Byway Bylines 
August, 2008
The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association has been managing the organization and its projects along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway's fifty four miles for more than ten years. Throughout those years, many area businesses, organizations and individuals have been working and/or funding partners.
Thanks to those partners, the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway (PBSB) has been able to robustly pursue its mission to enhance, preserve and promote the recreational, natural, historical and cultural amenities and resources along and around this driving route.
Area residents and visitors may be surprised to learn that over the past ten years, nearly fifty PBSB projects have been completed or are currently in progress. In addition to projects, partners and members have also supported regular organizational operations as well as the development of a Corridor Management Plan and an Interpretive Plan. Below are a few of the projects that partners have helped the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association bring to the area communities:
* Veterans Walking Trail at Island Lake Woods
- Wetlands Walk at Veterans Trail
- Footbridge over Hay Creek at Veterans Trail
- Northside Loop at Veterans Trail
Major partners: DNR, Dave/Mary Badger, Crow Wing County Highway Dept.
* Fourteen information kiosks along the 54 miles of the Byway route
- Including DNR Fire Tower site and Lowell Wildlife Management Area site
Major partners: Crow Wing County, MN Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Lakes State Bank, JM Plein Consulting, Ideal Township, Whitefish Area Lodging Association, Pine River Chamber of Commerce, Pequot Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Black Pine Beach Resort, Pequot Lakes Physical Therapy Services, KLKS Radio, Bruce/Marj Bundgaard
* Podcast featuring seven local voices bringing the story of our area to the world through national exposure on America's Byways website
Major partners: KLKS Radio, Dave Skyberg, with project inception support from Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce
* Paul Bunyan Footprints (project in progress)
Major partners: Grand Casino Mille Lacs, City of Pequot Lakes, City of Crosslake, City of Breezy Point, City of Pine River, City of Jenkins, Ideal Township, Barclay Township
* Paul Bunyan Exhibit Area at Crosslake's Corps of Engineers Campground Administrative Building
Major partners: US Army Corps of Engineers, Wayne Chamberlain, Lakes Area Gallery and Frame Shoppe
* PBSB website with interactive tall tales section
Major partner: JM Plein Consulting
* Live theater performances glimpsing historic area mailcarrier, Ben Knebel
Major partners: Federal Highway Administration Nt'l Scenic Byways Program, Rice Lake Resources, Crow Wing County
* Gateway Gazebo at the CSAH 16/Hwy. 371 intersection
Major partner: DNR, Area Resorters, Cedar Creek Lumber
* Chiarella Walking Trail in Breezy Point
Major partner: DNR, Minnesota Conservation Corp
* Three sets of novelty playing cards featuring people, places and lore
Major partners: Grand Casino Mille Lacs, Whitefish Area Lodging Association
* Free tear-off maps of the Byway and the area
Major partners: JM Plein Consulting, printing supported by advertisers
* Free Birds of the Byway brochure
Major partners: Original printing- Explore MN Tourism, Whitefish Area Lodging Association, MN DNR Non-game Wildlife Program, Bee Nay She Bird Club; Reprint- MN DNR Non-game Wildlife Program, JM Plein Consulting, Jean Segerstrom
The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association is proud to work hand-in-hand with all of these and many other partners, sponsors, donors and members to continue championing the Byway area through projects, events and activities that support and enhance the quality of life for all of us who live and work here, as well as supporting the economic vitality that comes from encouraging visitors to lodge, shop and dine in the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway area.
Byway Bylines
July, 2008
  Great cookies have been a part of the Paul Bunyan story for years. Rick Beyers at A-Pine Restaurant has a huge Paul Bunyan woodcut advertising the Paul Bunyan Cookie Company. It’s pretty much common knowledge that Cream Puff Fatty made plenty of cream wafer cookies in addition to cream puffs. Even in kitchens across the area, when a hefty, hearty cookie comes out of the oven, it’s often referred to as Paul Bunyan sized. And, only a couple years ago, Pine River baker, Al Klocke, designed a Paul Bunyan cookie, complete with frosting sporting the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway logo, to help celebrate the Byway’s national designation.
Now, the cookie story has a new chapter. This spring, Emily Fulton, new owner of the Pine River Bakery, grabbed hold of the Paul Bunyan cookie idea and took it to a new level. Using her artistry and computer skills, she fashioned a new look for the cookie by replacing the standard logo with the more spunky design from the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Tour Maps. But that wasn’t enough for this food artist. She framed the frosting logo with a rippled bead of Babe-blue frosting, setting the whole thing off in a cleverly appealing way.
The newly designed Paul Bunyan cookie became available to the public in early June and has been selling well ever since. Emily said the first day she had them available, they sold out in no time. Almost immediately, at least one bakery customer put in a weekly standing order for the colorful, delicious cookies.
If there’s a category for specialty cookies at the Minnesota Bakery Association competition, the Pine River Bakery’s Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway cookie would be a strong candidate.
Getting’ hungry? The Pine River Bakery is open 6am-3pm Monday-Saturday. While you’re nibbling on that dandy cookie, take a look at the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Tour Map. Pick the places you want to visit and the things you want to do along the 54 mile route. Then, grab an extra cookie for the road!
To contact the Pine River Bakery, call 218-587-2545.
June, 2008
It’s the best place to play, relax, entertain, learn, share, grow up, grow old. We’ve all said that about our area of Minnesota, our home town, our neighborhood.
The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway cut its teeth on those concepts and still wraps a smile around them all today. Your stories, your history, your touches on the community, your kind of fun and recreation, your enthusiasm are the navigators that set the direction and the engines that drive the work of the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association.
The group has done a lot of work over the past ten years. Take a look at a list of just a few.
- Historic Mailcarrier Interpretation live theater project
- Walking trails and Wetlands Walk at Veterans Trail on CSAH 16 and Chiarella Forest Management Area on CSAH 11
- Tear-off map/tour guide free and available at area Byway member businesses and Chambers of Commerce locations
- Birds of the Byway brochure available free and available at area Byway member businesses and Chambers of Commerce locations
- Interpretive panels installed at 13 locations along the Byway route
- Podcast created and posted on the byway website, www.paulbunyanscenicbyway.org
- National scenic byway designation in 2005
- Paul Bunyan exhibit and viewing area at the Crosslake Corps of Engineers administration building
- Development of a Corridor Management Plan (CMP) and Interpretive Plan (IP)
- Contractual partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers
- Facilitating partner for completion of shoulder paving on County Rds. 16 and 11
- Three sets of Byway playing cards highlighting various aspects of the route from historic to Paul’s tall tales
- Two series of original oils by artist, Tom Ottoson, depicting the Byway route
- Participation in U of M, Central Region Partnership’s Green Routes brochure development
- ‘Byway Site’ signage designed and posted at selected sites
- Host of a St. Cloud State University honors course, Developing Community-Oral History and Creative Expression on the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway
- Recipient of a DNR grant for Where the Trail Meets the Byway informational kiosks at 2 locations
- Design and construction of the Gateway Gazebo
It’s the kind of work you can be proud to support. It’s the kind of work that keeps your community a great place to be today and a better place to be tomorrow. By becoming a Supporter, you can help the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association keep on smiling.
April, 2008
as printed in The Lake Country Echo
 A new podcast has joined the cyber library. Sure, there are new podcasts created every day, so why is this news? The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway podcast is all about your hometown area. What could be more newsworthy than that!
Through the generous support of KLKS 104.3 FM Radio of Breezy Point, the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association was able to professionally record local people telling stories of everything from the development of walking and biking trails to working in a resort kitchen in the 1930's to famous explorers who mapped the Whitefish Chain and even a true story about cows drunk on moonshine.
Introducing the thirty-seven minute podcast and woven throughout is the burly voice of Paul Bunyan, performed in bold Bunyan-style by local voice artist, Dave Skyberg.
The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association is very grateful to the following people who recorded these wonderful stories about our area: Bill Habein, Jon Henke, Addie Johnson, Irene Myers, Ray Nelson, Steve Rudek, Betty Ryan, Lynn Scharenbroich, John Wetrosky.
Click here to listen to the podcast.
March, 2008
as printed in The Lake Country Echo
In response to a request from some local tourism business owners, the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association has put together a one-page flier called, ‘Why Drive the Byway’. The colorful flier answers the questions that visitors frequently ask, such as:
What is a byway?
Are there 'Paul Bunyan things' along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway?
Are there things to do with our family along the route?
If we just want to take a drive, will we be able to see lakes?
Where are the big pine trees?
The flier is meant to be a partner piece with the popular Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Tour Map/Guide. The free guide gives further details about sites along the route, shows the location of the byway towns and provides an easy to follow driving map.
Designed by JM Plein Consulting, ‘Why Drive the Byway’ picks up the signature Paul and Babe look that has now become familiar to so many through other byway projects also designed by Pleins, such as the interpretive panels and the byway website.
The flier is available as a pdf to any area organizations, businesses or individuals. To get your copy, contact the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association. Provide your name and email address. ‘Why Drive the Byway’ is a great resource to have if you’re a resident responsible for entertaining visitors, a business answering customers’ questions or an organization supporting and promoting the area.
To join the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association or to donate toward the byway's many community projects, download the Support the Byway form. Learn more about Membership.
February, 2008
as printed in The Lake Country Echo
 
It's listed in the Guinness World Book of Records as the world's largest rag doll. It even comes with its own wooden chair. It's one of a kind. It's coming soon to the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway exhibit room at the Crosslake Campground Corps of Engineers Administrative Building, and it's coming to stay.
Of course it is....because this is a Paul Bunyan rag doll. Constructed like a jointed Cabbage Patch doll and measuring nearly thirteen feet tall, ragtime Paul Bunyan will rule over the array of Bunyan memorabilia and exhibits that are on display weekdays from 8:30am-4:00pm.
That, however, won't be ragtime Paul's only job. He'll show up at various parades and community celebrations. Depending on his schedule, he may even be available for such things as library story hours or school visits.
How did a World Record holding Paul Bunyan rag doll find its way to the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway in Minnesota? The story starts with a vigilant Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association board member, Wayne Chamberlain. Wayne's alter ego is, in fact, Paul Bunyan.
For several years, he has been the official Byway Paul Bunyan, appearing in parades, acting as an event judge, being a celebrity reader, and performing many other 'Paul in the Community' roles. Wayne has an extensive Paul Bunyan memorabilia collection and he's always on the lookout for items to add to it.
So, while on an e-Bay shopping excursion, he noticed the big rag doll, complete with his own big chair. Wayne got in touch with the owner and told her about the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association and the Bunyan memorabilia exhibits.
Maybe there was a subconscious bond between the two 'Paul' alter egos, but whatever the reason, ragtime Paul and his chair became a donation to the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association. This spring visitors to the exhibit room in Crosslake will be able to view ragtime Paul, the world's largest rag doll.
January, 2008
as printed in The Lake Country Echo
Heroes and big shots often have sidekicks. Often folks seem to like sidekicks as much as their more flamboyant counterparts. Imagine Fred Flintstone without Barney, or Lucy without Ethel. Or, even more unthinkable, who could ever feature Paul Bunyan without Babe!
Indeed, our most famous local sidekick, is of course Babe, the Blue Ox. Babe is poised on the stage of notoriety once again as Josh Porter and his area arts funds-raising Ox Trot project offers a quirky and charming way to celebrate our collective fondness for the big ox. Babe lovers can buy or rent a big ox body, custom painted and fancied up if they wish, to display at an open-to-the-public site of their choice within the area.
And, that is exactly what will be happening at the Pine River Chamber of Commerce site this spring. Hunt Utility Group, LLC (HUG) has sponsored the ox that will call this site home. This ox has been declared the official Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway ox.
The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association is currently collaborating with Nolita Christensen of HUG and John Wetrosky of the Pine River Chamber of Commerce to design a clever, interpretive panel to accompany the ox. Regular users of the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway are already familiar with the appealing style of the informational panels in the roofed kiosks dotting the 54 miles of the route. This panel will weave together a story using elements of environmental sustainability, promotion of byway site visitation and Pine River history, using, of course, the familiar zesty spunk of the tall tale style spritzed throughout the panel story.
To become a publicly acknowledged sponsor for the interpretive panel project, send us an email. To learn more, visit these other sites.
Hunt Utility Group, Pine River Chamber, Ox Trot.
September, 2007
as printed in The Lake Country Echo
Paul Bunyan as Art 
A century has passed since Paul Bunyan’s heyday of logging in this area. But the Bunyan lore, legend and name carry on more robustly than ever. Public art along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway route pays homage to the good fun and ageless tourism-attracting power of Paul Bunyan.
Byway cities, Pine River, Pequot Lakes and Crosslake, have taken steps to capitalize on the public’s interest in ‘all things Paul’, and have developed some great public art items, or maybe public sculpture would be a more fitting term.
 The Pine River Chamber building has for years had a wooden replica of Paul Bunyan’s baby boots. People could stand in them for an interesting photo opportunity. This year, much bigger baby boots were fashioned and now stand proudly in the Pine River Chamber parking area providing a new Bunyan boot photo opportunity.
Pequot Lakes, already home to Paul’s bobber, added Paul Bunyan’s chair in the little park near the bobber water tower. With the right photo equipment, this could be a ‘double Paul shot’ with both the chair and the bobber in one image. That would be a great souvenir!
Crosslake sports Paul’s ax in front of the hardware store and an ice cream cone big enough for the logger himself in front of the ice cream store.
Is there more to come? Maybe. Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association representatives Lynn Scharenbroich and Linda Ulland spoke to the Pequot Lakes Park Board on September 13, 2007, about potential byway-wide public art grant opportunities along the entire scenic byway route. Byway grant funding can be applied for through the FHWA National Scenic Byways Program. Following the presentation, Mayor Cathy Malecha contacted the PBSBA to report that they are looking at whether there are any public art concepts that seem to be something they want to take the lead in pursuing.
There are fourteen jurisdictions along the 54 miles of the route: 6 cities, Breezy Point, Crosslake, Jenkins, Manhattan Beach, Pequot Lakes, Pine River; and 8 townships, Barclay, Gail Lake, Ideal, Jenkins, Mission, Pelican, Timothy, Wilson.
August, 2007
as printed in The Lake Country Echo
New Trail Maps Installed 
The maps are up at two popular Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway trail sites.
Both Veterans Walking Trail at Island Lake Woods on CSAH 16 in Jenkins Township and Chiarella Trail just off CSAH 11 in Breezy Point now have new fiberglass embedded trail map panels at the trailhead area. The panel at Veterans Trail was sponsored by the Pequot American Legion Auxiliary; the Chiarella Trail panel was sponsored by Narveson Management. Thanks to these sponsors, trail users can now view the entire trail layout before they set out, making it easier and more fun to plan their walk.
Trails at these two sites were created during 2001 and 2002 through a DNR National Recreation Trails grant that was awarded to the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association.
Since 2002, additional trails have been developed at the Veterans site, including the footbridge across Hay Creek that connects the south and north segments of the Island Lake Woods site, and the popular Wetlands Walk. The Wetlands Walk, a 500 foot wood decked walkway, gives trail users an up-close look at a shrub swamp and brings them to a picturesque island at the end of the walkway where a recently established loop trail takes them on a wooded walk around the island. The Sons of the American Legion-Pequot Lakes and Dave and Mary Badger have provided and continue to provide significant funding and work support for this site.
The trails are popular for more than just walkers. Birders, nature photo aficionados and wildlife watchers also enjoy the opportunities provided by these trails along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway route.
Both Chiarella and Veterans Trails are open every day year ‘round. There is no charge to use them. The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association invites residents and visitors to stop by, see the new maps and walk the trails. Email for more information about these trails and other recreational opportunities along the Byway.
Spring, 2007
as printed in The Lake Country Echo
Byway History featured in Brainerd Lakes Area Relocation Guide
 The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway is featured in an article in the 2007 Business and Relocation Guide. Using the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway route to trek through some of the highlights of this area's history, the article piques interest by telling just enough to encourage a closer look. Noted along the route are such well-known historic sites as the Dakota/Ojibwe battle site on Crosslake, the US Army Corps of Engineers dam built in the late 1800's, Old Grade Road and Timothy Town Hall.
For those interested in getting out of the car and taking a walk through a bit of history, the Wetlands Walk pictured in the article may be just what the doctored ordered. The Wetlands Walk is a 500 foot boardwalk, part of the ever-evolving and improving Veterans Walking Trail on Crow Wing County Road 16. It connects the mainland of the site to an island of high ground. Historical accounts indicate this island was a campsite for Zebulon Pike during his mapping expedition in this area.
Some history aficionados prefer to sit down and visit with those who really know the area's special stories. For those folks, a gem of a story teller is noted by name. Dodo Fraser, life long resident and volunteer for the Crosslake Historical Society for many years, knows those special stories and a whole lot more. Taking the time to visit with her would add a treasured dimension to any history buff's day trip on the Byway.
To learn more about the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway, contact chair Lynn Scharenbroich at 218-543-4714 or email. To obtain a copy of the Business and Relocation Guide, contact the Brainerd Area Chambers of Commerce at 218-829-2838.
January, 2007
as printed in The Lake Country Echo
Exciting Byway Exhibit Underway
Drive the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway to the south side of Crosslake on County Road 66. Turn into the Crosslake Corps of Engineers Campground. Open the door of the Corps office building and walk into the multi-purpose room. It may not yet be to the breathtaking stage, but development of an exciting exhibit is underway.
Several key pieces of Wayne Chamberlain’s Paul Bunyan collection are included in the growing display, from historic advertising items using the famous logger’s face to children’s records, post cards, ‘Bunyan’ piggybanks and humor columns.
Adding to the exhibit’s appeal are historic clothing pieces, books, firearms and more, provided by historical re-enactor and Crosslake Corps director, Ray Nelson.
Lead by aesthetically gifted Byway Association board member, Kristi Kraemer, the room and exhibit design takes on added dimension and interest with each new piece that joins the display.
Kristi and her work group of Rod Nelson, Wayne Chamberlain and Ray Nelson, look at the task as a work-in-progress that will evolve for some time. A segment of the exhibit that will soon be added is the story of how the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway itself came to be.
The completed displays and evolving exhibits can be viewed during office hours at the Crosslake Corps of Engineers. Contact Deb or Ray at 218-692-2025 for winter hours.
To learn more about the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway, to donate toward this or the many other projects currently underway or to join the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association, contact chair Lynn Scharenbroich at 218-543-4714 or email.
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