Life on Paws and Wheels

On this mini series of Northwoods adventures, Simba the Adventure Pup and I set out to follow the larger-than-life footsteps of Paul Bunyan and his loyal sidekick Babe the Blue Ox — and what a journey it was! From towering statues to legendary gravesites, this dog-friendly folklore trail was packed with quirky Americana, scenic detours, and plenty of paws-on fun. 📍 Stop 1: Paul Bunyan Park – Bemidji, MN Our legendary quest began in Bemidji , home to the iconic lakeside statues of Paul and Babe. These 1937 statues are one of the most photographed roadside attractions in the U.S. and an absolute must-visit! We also explored: •  Niiemii (“Dancing Indian”) sculpture • The majestic statue of Chief Shaynowishkung (Chief Bemidji), adding cultural depth to this lakeside park 🐶 Simba’s Take: Loved the lake breeze and the wide-open green space — tail wags all around! 📍 Stop 2: Paul Bunyan’s Grave – Kelliher, MN From Bemidji, we ventured deeper into the forest to visit...

On our North Shore adventure through Grand Marais, Minnesota , Simba the Adventure Pup and I made a tasty detour to the one and only World’s Best Donuts — and we’re here to tell you: the hype is real! Whether you’re a donut traditionalist or a pastry adventurer, this iconic family-owned bakery has something to satisfy your sweet tooth. 📍 Stop Details Location: World’s Best Donuts – Grand Marais, MN 🍴 Must-Try Items: Skizzle (fried dough perfection!), maple bacon long johns, cake donuts, Bavarian cream 🐶 Dog-Friendly: Outdoor seating only — Simba enjoyed the lake breeze and donut smells! 📸 Highlights: Small-town charm, colorful storefront, Lake Superior views, and mouthwatering donuts 🍩 What Makes It the “World’s Best”? World’s Best Donuts has been serving locals and travelers since 1969, and stepping into their red-and-white striped shop feels like a nostalgic hug. The Skizzle , a fried flat dough dusted with cinnamon sugar, is legendary. Their cake donuts are crisp outs...

Join Simba the Adventure Pup and me as we venture deep into Superior National Forest to hike the unforgettable Magnetic Rock Trail — a North Shore favorite filled with rugged beauty and an incredible magnetic mystery. Located near Grand Marais, Minnesota , this 3-mile out-and-back hike leads to a towering 60-foot slab of magnetite that can actually move a compass needle. Yes — it’s that magnetic! 🧭🐕 📍 Trail Details Location: Magnetic Rock Trail – Grand Marais, MN 🗺️ Route Type: Out-and-back 📏 Distance: ~3 miles round trip 🥾 Terrain: Rocky, uneven, scenic 🐶 Dog-Friendly: Absolutely — Simba loved every step! 🌲 What Makes Magnetic Rock So Special The trail starts with sweeping Northwoods views and quickly immerses you in a unique landscape of burned forest recovery, bedrock ridges, and rocky pathways . At the end? A giant vertical rock tower made of magnetite — a naturally magnetic mineral that gives this trail its name. Bring a compass and try it out! You’ll see...

Come along as Simba the Adventure Pup and I hike the breathtaking Oberg Mountain Loop via the Superior Hiking Trail — one of the most scenic short hikes along Minnesota’s stunning North Shore. Located just outside of Tofte in the Superior National Forest , this trail is a 2.3-mile loop that delivers panoramic views, crisp forest air, and seasonal color that’s hard to beat in fall. 🍂 📍 Trail Info Location: Oberg Mountain – Tofte, MN 🗺️ Trail: Oberg Mountain Loop via Superior Hiking Trail 📏 Distance: ~2.3-mile loop 🎒 Difficulty: Moderate (short but with some elevation) 🐶 Dog-Friendly: Absolutely — Simba gives it 4 paws up! 🐾🐾🐾🐾 🌄 Why Hike the Oberg Mountain Loop? If you’re looking for maximum views with minimal mileage , this trail is for you. Within just a couple miles, you’ll hit several dramatic overlooks that showcase the Sawtooth Mountains , Lake Superior , and an endless expanse of Northern Minnesota wilderness . 🥾 Trail Highlights Lake Superior Views:...

Join Simba the Adventure Pup and me on a scenic North Shore adventure through Temperance River State Park in Tofte, Minnesota! The Temperance River Hiking Club Trail is packed with jaw-dropping beauty — from thundering waterfalls to forested ridgelines and deep rocky gorges. It’s one of our favorite hikes along the Lake Superior coast and a must-do for trail-loving humans and pups alike! 📍 Location Temperance River State Park – Tofte, MN 🗺️ Trail: Hiking Club Trail (loop) 📏 Distance: ~4 miles 🎒 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate 🐾 Dog-Friendly: Yes! Simba gives it five paws 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 🥾 Trail Highlights Temperance River Gorge: The trail starts off strong with dramatic views of the river rushing through sheer rock walls — carved by thousands of years of water flow. Don’t miss the upper and lower waterfall viewpoints! Pine-Covered Ridge Walks: Once you ascend past the gorge, the trail opens into peaceful forest ridgelines with sweeping views and perfect spots to pause and so...

Join Simba the Adventure Pup and me for a breathtaking day hike at Tettegouche State Park in Lake County, Minnesota! Nestled along the rugged North Shore of Lake Superior, this adventure combined two of the park’s most iconic trails — Baptism River Trail and Shovel Point Trail — into one unforgettable loop full of waterfalls, forest paths, and stunning cliffside views. 📍 Location Tettegouche State Park – Lake County, MN 🗺️ Trails: Baptism River Trail + Shovel Point Trail 📏 Distance: ~3 miles round trip 🎒 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate 🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes — Simba gave it two muddy paws up! 🥾 Trail Highlights Baptism River Trail: A peaceful forested trail that follows the Baptism River, with opportunities to explore waterfalls, scenic bridges, and mossy riverbanks. Great for a quiet start to your adventure. Shovel Point Trail: This short but dramatic coastal hike delivers sweeping Lake Superior views from towering cliffs. With boardwalks, stairs, and incredible rock ...