Bemidji is a city located on the southwest shore of Lake Bemidji. Lake Bemidji is the northernmost lake feeding the Mississippi River. “The first City on the Mississippi” is a popular nickname given to the city, which is home to the legendary “Babe, The Blue Ox” and Paul Bunyan. 

Bemidji is located near Chippewa National Forest, Itasca State Park Lake Bemidji, and Big Nog State Recreation Area, among other state forest areas. As a result, one can count on close encounters with peaceful, serene nature when visiting. 

Fun Facts

• Swimming, biking, picnicking, bird watching, boating, fishing, and camping are fun activities in Bemidji.
• According to Kodak, Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox are the second most photographed statues in the United States. First place goes to Mount Rushmore.
• The two statues were built to boost tourism which suffered during the Great Depression. Carl Aldal, a local cement man, designed them.
• Bemidji was once a prominent logging town and lumbering center
• Today, Bemidji is important to the United States’ educational, governmental, and trade industries.
• During the winter, the city is a hive of activity, with numerous sports occurring in and around the city center. Snowmobile and cross-country ski trails make the terrain a perfect winter sports hub. In addition, the Bemidji Blue OX marathon takes place in October, drawing recreational runners from all over the United States.