Bemidji’s Paul Bunyan Statue Is Currently One Armed

If you've ever been to Bemidji, Minnesota you've most likely seen the huge statue of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.  Really, how could you miss it?

The statue of Paul stands about 18 feet tall and was built in 1937 as part of a local promotion for Bemidji's winter carnival. Construction of the statues took workmen roughly 737 hours to build.

Recently, it's been discovered that Paul Bunyan's right arm has become unattached. Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince posted on Facebook that Paul's right arm became unattached, for some reason but was still hanging by some rebar.

The good news is a remedy is in process as a contractor has been summoned and will be in Bemidji by next week check out the damage and repair the damage. There had already been scheduled some conservation work planned for Paul and Babe the Blue Ox, anyway.

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For the safety of Bemidji visitors, the dangling arm of Paul has been secured and barriers are up to keep people visiting the statues safe.

If you've never seen the statues of Paul Bunyan and his buddy Babe the Blue Ox, you should check it out.  Pictures just don't do it justice. it's quite impressive. It stands on the shores of Lake Bemidji just outside the Bemidji Tourist Information Center.

There's no word on what happened to make the arm of the statue become semi unattached. But the statues are 84 years old, so time does take a toll on things. I'm reminded of that every time I look in the mirror.

(KFGO)