Along the Lake Country Scenic Byway in the northern part of the state, you’ll find the community of Akeley. It’s a charming and scenic small town in Minnesota that we think you should definitely consider visiting. Check it out!

Surrounded by the aptly named Paul Bunyan State Forest and perched on the shores of Eleventh Crow Wing Lake, Akeley is a scenic small town of about 400 people in northern Minnesota’s Heartland Lakes region.
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The Lake Country Scenic Byway and the Heartland State Trail both pass through the town.
Heartland State Trail, Akeley, MN, USA
Michael & Sherry Martin/Flickr
​​​​The latter is a 49-mile multi-use trail that runs between Park Rapids and Cass Lake. The tiny community of Dorset - also known as “The Restaurant Capital of the World” - shares the trail, as well.
With it’s prime lake country location, Akeley is an ideal spot for an Up North getaway in the Land of Sky Blue Waters.
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Get close to the town’s natural surroundings in its city park and municipal campground, which boasts several lakefront sites.
Akeley City Park & Campground, Crow Wing Lake Drive Northwest, Akeley, MN, USA
James F/Google Reviews
There’s also a pier, playground, and plenty of picnic spots in the park.
Hungry? Grab some rib-sticking comfort food at cozy Zappy's Cafe.
Zappy's Cafe, Marie Avenue Southeast, Akeley, MN, USA
Dan Jensen/Google Reviews
Learn more about Akeley and its history, as well as that of Paul Bunyan - a figure the town has embraced - at the museum named for the big man.
Paul Bunyan Historical Museum, Akeley, MN 56433, USA
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Speaking of whom, Akeley also happens to be home to the world’s largest Paul Bunyan statute.
Paul Bunyan Statue, Heartland State Trail, Akeley, MN 56433, USA
Carleen Holbrook/Google Reviews
For more than 75 years, Akeley has celebrated its love for the big man with its annual Paul Bunyan Days celebration, as seen in this video from Lakeland PBS:

A road trip along the Lake Country Scenic Byway and a visit to the charming North Woods town of Akeley is an awesome way to spend a summer weekend. Before you set out, don’t forget to check out our road trip packing list to make sure you have everything you need for the journey!

Have you driven the Lake Country Scenic Byway and visited Akeley? Let us know in the comments!

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Akeley, MN 56433, USA