Explore the Lore of Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway

What's NEWS along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway?

Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway is a 54-mile driving route made up entirely of county roads that take travelers through 14 jurisdictions in Crow Wing and Cass counties of Central Minnesota.The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway is a 54-mile driving route located in central Minnesota, made up entirely of county roads, that take travelers through 14 jurisdictions; with hiking and walking trails, recreational parks and lakes, wildlife management areas, and historical artifacts. The route has a non-profit organization, the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association, that manages the projects, programs and events along the route.

Over the years, the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association has accomplished a lot.

The Byway Association, in conjunction with the University of Minnesota’s Tourism Center, completed a economic impact survey for the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway and the Lake County Scenic Byway. This report was the culmination of a two year program working with the U’s Tourism Center and the University’s Center for Community Vitality.

The economic impact of investments over the last decade was assessed during year one of the study, and intercept surveys were conducted during year two.

Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway draws motorcyclists every summer to Pequot Lakes and surrounding area. (Photo courtesy: HOG Group)The studies found:

  • In 2010, an estimated 23,800 travel parties visited the region specifically because of the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway.
  • These travel parties spent $21.6 million dollars while in the region
  • Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway travelers created a total of $21.2 million in economic output in the regional economy, including 331 full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs and $7.2 million in labor income.

A special thanks to the Pine River Chamber of Commerce who acted as the applicant
for $10,000 of the $25,000 grant that funded this survey, as well as to the project
supporters:

  • the Central Regional Sustainable Development Partnership
  • the Carlson Chair for Travel, Tourism & Hospitality
  • Explore Minnesota Tourism

Local volunteers who facilitated the intercept surveys were:
Ed and Judy Larsen, Susan Davis, Ruth Howieson, Clarice Blaeser, Ginny Arvig, Nancy Adams, Lynn Scharenbroich, and Linda Ulland; SCSU students were Jessica Rosier and Rupak Shestha.

Download the complete reports.

See you on the Byway, and we’ll Explore the Lore some more!

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