The Kneeling Paul Bunyan is 20' tall (he would be 33' tall if he stood up). Another source says he is 42' tall and Akeley claims him to be the World's Largest Paul Bunyan. He was built in 1984 and kneels so you can sit in his hand for the perfect photo op. He is located right next to the Paul Bunyan Historical Museum and has his own Cradle. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2.

Hoping to cash in on the popularity of Bunyan tourism, Hackensack (midway between Brainerd and Bemidji) cleverly came up with their own continuation of the legend. A 17' tall Sweetheart statue was built and a naming contest was held. The selected name was Lucette Diana Kensack - her surname sounding quite a bit like the town's name. The first Sweetheart Day was held in 1952 which became the annual Paul Bunyan Sweetheart Festival.

Somewhere between then and now, the legend developed a life of its own (culminating in a marriage certificate and with Hackensack's claim as the birthplace of Paul Bunyan Jr.). Lucette's head was severed in a storm in 1991. The town replaced it and gave her a complete renovation. The small Paul Jr. statue was added at this point. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2.

The wood carving of Paul Bunyan stands in the same park with Lucette. I believe this is a recent addition. [photo thanks Mark Comstock]