The new Lion’s Park, located on the southeast side of the river in downtown Pine River, is the new home for one of the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway’s thirteen interpretive panels. The panel had previously stood for several years on the other side of the river, close to the Duck Races site. During construction of the new rock riffle dam, the city removed and stored the interpretive panel to protect it from accidental damage as the work progressed.

Written by long-time Pine River resident, John Wetrosky, along with byway association member, Mary Plein, the panel story is done in a cleverly engaging “truth and lore” style. It weaves true logging history with a plentiful dose of Paul Bunyan’s famous tall tale lore focused in this story on, “giant Paul Bunyan-size ducks, with 50-foot wingspans and big ol’ bills that could chomp a full-grown man in one bite!”. The long tradition of rubber duck racing at the dam inspired the ‘duck focus’. Rubber duck racing was held for many years on summer Fridays until 2022.

Just in time for Pine River’s Summerfest, public works director, Mike Hansen, and department staff, LeRoy Hulke and Dalton Engholm, were able to get the kiosk and the interpretive panel installation completed on June 27. With many of the Summerfest events happening around the dam and nearby parks, visitors to the new Lion’s Park can enjoy the interpretive panel story, explore the park and take in the beautiful views from this Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway route location.

Visit www.paulbunyanscenicbyway.org for more information, or stop in at one of the Chamber of Commerce locations along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway route.