Paul Bunyan Land & lakes

About

Paul Bunyan Land has been a Brainerd Lakes Area tradition since 1954, drawing families to meet the legendary 26-foot animated Paul Bunyan who greets children by name. It's the kind of place that sticks with you - part amusement park, part living history museum, part farm experience.

The park features a Pioneer Village with over two dozen restored buildings from Minnesota's frontier era. Walk through a one-room schoolhouse, a general store, a blacksmith shop, and a chapel, all furnished with authentic period items. It's a hands-on way to experience what life looked like in rural Minnesota over a century ago.

Kids love the amusement rides, which are geared toward younger visitors. You'll find a small roller coaster, spinning rides, bumper cars, and a train that circles the grounds. The petting barns are another highlight, home to goats, llamas, deer, and other friendly animals. Feed is available for purchase so kids can interact up close.

The park sits along the shores of the Brainerd Lakes region, one of Minnesota's most popular vacation areas. That means there's plenty to pair with a Paul Bunyan Land visit - fishing, hiking, mini golf, and waterparks are all nearby. Many families build an entire week around the area.

Paul Bunyan Land is open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Plan for at least two to three hours to see everything comfortably, though families with young children often stay longer. There's a picnic area on-site, and the campground adjacent to the park offers a convenient option for overnight stays.

Admission is reasonably priced and covers all rides and attractions. The park is located just east of Brainerd along Highway 18. Parking is free. Whether you're introducing a new generation to Paul Bunyan's booming voice or revisiting a childhood memory, this is a warm, unhurried spot that captures something genuinely charming about small-town Minnesota fun.

Accessibility

Paul Bunyan Land's grounds are a mix of paved walkways, gravel paths, and grassy areas. The terrain is generally flat, which is helpful for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids, though some surfaces may be uneven or soft in places.

Reviews from visitors with disabilities note that while the park has made some accessibility efforts, the experience can be inconsistent. One wheelchair user reported that ramp access exists at certain buildings but that door placement and orientation can make independent entry difficult. Some of the Pioneer Village's historic structures have narrow doorways or raised thresholds typical of older buildings.

The amusement rides vary in accessibility. Many are designed for younger children and may require the ability to transfer from a wheelchair. Specific ride-by-ride accessibility information is not published on the park's website.

The petting barns are on relatively level ground and should be approachable for most visitors, though barn interiors may have uneven flooring. Free parking is available close to the entrance.

For those interested in nearby trail options, the Paul Bunyan State Trail connects through the region and features paved, generally level segments that are wheelchair accessible, though a nine-mile stretch through Chippewa National Forest is an exception.

The park does not publish a detailed accessibility guide online. Contact Paul Bunyan Land directly before your visit to ask about specific accommodations, restroom accessibility, sensory-friendly options, and any recent improvements. Staff can provide the most current information about what to expect.

More accessible places in Minnesota

• Science Museum of Minnesota (St. Paul)
• Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (Minneapolis)
• Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley)
• Mall of America (Bloomington)
• Minneapolis Institute of Art (Minneapolis)
• Voyageurs National Park (International Falls)