Illustration of a blue and white bull holding a red sign with the text Ask Babe!! in white. The bull's head has prominent horns and a focused expression. The sign is on two white poles. The background is white.
A person holding a brown paper shopping bag with colorful handles and a blank tag. The person wears a white shirt, and the background features a wooden wall.

Day Trip

Shopping

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Even Paul Bunyan Likes a Little Retail Therapy

This route combines local charm, fun shopping experiences, and Paul Bunyan flair! Explore Pequot Lakes, Pine River, and Crosslake.

Pequot Lakes

Begin your day in Pequot Lakes, one of the many charming stops along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway. Start on CSAH 11 (Main Street), filled with retail squares and specialty shops:

  • Expressions (North Lakes Center): Discover an outstanding selection of shoes.
  • Leslie’s: Browse women’s clothing and accessories, a favorite in the lakes area.
  • Weise Craft and Variety: Explore a treasure trove of crafts and variety items—perfect for finding hidden gems.
  • Merritt Jewelers: Shop fine jewelry and admire the iconic Paul Bunyan and Lucette engagement ring display.

Jenkins

As you head north, stop in Jenkins for antique and bric-a-brac shops. For a bite to eat, choose one of these popular spots:

Pine River

Make your way to Pine River, a town that proudly calls itself “still a real town.” Downtown’s Barclay Avenue exudes old-fashioned charm:

Crosslake

Crosslake is your next destination. Find shopping throughout this quaint town: 

South of Crosslake

On your return journey on CSAH 3, don’t forget to stop at:

Take this opportunity to enjoy the small-town charm, unique shops, and warm hospitality of these Minnesota communities. Whether you’re in the mood for retail therapy or scenic adventures, this shopping day has it all.

Shopping Near You

Aerial view of an expansive blue lake with lush green islands and peninsulas. Houses are nestled among trees along the shoreline. The sky is bright blue with scattered clouds, creating a serene and picturesque landscape.

Whitefish Area Shopping

A small building with a wooden shingle roof displays a sign reading "Welcome to Pine River." A tree with sparse leaves stands in front, and a vintage wagon wheel is visible through the large glass window. The sky is clear and blue.

Pine River Shopping

A large crowd of people stands in a long line at an outdoor event on a sunny day. Many wear casual summer clothes, and some hold bags or hats. A yellow construction vehicle is visible in the background, along with trees and tents.

Pequot Lakes Shopping

Aerial view of a rural area showing a small highway intersection, surrounded by forests. There are a few buildings, including a red-roofed structure, storage domes, and parked vehicles. The landscape is mostly green with scattered trees.

Jenkins Shopping

Aerial view of a small town with a winding road surrounded by trees and buildings. On the left, a river with a dam is visible, leading to a large lake. The landscape is lush with greenery under a partly cloudy sky.

Crosslake Shopping

A picturesque building with a sloped roof under a vibrant sky, surrounded by well-kept lawns and pathways. A statue of a seated figure is in the foreground, and flags flutter on poles nearby.

Brainerd Lakes Shopping

Byway Maps

Get a birdseye view of the byway and surrounding areas. Locate interactive kiosks, bike lanes, Paul’s footprints, parks, trails, beaches and more!

Interactive Overlook Map
Printable Map

Website Sponsors

Logo with the word "Sourcewell" in blue-gray text next to a geometric design inspired by the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway. The design features gray and blue shapes with an orange triangle pointing right.

Dedicated to Service

The word "SWIM" appears in bold, block letters with a gradient blue to pink color fill, reminiscent of the vibrant scenery along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway, all set on a transparent background.

Deep Creative. Powerful Strategy.

The image shows a logo with a star containing joined hands, a desk, and a person digging. Text reads "IDEAL COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATION" and "For a Better Community ICSO.

Invest in Today for a Better Tomorrow


Rod Nelson

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.
The image shows the Dairy Queen logo. It features the letters "DQ" in white on a red oval background, with a yellow swoosh at the top and a blue swoosh at the bottom.
Logo for Millner Estate Planning featuring the company's name in bold, dark blue lettering. Above the text, several stylized, downward-slanting blue lines suggest motion or progress, akin to the winding paths of the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway.

Association Partners

Logo of Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce featuring a stylized blue bull head above the text
Logo featuring the letters
Logo of Pine River Chamber of Commerce featuring a river with three ducks, surrounded by pine trees against a sunset gradient. Text reads
Red and white emblem with a castle icon at the top, followed by the text
Logo with stylized text reading
Text reading