Katie Wendroth/Google

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Rides are also a fun part of Paul Bunyan land. There's a merry-go-round, a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and many other choices.
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Some attractions add even more nostalgia to your visit. The Pioneer Village shows off what like was like during the pioneer days. Visitors can check out a post office, schoolhouse, church, saloon, and more!
Paul Bunyan Land/Facebook
Modern additions include several giant dinosaur statues! Dinosaur-loving kids will adore the chance to come face to face with a triceratops or any of the other species on display here.
David M Ball/Google
Aside from rides, nostalgic displays, and dinosaurs, there's also a petting zoo on the Paul Bunyan Land grounds! This place truly has it all. It's been around for generations, and it will likely keep going. It's full of fun and nostalgia, and it's sure to bring great memories to youngsters who visit today!
Jade Buermann/Google

Have you ever been to Paul Bunyan Land? What’s your favorite memory of visiting? For more information about the park, check out their website and Facebook page. And if you’re curious about another Minnesota theme park from yesteryear, check out our past article about the former Excelsior Amusement Park.

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17553 MN-18, Brainerd, MN 56401, USA