Bemidji, MN Road Trips
Drivers starting from Bemidji, MN have 3 mapped routes to choose from, making it a small but connected base in the Midwest. The route mix is balanced, with options ranging from 207-mile quick runs to 216-mile cross-state drives. Most routes from Bemidji, MN head south, giving the route network a clear directional lean.
Photo: Tom Fisk
Trip Routes
6
Longest Drive
233 mi
Eagan, MN
Quickest Drive
4h 12m
Plymouth, MN
Plan Around Bemidji, MN
Popular Incoming Routes
Useful if Bemidji, MN is the arrival point and you want the strongest routes into the city first.
Continue From Bemidji, MN
Good next legs if this city is only one stop in a longer road trip.
Trips from Bemidji, MN
Driving from Bemidji, MN
On average, trips departing from Bemidji, MN run 211 miles with a drive time of roughly 4h 20m. There is a healthy spread of short hops, medium drives, and longer road trips to pick from. The longest mapped route runs 216 miles (4h 27m), while the shortest is just 207 miles.
Popular Destinations
The most popular drives from Bemidji, MN include Minneapolis, MN (215.7 mi, 4h 27m), Blaine, MN (209.4 mi, 4h 18m), and Plymouth, MN (206.8 mi, 4h 14m). Most destinations stay within the same state, perfect for exploring the local region thoroughly.
Planning & Costs
Regular gas in MN currently averages around $3.98 per gallon. For the typical 211-mile trip from Bemidji, MN, budget about $33 in fuel one way, assuming 25 MPG. Longer hauls and premium fuel will cost proportionally more.
The majority of destinations are to the south. Morning starts help you avoid the midday heat on longer drives. Most trips take a half-day, so a morning start gets you there in time for lunch or an afternoon of exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are 3 mapped routes leaving Bemidji, MN and 3 routes heading into Bemidji, MN, covering 6 total connections. Distances range from 207 to 216 miles.
The longest mapped route from Bemidji, MN covers 216 miles and takes approximately 4h 27m. Shorter options start at just 207 miles.
The average route from Bemidji, MN runs about 211 miles with a drive time of roughly 4h 20m. This includes both short day trips and longer multi-day drives.
At current gas prices (about $3.98/gallon for regular), the average 211-mile trip from Bemidji, MN costs roughly $33 in fuel one way, based on 25 MPG. Your actual cost depends on your vehicle's efficiency.
The most popular road trip destinations from Bemidji, MN include Minneapolis, MN, Blaine, MN and Plymouth, MN. Each route page has detailed drive times, fuel estimates, stop suggestions, and turn-by-turn directions.
Bemidji, MN by the Numbers
Recent demographic snapshot from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
Population
15,490
Median Income
$53,850
Median Home Value
$189,500
Median Age
29.8
Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-year (public domain). See our methodology for details.
Notable People from Bemidji, MN
A sampling of people born in Bemidji, MN.
Jane Russell
1921–2011
American actress (1921–2011)
Scott Baird
1951
American male curler and coach
Pete Fenson
1968
American male curler and coach
Aaron Ness
1990
American ice hockey player
Dave Casper
1951
American football player
Natalie Nicholson
1976
American curler
David Tomassoni
1952–2022
American politician (1952–2022)
Joe Motzko
1980
American ice hockey player
Cassandra Potter
1981
American female curler
Landmarks & Historic Sites
Attractions and heritage-registered places located in Bemidji, MN.
Beltrami County Courthouse
county courthouse in Bemidji, United States of America
Nymore Bridge
bridge in United States of America
Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox
pair of large statues in Minnesota
City data from Wikidata (Q730430), available under CC0. Photos from Wikimedia Commons under their respective licenses. See our methodology for details.
Traveler Guide to Bemidji, MN
Bemidji is a city in Minnesota. It is the unofficial home of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.
Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox, 300 Paul Bunyan Dr NE, toll-free: +1-877-250-5959. 24/7. Original Paul Bunyan Statue erected in 1937, 2nd most photographed roadside attraction in the nation. free.
The Wild Hare Bistro, 523 Minnesota Ave NW. M - F: 7AM-5PM, Sat: 9AM-3PM, Sun: Closed. New China, 412 Beltrami Ave NW. Chinese Tutto Bene, 300 Beltrami Ave NW, ☏ +1 218 751-1100. Italian Pho Bemidji, 414 Beltrami Ave NW, ☏ +1 218-333-6738.
Keg-N-Cork, 310 Beltrami Ave NW. American Bar 209, 209 Minnesota Ave NW.
AmericInn Lodge & Suites, 1200 Paul Bunyan Drive NW, ☏ +1 218 751-3000. DoubleTree by Hilton Bemidji, 115 Lake Shore Dr NE, ☏ +1 218 441-4400. (updated Apr 2018)
Bemidji is a beautiful, medium sized city with interesting people. Coming into the city from the south along Highway 71, visitors become immediately aware that they are in a city and not one of the many towns along the way. The highway enters the city to the east, allowing the traveler a view of the town along the main thoroughfare "Paul Bunyan Dr." The prominence of the character shows as you pass the statue of the character on the right of the road, at the lake front access to Lake Bemidji. The old downtown district is to the left of the highway. A rectangular area is home to numerous shops and restaurants that cater to the city's tourist trade. The lake stretches to the north and is lined with large homes and access points and provides a wonderful view. The main road through town makes a left, leading to the major commercial center of town. 1 Bemidji Municipal Airport (BJI IATA). Has passenger service from Minneapolis/St. Paul Amtrak Service from nearby Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Travel tips adapted from Bemidji on Wikivoyage, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Content summarized; visit the source for the full article. See our methodology for how we use it.
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