About the Byway

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Take a Ride on the Byway

The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway is a 54-mile double loop circular, connected route of paved county roads open year round. It winds through 14 jurisdictions and two counties (Crow Wing and Cass) of beautiful midwestern landscape and abounds in outdoor recreation.

A minivan drives along a winding rural road bordered by lush green grass and dense trees. The sky is partly cloudy, and branches with pine needles are visible in the foreground.

What You’ll Find

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A person in a yellow raincoat and hood smiles while holding a fish on a small boat. The background shows a calm lake and autumn foliage under a cloudy sky.

Outdoor recreation

Three people walking on a dirt path through a dense forest. The trees are tall and lush with green leaves. The individuals are dressed casually, with one in a red shirt, another in blue, and the third in white. The scene is peaceful and natural.

Hiking and walking trails

A large wooden lodge building sits by a lake during sunset, with several boats docked at the marina. Many people are gathered near the waterfront, enjoying the scenic view. The sky is partly cloudy with a warm glow from the setting sun.

Recreational parks and lakes

Tall pine trees seen from below against a clear blue sky, their branches and needles creating a patterned silhouette. Sunlight filters through the foliage, highlighting the green leaves and textured bark.

Wildlife management areas

A black and white photo showing three small boats on a lake near a wooded shoreline. Several people on the boats are engaged in fishing activities, with fishing rods visible. A cabin is nestled among trees in the background.

Historical artifacts

A large crowd sits on lawn chairs facing a gazebo in a park. A band performs on the gazebo stage. The sky is clear with scattered clouds, surrounded by trees and buildings in the background.

So Much More!

A close-up of a white daisy with a yellow center in a sunlit field. The focus is on the flower in the foreground, with more daisies and green foliage blurred in the background.

Play Outside

Outdoor Paradise

The Scenic Byway is an outdoors person’s dream. Meandering through the green and blue landscape of the storied Brainerd Lakes area of North Central Minnesota, it’s the perfect driving route to find simple, natural charm and endless outdoor activities.

Nature & Parks

Golf

Hiking

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Byway History

What began as a fundraising effort to create a safer, bikeable road has since grown into a nationally recognized scenic byway. Find out more about what it took to make this stretch of road legendary.

LearN More

Byway Bylines

Read our blog about byway lore, local stories, tips on where to explore, and more!

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More information

This is Your Byway

The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association is made stronger because of people who care about the beauty and preservation of our area’s natural assets. If that’s you, get in touch!