The mayor of Bemidji at the time was used as the model for Paul. The statue stands about 18' high and 5' across at the base. His feet measure 3' from toe to heel. Over 700 hours went into his construction. Five tons of concrete footings and steel rods running from below sea level up through his legs support him from high winds. Paul and Babe are touched up each year before the summer tourist season.

Babe was modeled after the largest ox at a nearby logging camp. He was built 3 times larger than life, just like Paul, except for spreading of the front legs to allow a truck to be operated underneath. Babe is 10' tall, 8' across the front, and 23' long from nose to tail. A smoking pipe was built into Babe’s nostrils. His eyes were made from car tail lights. Babe's horns were made of tin and span 14 feet across.

For the first two years, Babe was mounted on a truck which traveled across the country to be used in parades. But the mileage took its toll on Babe and he was put permanently next to Paul and the Tourist Info Center on the lake. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Behind Paul and Babe is the Paul Bunyan Amusement Park which is a little time-worn. It has kiddie rides and a mini golf course with a Paul Bunyan theme. Across the street from Paul and Babe is the Lumberjack Shack with lots of terrific souvenirs. Somewhere in town is this mobile Paul and Babe.