Discover Breathtaking Scenery and Blazing Internet Speeds in Bemidji MN
Discover Bemidji, MN’s dynamic blend of lakeside living, natural beauty and college town amenities.
Nestled in the depths of Minnesota’s famed North Woods, Bemidji MN is a lakeside small city and college town ideal for those who love the great outdoors and long for a forward-looking and inclusive community. And its high quality of life — including access to high-speed fiber internet — are attracting national attention. Indeed, PC Magazine named Bemidji MN to its top 10 best work-from-home cities in America!
Bemidji MN is located near the northernmost origins of the Mississippi River — and like that mighty river’s nearby headwaters, Bemidji itself is growing strong and sustainably from its humble origins. Situated along U.S. Route 2 and U.S. Route 71, Bemidji MN is about halfway between Duluth, Minnesota, and Grand Forks, North Dakota, the fifth and third largest cities respectively in those states. Fargo, North Dakota can be reached in about two hours, too, putting bigger cities within relatively easy reach for when you might need their conveniences.
It’s also distinguished by Bemidji’s proximity to several Native American tribes and reservations. This cultural diversity has endured for centuries, imparting Bemidji with a distinct flavor unique from many other small Midwestern towns. The city also serves as a hub for tribal services, including federal health care and education, which enhances this small city’s regional prominence.
But Bemidji MN has another advantage that sets it apart — high-speed fiber-optic internet service. The fastest, most reliable internet available, fiber internet keeps Bemidji businesses and residents as well-connected to the worldwide web as any major city. In fact, the local internet service provider, Paul Bunyan Communications, offers speeds up to 10-gigs-per-second — an astounding speed even big city residents will envy!
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Explore Minnesota’s Stunning Northwoods and Clear Lakes
The sheer expanse of the Northwoods of Minnesota and its many lakes, streams and wetlands astonish most first-time visitors. And Bemidji is simply enveloped by natural beauty. Just within about 25 miles of Bemidji, there are 400 lakes, 99 miles of cross-country ski trails and 500 miles of snowmobile trails.
The town rests on the shores of the exquisite Lake Bemidji, a pristine glacial lake that locals never tire of admiring. A 17-mile bike path along the 6,775-acre lake will encourage you to get some exercise (and fresh air). Lake Bemidji State Park has miles of hiking trails, picnic and camping grounds, volleyball and other sporting activities, and conservation areas for wildlife protection and viewing.
Bemidji’s central location in the Northwoods makes it the perfect launchpad to explore the many state and national forests and parks dotting the landscape — and a bevy of all-season recreational opportunities they offer. Bemidji’s ecological significance starts with its proximity to the headwaters of the Mississippi River — indeed, it’s long been known as “the First City on the Mississippi.” Mississippi Headwaters State Forest is about 25 miles away and lets residents experience the subtle, yet inspiring origins of the magnificent river.
Chippewa National Forest is about an hour’s drive from town and is among America’s most notable national forests. Its vast size is extraordinary, encompassing over 667,000 acres, and includes more lakes and wetlands than any other national forest in the country. That diversity of landscapes and ecosystems gives Bemidji residents ample opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking, birding, and other outdor activities.
And there’s no better time to experience the Northwoods than in autumn. The forests shimmer with fall’s vibrant red, yellow and orange foliage that nearly shock the eyes with their radiance. As they stretch seemingly for miles on end, it’s impossible not to be impressed and inspired.
Bemidji’s Small-Town Charms Add Up
The appeals of Bemidji MN extend beyond its superb natural setting, however. There are many other amenities to savor, both practical and pleasurable! Its lively downtown displays sculptures and other works of art passers-by can view and ponder. It also has many shops and boutiques, including arts and crafts produced at nearby tribes and from regional artisans. And for a smaller city, it has a surprising number of restaurants and eateries, offering a diverse range of cuisines, varying from trendy pubs and coffee shops to local breweries flaunting their ales and lagers.
Annual events bring the town together to celebrate the region’s heritage — and just have fun! Art in the Park, an annual summer event featuring over 100 artists and creators draws over 4,000 visitors each year. And in August, the city hosts competitive Dragon Boat racing, the fastest growing water sport in America.
Bemidji boasts 18 parks and 10 playgrounds residents of all ages can enjoy. One of them, the Paul Bunyan Inclusive Playground Project, won the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association Award of Excellence. Another city park has a 14,000-square-foot skatepark complete with several challenging features.
A further comfort for many families considering a move to a more rural community is Bemidji’s surprisingly strong health care services. Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, part of the broader Sanford Health system, offers comprehensive medical care including urgent care. There are cancer and other chronic care facilities as well, providing solid health coverage many rural communities lack.
College Town Amenities Create Lively Atmosphere
Bemidji is also a terrific college town. Four colleges and universities foster a creative and youthful vibe and provide more cultural opportunities for residents to experience. From dramatic performances and music recitals to compelling guest speakers, there’s almost always something to enjoy on campus.
The 5,000-strong Bemidji State University is the region’s main public university, drawing students from across northern Minnesota and many others looking for a solid liberal arts education. Bemidji is also home to other colleges and universities, too, including a Native American tribal-affiliated school and a technical college. Together, they combine to create a lively atmosphere of curious people.
Bemidji’s Acclaimed Fiber Internet Ideal for Work, Play
Another significant asset Bemidji has is its amazing internet service, delivered by Paul Bunyan Communications. Utilizing advanced fiber-optic technology, Paul Bunyan transmits internet at speeds that are significantly faster than cable — 20 or 30 times faster! So you can rest assured that your home internet will be reliable and that multiple users can stream simultaneously on multiple devices.
Paul Bunyan Communications’ fiber network is nationally recognized as one of the largest all-fiber networks in America. Its top download speeds are phenomenal, reaching a staggering 10 gigs per second — faster than many customers get in some of the largest cities in America! That puts all the streaming entertainment, remote work accessibility and video conference calling in reach for Bemidji’s residents.
Bemidji is a dynamic small city that offers surprising opportunities to those who appreciate its nearby vast wilderness, lakeside living and a lively college town atmosphere. And because it has one of the largest all-fiber internet networks in the country, residents will feel confident that they will be just as connected to their loved ones and linked to great streaming entertainment, remote work and e-commerce as before they settled here.