We traded the urban architecture of St. Paul (post linked here) for the natural beauty of northern Minnesota’s fall foliage with a trip to Itasca State Park and the charming town of Bemidji.
We left the urban sprawl behind for the last little bit of crimson maples, gold birch, and russet oaks that dot the rural landscape outside of St. Paul. Our first stop was Itasca State Park.
Our neighbors at the campground hopefully came from some kind of trapper re-enactment? They were, however, determined to fit their large inflatable mattress into the tent and I don’t blame them as the weather was not warm, but I digress.
Established in 1891, this park protects the headwaters of the Mississippi River. It’s main attraction is a chance to walk across the mighty Mississippi where its just a small stream flowing out of Lake Itasca. Standing on the stones watching water bubble up from underground springs we were struck by the humble beginnings of a river that traverses 2,320 miles to the Gulf of Mexico!
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Our second stop for the day was the town of Bemidji, home to statues of the legendary Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. This pretty little lakeside town has fully embraced its folklore heritage with enthusiasm. The 18-foot Paul Bunyan statue has been greeting visitors here since 1937. These towering figures are more than just kitschy tourist attractions, they are symbols of Minnesota’s logging heritage and the tall tales that emerged from the Northwoods.
The quiet wonder of the Mississippi’s source and the quirky roadside giants made for a pleasant day and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the Twin Cities.
