Our family had a great time here for an afternoon! While slightly understaffed (which were were fine with), the staff that was there was very friendly and made it work. One person might work two rides going back and forth but we never felt like things were not running smoothly. It was VERY clean and kept up. The food was good (just prepare to wait a bit). The giant Paul Bunyan at the entrance was a huge hit. Our four year old enjoyed the rides and we really liked walking around the back area of the park where the models and antiques were. We spent four hours here and thought it was well worth the admission price. read more

I first met Paul about 70 years ago. Amazingly, he still remembered me when we visited him last week. What a great guy! Babe is still there. So is Sport, the reversible dog. This place holds many happy memories. It is heartening to see families there creating their own new memories. read more

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I was a kid when I went, but it was an excellent experience. If I were to visit Minnesota again, I will for sure take my kids here!

GREAT FOR LITTLE KIDS Kind of hokey, but my 2 1/2 yrs old seemed to love it The rides she could qualify for anyway! She was free, and I did get the senior rate ( I frigging earned it ), which I thought was maybe $7 too high. The focal point of this park is the 26 foot statue of Paul Bunyon right inside the entrance. You tell the ticket taker your child;s name and Paul greets them by name, Sounds a little creepy, and kinda is. My granddaughter was too skeptical, and really wanted no part of him, except to look from a distance. He didn't pressure her, and on the way out she did get closer and wave Goodbye Paul. All the very very young staff here is extremely polite. Minnesota Nice, no doubt. A lovely young lady adorned my baby girl's arm with a glitter tatoo. There is a chance her parents will never let me take her out alone again, for fear of bringing her home with a real tatoo. The petting zoo really didn't give much of a chance to pet, but she got to see a real donkey, like one of the songs we sing. Then there was a cage with a pair of peacocks, and the male had his tail fanned out long enough for a couple really good photos. Spectacular. And the peahen must really love him, there were a few eggs laying around! For the adults, there is a pioneer village of sorts, more like a 1950s farm and small town. Many logging camp depictions with pretty good antiques. I likey !!! It was terribly hot, but there is a candy shop with ice cream that has ac. The Italian Ice hit the spot. G O O D F O R 10 yrs & U N D ER read more

Weird. I'm still not sure what to think of this place and I was there all day. Creepy things in the "pioneer village" which looks like an M night shamalan movie set. Some tips for your visit: Don't touch the pig at the petting zoo- he gave me the swine flu. Do go in the ghost mine because you get to travel a million miles underground and still get cellular service- a miracle. Do go to the candy store where everything is priced at $1.09. Don't give the statue of Paul Bunyan the finger because he will call you out on it. Do check out the collection of broken down tractors, washers, plows, and the entire plastic set of the California raisins. On your way out, take a picture with Babe the blue ox's butt. Once in a lifetime experience you need not experience more than once. read more

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I had visited PBY a few times when I was a kid, but it has been over 25 years since I had last been here. Its in a different place then when I was a kid, but a lot of the same things are here. I was a solo parent this day, and walked in with low expectations with the 3 and 7 year old. Price was reasonable, especially considering that the price is all inclusive for as many of the rides you'd like to ride while you are there. The rides are not much - little better than county fair rides, but that all inclusive nature is nice. There are a number of small kitschy things that are pretty bizarre and neat that surprise you. There is a restaurant on site that is okay - very courteous staff there, and throughout the park in fact. This is a great place to visit when up north with the family. It isn't Valleyfair but its surprisingly fun in its own way. We'll be back next summer. read more

Paul Bunyan Land - Partial view from Ferris wheel. - Amusement Parks Near Me - Brainerd, Minnesota

I'll start by saying there was some pretty decent things to see here, and the staff was very friendly. It honestly bothers me to give this place 3 stars but between the odd mixture of antiques and modern items within the multiple museum sites, the almost $22 per person entry fee, and the lack of updated attractions and finally the limited staff, I can only do so much. It was alright and my friend was able to relive her childhood, but for me, it wasn't worth it. The Paul Bunyan attraction, Babe ox, and staff interactions were the highlights for me. Other than those 3 items it felt like a half hearted effort in every other aspect. read more

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It is not a secret. Paul Bunyan Land is understaffed. But PLEASE hear me out. I've learned something pretty important today at Paul Bunyan Land, and so did my 4 year old, but we will get to that lesson in a moment. Yes, you have to wait sometimes for a ride operator. It's only for a second. If No one is available immediately you just have to wait Long enough for them to finish the ride they are operating, and the children to safety exit. Then they come over and assist you. There are tables with shade by every ride for you to wait, or you can just go to a different ride. It shouldn't be that big of a deal for our children to patiently wait, or find something else to do. Teaching our children to wait for assistance with getting on and off the ride, not touching or unbuckling the strap without a grown up, exiting the ride safely, only entering the ride when everyone has exited is important, and what I found most interesting was how it taught my daughter to let others go before her to be polite. I have been trying to teach her that for a while! When someone is exiting, hold the door and wait for them to come out before you go in! It's a simple task but can be hard for children to get. So thanks for that! This is the reason I believe they are "understaffed" and the reason they may remain that way; the staff is unbelievable. They are all so kind, and charismatic! It was almost 90 degrees in the sun, and they smiled at all of the children as if they didn't have to. They were sweet and encouraging, helpful and kind. Emma, I believe her name is, a slender young man with glasses and a hat, and another super fun goof ball young man that made our experience so incredible, if PBL reads this I'm sure they'll know what goof ball I'm talking about! He's a great kid and he excels at this job. By the end of the day I felt as if I knew these young people. Now it's HOT AF outside in the blaring sun and these young people were so nice to the kids, giving high fives, and encouragement... it's just like that small town family feel that we were looking for. I hope they pay these kids good because they are the reason we are coming back! At first I was salty about the price, and waiting for staff. Then I spent about 10 minutes there are figured out what this place was about. While exiting the park I thought to myself $47.00 for the two of us... all day... with these amazing bright young people, helping me entertaining my child for the entire day?! It was a steal in my book. Memories for years to come. read more

I remember going to see Paul as a young child and it was very fun to bring my daughters to see him now and they were so thrilled when he knew their names! The entry fee seems steep but for unlimited rides it really isn't bad. It's definitely geared towards younger kids but we all enjoyed the old pioneer village as well. The only downside is the cafe... we waited 48 minutes for our meals!! Not the service I was expecting since all other staff seemed to be friendly and amazing with the kids. I probably don't need to go back but I'm happy I got to experience it with my kids. read more

I went here 30-some years ago. So glad someone saved Paul and moved him to this nice new location! Tons of rides included in price, which the kids loved. Also a huge "town" area to walk through. Tons to look at, must be a serious of collector of just about everything that owns this place. We could have spent a ton more time here. This isn't brand new stuff at a new park, but it is maintained and the staff was friendly. I would stop back here. read more

Not impressed at all! If you are open at 10 am and you charge me $21.95 to come in, I expect everything to be open and ready, this was definitely NOT the case! For the price to get in, you should be able to hire more staff at good wages. Be warned they say everything inside is included BUT! If you want to see any of the little exhibit shows, bring quarters, that's the only way you will get to see them. Bring cash ahead of time, other then general admission they don't take credit cards, atm today isn't working.... so... guess I'm outta luck. Guess it really didn't matter, not like anyone ever came to the concession stand while we were standing there, for about 20 minutes. Most of the rides look pretty janky, old and worn out. And being the lack of staffing, you might have to wait 15-20 minutes for one staff to get done working one ride to, so they can come over and work the one your waiting for. Sad and disappointing experience. read more

Paul Bunyan Land - Waited here for 20 minutes... no service - Amusement Parks Near Me - Brainerd, Minnesota

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Waste of time. $22 for each person ages 3-64. We walked around for 30 mins and left. The rides were ancient and in desperate need of repair. The check-in lady was rude. I want the last hour of my life back!! read more

Brought my kids today and was my first time back since I was small. Many of the rides were older but all still fun for my 6 and 3 yr old. Staff all was amazing and though they didn't have attendant at every ride they made sure we got to ride what we wanted. We went on a Saturday right around opening and stayed for about 3 hours - hardly had to wait in a line at all! read more

Way too much money. My wife and I and our 5 year old was over $70. Understaffed and stuff was in need of repair. Paul Bunyan saying our daughter's name was neat but can't justify that price read more

Pretty cool for what it is. The rides are scary because they look like they could break. It is like a carnival that never moves. unlimited rides read more

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We dropped acid and walked around Paul Bunyan Land. It was so much fun, everything seemed to be so funny and unreal. I would recomend this to anyone looking for a really far out trip. read more

My Bf and I made it to the entrance! They were not open. We had called ahead and some lady picked up.. We asked if they were open and the lady said "maybe, I don't know" we asked if there was a entrance fee and she said "maybe, I don't know either". Drove 40 mins to the place and they weren't even open!! read more

Paul Bunyan Land - Amusement Parks Near Me - Brainerd, Minnesota

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First impressions were wrong here. It looked pretty dated and sad from the gate, but we decided to give it a shot. It turned out to be a great afternoon with the kids. They loved the antique town and the rides were a lot of fun. The staff always friendly and the vibe was light- hearted and laid back. And of course, you can't top Paul Bunyan chatting with all the guests! read more

Perfect for young kids. Mine 6,4,2. 6 year old can ride almost anything, 4 year old most rides. A little spendy but includes as many rides as you would want. Almost no waiting. I would guess probably wouldn't be the most exciting for 12 and older. I went here as a kid and fun to take my kids picture in the same stuff I had been as a kid. Old farm is fun for those who like antiques literally thousands of interesting antiques. read more

This was a favorite Brainerd stop in my childhood, so I looked forward to taking my children there. The location has moved, from the center of town, to a place six miles east of Brainerd on Highway 18, but the rides have remained exactly the same. At first I was doubtful that a small place in a field using rides that are decades old would be much of a hit. But I was wrong. My three-year-old loved it. He stayed there almost six hours and would have been happy to keep on going. This park is best geared toward children ages 3-8. The selection of rides for small children is really good. If you go when there aren't many people (a weekday before the summer season has begun) kids can go on rides repeatedly without even getting off. There was no wait at all. It can get a little boring for the adults. The entertainment comes in seeing your kids have a good time. Or if you have been there before as a child, seeing your kids ride the exact same attractions that gave you joy. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day 10-6. read more

Horrible. Outdated rides, wood is starting to rot on a lot of the rides, not enough staff to man the rides even though the park was packed with guests so had to wait for staff to close one ride to open another. It looks like a traveling carnival from the 70s or 80s which is where 90% of the rides come from. The cost is $22 anyone older than 3 and younger than 65. Even the clock for the train ride is broken. Avoid at all costs. read more

I can't explain how incredibly kind and accommodating the staff are at Paul Bunyan Land. I brought a teen with disabilities, and the staff went out of their way to give him a great experience. He was hesitant to go on some rides, and they talked to him kindly, gently took his hands, and helped us get him up the stairs. They reserved the seats closest to the entrance for him to ensure that he was able to access them with ease. I couldn't have been more impressed, and he loved every second of it. The other guests were very kind and welcoming as well. Overall, an incredible experience. We would love to come back soon. read more

My 4 year old had lots of fun. He could go on most rides. It wasn't busy so we didn't have to wait in line at all and it was a Sunday in the summer. It was really expensive though. They charge the adults even though we didn't really go on rides. I was pregnant so I could only go on a few so too expensive for me. They have a snack bar with ice cream and fried foods. They have a little petting zoo. The rides were really old but made it look historical. read more

Way overpriced....I worked at the original Paul Bunyan years ago & I remember feeling bad for families back then when they heard the price. However it is now ridiculous $21.95 for an adult & I think around $18.95 for a kid....most adults when their kiddos are old enough probably don't ride many rides so we thought this was silly. The grounds seemed to be kept quite clean & staff were very nice. I would recommend this for ages 3-12. It was fun but for 1.5 hours $70 is a bit much. read more

Paul Bunyan Land is fun for the kids. I'd say the sweet spot is 6-10 year olds, but everyone can probably find something they like. They have many carnival rides, and for those complaining about the prices, I think it is a bargain. You can go on as many rides as many times as you like, and waiting times are minimal as the operators move from ride to ride. Try spending $20 a person for 6 hours at a carnival where you have to buy tickets. read more

I have been there twice now. It seems to be degrading. Some rides were down, there was an arcade in place of the haunted house(the games ate quarters and just plain did not work), they were understaffed, the train ride went every 15 min, not because of scheduling, but because they did not want to spend the money on gas, people waiting and one guy in the concessions that did not realize that 15 people wanted to buy a treat, and they just don't know were to buy light bulbs and paint. I guess I can forward a link to the nearest hardware store. read more

There are over a dozen rides here but only 2-3 ride operators. It's a Saturday afternoon- could they possibly bring on a few more employees?! read more

Disappointing. Went with family on Monday. Half of the bumper cars weren't working, the other half had chewed up seats. Other than Paul, the look is old and worn-out. Not many rides, and the ones they have are very old. The only ones that seemed safe were the children's rides-the others sounded like they need to be oiled. We went on the little train, hoping it would circle the park, but it's only a couple minute ride. Had to stand at rides and wait for an attendant, because they were all working at multiple rides. This place needs a complete overhaul. read more

In my 40 years of living in MN I had never been to Paul Bunyan but now with 4 kids we went over Labor Day weekend for a family fun trip. THE KIDS LOVED IT!!!! We did not go to the fair this year but opted to do this and so glad we did. My family was there from noon till it closed at 6 p.m. I would HIGHLY recommend this place vs. going to your local county fair which rip you off. The staff was very accommodating, if the ride was not open, one of my children just stood there for a few minutes and boom, a staff member jumped over and had no problem running the ride for them even if it was just one kid on it. No this park is no Valley Fair, but for kids 12 and under there is plenty to do, small enough so you can keep your eye on them, but enough to keep them wanting to go again and again. The older kids loved the Ferris Wheel, Rock Climbing Wall, Rocket Ship Ride and the Bumper Cars. Would I bring my family here vs. the county fair? In a heart beat! Was also impressed with the gift shop. The prices were reasonable and NOT overpriced, so had no problem letting them get a souvenir. I was skeptic on going after reading one of these reviews, but now after going. . . I'm glad we went. Keep in mind, you are out in the country and by no means is it a Wisconsin Dells or Walt Disney World, but for us "common folks" who have to live on a budget and struggle to keep 4 kids clothed and fed, and keep in mind, all my kids are under 12. This was the perfect fit! THANK YOU PAUL BUNYAN and STAFF!! Keep up the great work!!! We appreciate it! read more