June 28

National Paul Bunyan Day

Come celebrate National Paul Bunyan Day with us! Let's tell stories and explore the legend of this larger than life lumberjack hero.

Yearly Date

June 28

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Grab your axe and get ready to celebrate National Paul Bunyan Day on June 28! This day honors the legendary American lumberjack known for his immense strength, bravery, and skill. Paul Bunyan is an iconic figure in North American folklore and has been around since the early 1900s. He is celebrated every year as a symbol of hard work, perseverance, and ingenuity. So join us in celebrating this special day by learning more about Paul Bunyan's incredible adventures and the rich history behind him!

National Paul Bunyan Day Timeline

1910

First Paul Bunyan Tales

Oral stories about Paul Bunyan start to circulate among North American lumberjacks, mostly in the Midwest.

1916

Paul Bunyan in Print

The first known printed story of Paul Bunyan appears in a promotional pamphlet by the Red River Lumber Company.

1924

"The Marvelous Exploits of Paul Bunyan"

W.B. Laughead, an advertising copywriter for the Red River Lumber Company, publishes a booklet titled "The Marvelous Exploits of Paul Bunyan" widely spreading the tales of the legendary lumberjack.

1937

Disney’s Paul Bunyan

Disney Studios produces a short animated film about Paul Bunyan, bringing national attention to the folklore character.

1953

Paul Bunyan Statues

The first of many Paul Bunyan statues around the United States are erected, cementing his place in popular culture.

1985

Establishment of National Paul Bunyan Day

National Paul Bunyan Day is created and set on June 28 to celebrate this legendary American figure.

How to Celebrate National Paul Bunyan Day

1 Eat a big breakfast

Start the day off right by having a big breakfast. Bacon and eggs, pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, whatever your heart desires. The bigger the better to honor Paul Bunyan.

2 Go camping

Pack up your sleeping bag and head out into the woods for a night of camping. Cook over a campfire and tell stories like Paul Bunyan did.

3 Go fishing

Hit the lake with your rod and reel and catch some fish! Try to catch one as big as Paul Bunyan's famous blue ox.

4 Create a story

Gather around the campfire or dinner table and make up your own Paul Bunyan stories. It can be based on his adventures or something new that you create.

5 Eat an ox

No, don't actually eat an ox, but have a feast in honor of Paul Bunyan's blue ox. Grill some burgers and hot dogs and enjoy the outdoors.

Why We Love National Paul Bunyan Day

Paul Bunyan is an iconic American folk hero

Paul Bunyan is a symbol of the hardworking spirit and tenacity that has helped build America into what it is today. The tall tales about Paul's adventures have been passed down for generations, making him an emblematic figure in American culture.

Paul Bunyan celebrates rural life

Paul Bunyan is set in the vast forests and woodlands of northern Minnesota, representing the rural lifestyles found there - such as logging and lumbering. Celebrating Paul Bunyan Day helps recognize and honor those whose hard work helps drive the economy of rural America.

Paul Bunyan promotes imaginative play

Every year, children all across America dress up as Paul Bunyan for National Paul Bunyan Day. This encourages them to be creative, use their imaginations, and take on his character for a day - perhaps inspiring them to explore more adventurous lives than they would have otherwise!