Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox are probably the two most recognizable statue's in MN. It represents the northern Minnesota woods and lakes. And what better place to have them than in Bemidji MN. This is the start of the Mississippi river which lies in MN most popular state park, Itasca State park. Bemidji is home to over 400 lakes. It has a population of 12,500 and a nice collage.