Bemidji History
Bemidji is an Ojibwe word (“Bay-may-ji-ga-maug”) that means “lake with crossing waters.” It refers to the Mississippi River, which crosses Lake Bemidji. The city is ripe with vivid history, and is at the center of the legends of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. Many sites in the area are listed on The National Register of Historic Places including the statues of Paul & Babe.
Visitors to the area are encouraged to stop at the Tourist Information Center on the shore of Lake Bemidji, and next to the statues, the center is open year-round.
In addition to Paul Bunyan memorabilia, the Tourist Information Center features the Fireplace of States, which is built with stones from all 87 Minnesota counties and 48 U.S. states and many Canadian provinces.
For information on the Bemidji Area call 800-458-2223 or go to the web site at www.bemidji.org.
Other historic sites of interest:
Library Park and the Chief Bemidji statue
Community Arts Center in the Carnegie Building
The Mississippi River Bridge
Beltrami County Courthouse (built in 1902)
Sooline Train Depot
The Great Northern Depot
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