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Byway History

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History of the Byway

More than just breathtaking vistas, Paul’s Scenic Byway is the gateway to outdoor adventures, history, and Minnesota lore.

A group of men in early 20th century attire are sitting outdoors on grass, gathered around a picnic. They are eating, with plates in hand and food spread on paper in the center. Trees and bushes are visible in the background.

Let’s start from the beginning

What is a Byway?

A scenic byway is a set of roads that showcase an area’s archaeological, cultural, historical, natural, recreational and scenic qualities in an extraordinary way. 

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.

Paul’s Scenic Byway is Special 

The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway is a 54-mile double loop driving route. Comprised entirely of county roads, this recreation based route leads travelers through the heart of Minnesota lake country.

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The Backstory

Our byway’s history begins with the goal of creating safer biking conditions by widening the shoulders of the county roads along the route.

Back in ‘95…

In 1995, residents of Ideal Township were concerned for the safety of bicyclists on (County State Aid Highway) CSAH 16. They decided to do a raffle to raise local match money in order to pave the shoulders of CSAH 16. 

Even with the money raised however, it would take a long time to get it done. The Crow Wing County Highway Department had a long list of projects and CSAH 16 wasn’t a top priority.

But, there was hope. 

The regional representative of the Minnesota Office of Tourism suggested that the roadway might qualify as a scenic byway under a new Minnesota state program at the time. If designated, it could raise the priority of the paving project.

And that’s exactly what happened. 

A small group of residents worked together to complete the forms, inventory the byway, and submit the application for state designation.

Sweet Designation 

The Scenic Byway was officially designated in June of 1998. As a result, shoulder paving on CSAH 16 was completed in August 2002. 

Funds raised in the raffle were used toward the 20% local match to cover the cost of the shoulder paving work. Other groups that donated to the match were the Crosslake Ideal Lions and the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association (PBSBA).

Going National 

But it wasn’t over. Paul’s Scenic Byway was about to go national. 

In February 2005, the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association submitted an application seeking national designation, highlighting two themes of national significance: 

  • the family resort story 
  • and the nationally known tall tale character of Paul Bunyan

Paul Bunyan was also the inspiration for the byway’s tagline, “Explore the Lore”.

The themes proved to be nationally significant and the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway was nationally designated seven months later!

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National Designation

Official national designation was awarded by the US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration at a ceremony at Union Station in Washington DC on September 22, 2005. 

National designation brings with it tremendous awareness-building opportunities as a part of the national marketing efforts and inclusion on all of America’s Byways materials. 

Plus, it offers eligibility for federal funding and technical assistance and support that is not available without the designation.

Gallery

Black and white photo of people on two small boats by a wooded shoreline with a cottage. One boat has a covered canopy and four people onboard, while the other has three people holding fishing poles. Trees and a house are in the background.
A group of people, including men, women, and children, stand in front of a small, white, wooden chapel. The women wear hats, and the men are in suits. The children are dressed formally. The chapel has a small steeple and two side windows.
A rustic log cabin is surrounded by lush trees. Stone steps with metal railings lead up to the entrance. Flower beds with vibrant blooms adorn the rock walls along the steps, creating a charming, inviting scene under a cloudy sky.
A vintage black-and-white photo shows seven people posing on and around a steam locomotive. They are dressed in early 20th-century clothing, including overalls and dresses. A wooden structure and logs are visible in the background.
A black and white newspaper page featuring Ben Knebel, a man standing by a boat. Headline:
Two white horses pull a sleigh through a snowy landscape. Two people sit in the sleigh, wearing winter clothing, with one wearing a Santa hat. A snow-covered field and trees are visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
A large metal bell mounted on a rustic iron frame is displayed outdoors. The bell has inscriptions and is positioned on a stone pedestal. Tall pine trees form the background, creating a natural and serene setting.
A group of men in early 20th century attire are sitting outdoors on grass, gathered around a picnic. They are eating, with plates in hand and food spread on paper in the center. Trees and bushes are visible in the background.
A quaint white cottage with a steep roof and chimney is surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees. The front yard features a rustic stone fence, a well-kept lawn, and bushes. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and idyllic.

The Byway Association

The route is managed by the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association, a non-profit member-based organization that continually seeks partnerships to provide programs, support projects and assist with events along the 54 mile byway route.

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Logo of Pequot Lakes Area Historical Society featuring a drawing of the Cole Memorial Building and Museum, constructed in 1937, near the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway. The text reads, "Remember the past, enrich the future..." Address: P.O. Box 493, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472-0493.
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Association Partners

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