Bemidji, Minnesota, home of Paul Bunyan and Babe, his blue ox, is a quiet, outdoorsy town in the Northwoods of Minnesota. Though it is a playground for those who love the outdoors, it is also home to a quaint bed and breakfast, Lake Bemidji Bed and Breakfast (click here for more info), and has a thriving arts community. In Bemidji, visitors can fish all morning and check out a concert by the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra in the evening. This unassuming gem tucked away in Minnesota offers a surprising amount of fun for travelers.
Things To Do
One activity in particular that I recommend above all others in Bemidji is a fishing excursion with Dick Beardsley. Dick is gregarious, charismatic, and an American marathon running legend. His life has had so many highs and lows that after his running career ended Dick became a motivational speaker. To spend a few hours, or a day, on a boat fishing with him can be a life-changing experience. As someone who had never gone fishing prior to my Bemidji trip and didn’t expect to like it, I left with more fish than I could count, and a feeling of deep inspiration. With Dick, it’s so much more than just the fish. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Go here to learn more about Dick Beardsley’s fishing guide services.
Just a short drive from Bemidji is the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Here, the river is so narrow you can walk across it, and that’s exactly what droves of people do every day for a fun photo-op. In Bemidji proper, you’ll find a beautiful bike path around lake Bemidji, along with lovely parks and a sculpture walk featuring work by local artists.
Where to Eat
While you might think this town would lack in dining, you’d be wrong. Downtown Bemidji boasts upscale bars serving craft beers, restaurants serving from-scratch Italian dishes, cafes serving unique pancakes and omelets, several coffeehouses, dessert, and ice cream locations. It is, surprisingly, a foodie paradise.
While Bemidji, Minnesota might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of vacation, I think anyone who travels there will find that Bemidji is a hidden gem worth exploring!
About the Author
Melissa is a mom of two and a Disney expert, but she also loves exploring other fun locations throughout the United States. A former collegiate runner, Melissa has been a fan of marathoner Dick Beardsley for years, and when she learned that he was offering fishing guide services in Bemidji, she knew she had to hop a plane to Minnesota, despite never having fished before! This trip to Bemidji remains an all-time favorite.
