Location: Bemidji
Top Things to do in Bemidji
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What to do and see in Bemidji, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Bemidji (/bəˈmɪdʒiː/ bə-MIJ-ee) is a city in Beltrami County (and county seat), in north west Minnesota, United States. With a population of 14,301 as of July 1, 2016, it is the largest commercial center between Grand Forks, North Dakota and Duluth, Minnesota. Bemidji houses many Native American services, including the Indian Health Service. The city is the central hub of the Red Lake Indian Reservation, White Earth Indian Reservation and the Leech Lake Indian Reservation. Bemidji lies on the south west shore of Lake Bemidji, the northernmost lake feeding the Mississippi River and as such is deemed "The First City On The Mississippi." Bemidji is also the self proclaimed "curling capital" of the U.S. and birth place of Paul Bunyan
Restaurants in Bemidji
1. Lake Bemidji State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
An outdoor paradise offering swimming, boating, fishing, biking, hiking and more.
Reviewed By NANCY B - Champlin, Minnesota
Haven't been here for over 50 years. Nothing has changed. Beautiful park and grounds. Lake is spectacular as well. This is a must see attraction when visiting northern Minnesota, especially in the Fall!
2. Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 207 reviews
Reviewed By TryppAdams - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Perched on the shore of Lake Bemidji is this giant roadside relic of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. It was freezing when I visited and there are some close parking spots downtown and in the park next to the statues. We hopped out of our car ran over to the statues to snap some pictures before running back to our car. Would be great to visit in the summertime, there's also a great park next to the statues for kids to play and enjoy.
3. Sculpture Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
This area along the water features 12 statues designed by well-known artists.
Reviewed By garyaverill1 - Minneapolis, Minnesota
We did not see many of the sculptures because we did not have a map. As one of the reviewers said get a map from the visitor center next to Paul Bunyon and his trusty ox. Map out a path before starting.
4. Headwaters Science Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Headwaters Science Center is a hands-on science center including over 40 science exhibits, a collection of live animals and a unique gift shop. We also offer science demonstrations, special programs, a facility for birthday parties and many other activities. Hours: 9:30-5:00 on Mon,Wed,Thurs,Friday and Saturday. Sunday 1:00-5:00. Closed on Tuesday.
Reviewed By studinski - Rochester, Minnesota
Fully engaging for the entire family; activities and exhibits were well designed and interactive for all ages; great value for the money; kids did not want to leave; learned a lot! Honestly, this science museum is very well developed for the size of the community and we were very impressed. The volunteers, many of whom were in high school, were fabulous.
5. Paul Bunyan Playhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Minnesota's oldest professional summer theater features both contemporary and classic plays.
Reviewed By Tinnemeier - Saint Paul, Minnesota
We had a great time at Paul Bunyan Playhouse on a hot summer afternoon. Paul Bunyan does a great job with musicals and established plays, but we were lucky to see a new work by a Minnesota playwright. Wonderful acting, creative and exciting directing, and an excellent audience experience from the Box Office to our exit into the bright light of the afternoon. Whether you are camping, glamping, at a resort or renting a spot nearby, this is a wonderful activity to include in your Bemidji vacation!
6. Sanford Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By mndivergirl1
Our last concert at the Sanford center was a little overwhelming. Our seats were excellent, we were separated from floor seating by only a rail. The sound was OK, the drunk people and lack of security on the floor was not OK. We found the act to be great and find the Sanford center does a great job pulling in great acts. The lack of security really does need to improve and the people being over served alcohol has to stop. We had people on the floor stacking their drinks on the rail in front of us and then spilling them all over. The drunker people got the more rambunctious the crowd became. Even though it was assigned seating people from upper levels and the back of the arena pushed their way to the front blocking the views of people that had paid for the best seats.
7. Visit Bemidji
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By etweeden - London, United Kingdom
Super friendly city of 14,000 on the SW shore of Lake Bemidji. An essentially college town, full of public sculpture, has several conversational foreign language gatherings in local restaurants and coffee houses, and holds an all High School Reunion party weekend every five years. All this and the statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. A short drive south to Lake Itasca State Park and the source of the Mississippi. Excellent hotels and restaurants in town we like the Hampton Inn and Suites, not just because it is new, spacious and reasonable, but because of the fantastic lake views. Our favourite restaurants include Tutto Bene, Dave's Pizza, Cabin Coffee Shop and Mi Rancho. Enjoy!
8. Buena Vista Ski Area
Overall Ratings
4 based on 23 reviews
Recreation area accommodates downhill skiers and snowboarders, plus offers more than 25 kilometers of scenic trails for cross-country enthusiasts.
Reviewed By Shawn M - Pendleton, Oregon
Buena Vista is a friendly, family-owned ski area with comfortable, affordable options in the ski lodge. However, if you are a seasoned skier, the hills will feel too small. It was a perfect introduction back into downhill skiing after several years for this middle-age mom, however: a nice, easy day on easy little hills.
9. Chief Bemidji Statute
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By bigbobr - Saint Paul, Minnesota
Previously there was somewhat of a cartoonish statute in similar proximity to where this statute currently resides. The Statute is in Library Park on the western shore of Lake Bemidji. There are four bronze plaques detailing the story behind the real life chief and his contributions to the area. Because of failed treaty promises the Chief nearly got involved in the 1862 uprising in southern Minnesota but choose to sit it out. These plaques tell a great deal of history about the Ojibwe and their life and how history itself affected them. Beautiful location and a great piece of history.
10. Paul Bunyan's Animal Land
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 60 reviews
Located on Hwy 2 East, between Bemidji & Cass Lake, Animal Land is Minnesota’s largest wildlife park/petting zoo. Lions, tigers, bears, camels, leopards, cougars, three species of deer, lemurs, monkeys, bobcats, raccoons, fox, elk, llamas, donkeys, reptiles, and exotic birds are just a FEW of the nearly 100 animals who make their home at Animal Land. Indoor learning center, gift shop, picnic areas, playground, handicap accessible, birthday parties, group rates, traveling educational programs and more.
Reviewed By fraley028
This place is seriously sad. It has gone down hill dramatically in the past years. My daughter wanyed to come here for her birthday. Big mistake. They no longer have bears, the monkeys they do have are angry, the deer part is not maintained well and they let the grass get extremely tall. Most of the deer they do have are very skiddish and will not let you feed them. The camels are disgusting. They save them and just leave their fur lay all around in their pen. The animals are in extremely confined areas and are unhappy. Skip this one and take the extra drive to brainerd. Their wildlife park is much nicer, the animals are well taken care of, there is much more to see, and the areas for the animals are huge.
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