With hundreds of miles of trails among frosted pine forests, hospitable towns, and snow-edged waterways, the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway is one of Minnesota’s premier snowmobiling vacation destinations. Steer your sled among the snowy fields and icy waters of the Land of 10,000 Lakes -- created, legend says, when Paul and his big blue ox, Babe, tromped all over the area as they logged the white pine forests. With 1,200 miles of groomed, networked paths radiating in every direction from the Brainerd Lakes area, you’re sure to find a trail to satisfy your sense of adventure.
The Paul Bunyan State Trail, Heartland State Trail, and Hubbard County Grants-in-Aid System are some of the most popular trails near Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway. Reliable grooming and plentiful facilities add to their appeal. There are literally hundreds of service, lodging, restaurant, and shopping options to choose from near the snowmobiling trails of north-central Minnesota. No matter what your needs may be the hospitality of northern Minnesota is as big as the legendary Paul Bunyan himself.
The Paul Bunyan State Trail is just west of the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway. Follow in Paul’s footsteps as you ride from Brainerd to Bemidji, or veer off into one of the other less-explored snowmobiling trails. Plentiful rest areas and services are located near the Paul Bunyan State Trail in the historic old logging communities of Brainerd, Merrifield, Jenkins, Pequot Lakes, Hackensack, and Walker, to name a few. Stop for lunch or dinner at any one of the friendly, casual dining options, some of which overlook serene, frosty lakes. Browse the quaint antique shops, discover one-of-a-kind crafts created by local artisans, or find the perfect “lumberjack” souvenir memorabilia. Enjoy the vast variety of accommodations as you check into a resort, hotel, motel or bed and breakfast. After an invigorating day on the snow-swept trail, curl up near a warm, crackling fire with a steaming beverage and relax in style.
The 74-mile Heartland State Trail meets the 100-mile Paul Bunyan State Trail near the community of Walker and passes through Chippewa National Forest. Riding amid one of the largest Bald Eagle populations in the state, chances are good that you might see one of these magnificent birds soaring over the forest’s glittering, snow-covered spruce, fir, and pines. Idle the engine near a riverbank to glimpse whitetail deer, raccoon, red fox, porcupine, beaver, or muskrat. Visitors have even spotted coyotes, weasels, mink, and bobcats! The trailheads for the paved section of the Heartland State Trail are located in Park Rapids and Walker. Parking for the trail is available in Park Rapids at Heartland County Park, Dorset, Nevis, Akeley, Walker, and Erickson's Landing north of Walker.
The Hubbard County Grants-in-Aid (GIA) System is a vast network of groomed snowmobile trails that extends throughout Minnesota’s Beltrami, Cass, Hubbard and Crow Wing Counties. Local snowmobile clubs maintain the routes, many of which parallel paved state recreation trails along the byway, including the Paul Bunyan State Trail and the Heartland State Trail. State law bans snowmobiles from driving on the paved trails themselves, so where possible, snowmobiling trails have been developed along their wide shoulders.
Plan to hit the trails December 1 to March 31, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Some state trails may open as early as November as weather conditions and landowners permit. Visit the Dept. of Natural Resources website or call 1-888-MINNDNR (1-888-646-6367) for more information about trail conditions before departing.
Whether you’re in search of untamed wilderness with glittering frosty lakes and Bald Eagles, or pockets of civilization with every creature comfort, the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway is the perfect snowmobiling destination.
