Bemidji, Minnesota is the perfect 'base camp' for tourists setting out to explore the lakes, forests and wilderness of the Northwoods.
Paul Bunyan and Babe are the city's unofficial ambassadors and greet visitors to the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center every day. The giant lumberjack and his blue ox, made popular in 19th-century oral history, have helped promote the area since their likenesses were created in 1937 to promote a local carnival.
For years they appeared in parades promoting Bemidji tourism. After traveling thousands of miles around the country, they retired in Bemidji. The National Parks Service recognized the statues as an official cultural resource worthy of preservation, adding them to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
The visitor center provides information about attractions, restaurants and accommodations.
Beltrami County History Center
The Beltrami County History Center is another must-see for anyone interested in local history as well as railroad history and architectural design.
Housed in the restored 1912 Great Northern Depot, located at 130 Minnesota Ave. SW, the center is home to the Beltrami County Historical Society.
The James J. Hill railroad depot is a one story, hipped roof, brick and limestone structure with arched windows and wide eaves influenced by the Arts and Crafts era of architectural design. The depot was also placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Leech Lake American Indians
Before white settlers arrived in the area, about 50 Leech Lake American Indians lived along the south shore of a lake they called Bemidjigumaug, meaning 'river or route flowing crosswise.’ The Mississippi crosses Lake Bemidji and flows north before turning south.
Most white inhabitants began arriving in the 1880s. Many had lumber company ties or wanted to homestead in the area. The white pioneers honored the Indian elder Shaynowishkung for his kindness. He was known as 'Chief Bemidji' by those he provided food and shelter to while they were building their homestead cabins.
On May 20, 1896, the Village of Bemidji was incorporated, followed by the extension of a rail line to accommodate the growing lumber trade. Rail service brought loggers, lumberjacks and speculators. Grand lakefront homes sprang up along the lake followed by fine hotels.
Ruttger's Birchmont Lodge
Just as the city reveals its history to visitors, so do many of the resorts lining Bemidji Lake including Ruttger's Birchmont Lodge.
Established in 1898, the hotel was purchased in 1936 by brothers Max and Alex Rutters. Since then, generations of Ruttgers have been welcoming guests to Minnesota’s Northwoods. Guests can choose from lakefront rooms, suites, town homes and cabins with 1 to 4 bedrooms, all spread out along a wide sandy beach with a perfect view of the lake’s sparkling sapphire waters.
Lodge activities include fishing, lake swimming, sailing, canoing and kayaking. There's also a highly rated restaurant and lounge, and an indoor pool, exercise rooms and sauna. Supervised children’s recreation programs are offered during the summer months.
In the fall and winter seasons, Ruttger's keeps several rooms, cabins and villas open along with the pool, exercise rooms and sauna. Ruttger's guests have direct access to snowmobile trails from the resort.
Itasca State Park
Visitors can drive, hike, bike or take a two-hour guided boat tour, but no matter how they decide to see Itasca State Park, they'll be surrounded by forests and pristine waterways.
Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota's oldest state park. Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes.
It's here the mighty Mississippi River begins its 2,552-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico.
In 1832 explorer Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, lead by Ozawindib, his Ojibwe guide, traveled to Lake Itasca, the source of the river. Debates over the river’s true source continued until Jacob Brower’s survey revealed that the entire Itasca basin was the source of the Mississippi River, but the waters were not united as a river until they flowed out of Lake Itasca.
From the Mississippi Headwaters’ Visitor’s Center, it’s only a short walk along a curving path to the headwaters. There’s an almost festival atmosphere in the middle of the wilderness as urban explorers walk across the river by stepping on boulders or a narrow wooden bridge.
Touring the park is easy for everyone. Wilderness Drive winds past ancient stands of pine, ponds and lakes where beaver dams, cranes and loons make their homes.
Coborn's Lake Itasca Tours offer two hour cruises that follows the same route taken by Ozawindib in 1832 when he guided Henry Rowe Schoolcraft to the Headwaters of the Mississippi River.
There are many ways to explore the Northwoods and each one is an opportunity of a lifetime.
If you go:
For more information on Bemidji, check the city website.
For more information on Itasca State Park, check the park website.
Marilyn Jones - Marilyn (Loeser) Jones has been a published writer for more than 30 years specializing in travel and feature articles. Her journalism ...
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