Bemidji's Paul Bunyan statue has stood along the shores of Lake Bemidji since 1937, becoming one of Minnesota's most recognizable landmarks and a major tourist attraction. As the statue approaches its 90th birthday, residents and historians are reflecting on both its enduring popularity and the more complicated history tied to the legendary lumberjack. The milestone is sparking conversations about how Paul Bunyan helped shape Bemidji's identity — and how communities balance tradition, folklore and history nearly nine decades later. #Minnesota #Bemidji #PaulBunyan #NorthernMinnesota #MinnesotaHistory #Landmarks #FOX9