New Interpretive Panels along the Byway tell the Truth and Lore
 Over the next several months, the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association plans to install up to fourteen interpretive panels framed in roof and post kiosks at selected sites along the Byway route's 54 miles. Interpretive panels will be fabricated to resist the elements using similar materials to those found on state park outdoor signs. The panels will present stories with just the right mix of Paul Bunyan lore and area historical truth blended together to produce cleverly intriguing stories.
Local writer, Dave Skyberg, has developed the stories to highlight the significance of each location while also weaving in the winking wit of Paul Bunyan along with a concluding invitation to visit the next panel because there's more "lore to explore". This project, unique to the area, offers local businesses, organizations and individuals an opportunity to show their support for the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway through panel sponsorship. Full sponsorships are $1200; co-sponsorships are $600. Each panel sponsor will be recognized with an attractive sponsorship name plate that will be located on the kiosk itself. Sponsorships have been confirmed from the following businesses and organizations: Pequot Lakes Physical Therapy Services, Inc; Whitefish Area Lodging Association; Lakes State Bank; Bruce Bundgaard Law Office/KLKS; JM Plein Consulting. Sponsorships are under consideration by Ideal Township and the Pine River Chamber of Commerce. Selected panel locations have received preliminary approval from US Army Corps of Engineers, City of Breezy Point, Moonlight Bay Family Restaurant and Bar, Ideal Township (2 location approvals). Previous information locations that will receive new panels are located at AmericInn-Gateway Gazebo (2 panels), Pequot Lakes Information Building grounds, Chiarella Forest Management Area, Veterans Walking Trail at Island Lake Woods, and Pine River Dam. Locations approved for interpretive panels through a DNR grant are at the DNR Fire Tower and Lowell Wildlife Management Area. One panel location still being considered is in Manhattan Beach. Since the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway received national designation in September, 2005, it has become part of a select group of only 125 other byways across the nation known collectively as America's Byways. The federal government markets this collection of premier byways both nationally and internationally. The curious can view the national website's selected information and photos about the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway at http://www.byways.org/browse/byways/11180 To learn which interpretive panels are still available for sponsorship, contact Association chair, Lynn Scharenbroich at 218-543-4714 or email. WALA an Important Byway PartnerThe Whitefish Area Lodging Association (WALA) has sponsored one the Paul Bunyan National Scenic Byway Association's interpretive panel kiosks. The one selected for sponsorship by WALA will be located in Ideal Township on the Township Park grounds. The story on the panel outlines the area history that eventually lead to the beginning of the resort industry here. The interpretive panel text uses the style and wit of Paul Bunyan tall tales to add snap to the story. There's even a reference in the text to the mailboat that is so well known in the Ideal area. The Paul Bunyan National Scenic Byway Association (PBNSBA) has created fourteen interpretive panel kiosks. Of those, six are still available for sponsorship. WALA has also co-sponsored, along with Grand Casino Mille Lacs, the PBNSBA's third deck of playing cards. These decks are currently available for sale at area Chamber of Commerce locations. The playing cards carry renditions of Paul Bunyan logging camp characters at various events and locations along the Byway. Pequot Lakes High School senior, Brady Palmer, provided the artwork for the project. In 2001, the Whitefish Area Lodging Association partnered with the Byway and Explore Minnesota Tourism to create the highly regarded Birds of the Byway brochure. Currently being revised for its third reprinting, this brochure won praise from individual birders and birding organizations. The Paul Bunyan National Scenic Byway Association seeks partnerships with organizations, like WALA, for Byway projects that fit into those organizations' missions. If your group is interested in partnering with the Byway Association and would like a list of current or upcoming projects, contact the Byway at 218-543-4714 or email. |
