When you think of Bemidji, you are likely to automatically jump to the thought "Oh, the place with the curling?" or "Their crime rate is insane!" There's more to this podunk town than meets the eye.

Why is it awesome?

1. Oh, I don't know. For starters, we are called the "curling capital" of the United States.

And our curling team went to the 2006 Olympics, held in Turin, Italy.

Larry the Cable guy even stopped by Bemidji in 2010 to try it out on his show "Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy"

And

while he was at it, he stopped by the High School to do morning

announcements, teach an AP Euro class, and serve us lunch on taco

Tuesday! So that was cool.

2. Bemidji State University is pretty sweet. It offers heated/air conditioned underground tunnels for students on below zero winter days,and crazy hot weather, that lead them between class buildings and dorms!

and since the college is right on the lake, students can use it as a parking lot during the cold winters!

3. Bemidji MN is the home of Paul and Babe the Blue Ox!

Once

upon a time, they originally had it built where smoke would come out of

Paul's pipe, and both Paul and Babe's eyes lit up! Tourists come from

all over to take pictures with these statues!

4. Eleanor Roosevelt spent the night in the David Park house, right on the university campus, in 1955!

The David Park house is an Art Deco-style house, and from an aerial view, the house looks just like a giant piano!

5. Bemidji is full of family owned businesses, and shops! The downtown area is a lot of fun! There's the candy shop, local restaurants, bars, boutiques, and more!

6. The summer is full of activities that really bring the community together! There is something for everyone.

The Annual Dragonboat festival:

5K Run Marathons (Polar Challenge, Dragonboat 5K, Color Runs etc!):

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The Sculpture Walk:

The list goes on and on!

7. The restaurants are to die for! Whether you're looking for pizza, or pasta, you're covered! (I'd personally recommend Tutto Bene)

Pricey, but so delicious!

8. There is always access to a beach. Looking for swimming? Diamond Point and Cameron Park are great options, as well as Bemidji State Park! (Pictured below)

9.

The scenic views are AMAZING. It's beautiful all the time, no matter

what season! In the bright summers, and in the dead middle of winter,

you always have a gorgeous view!

Bemidji State University in the Summer:

Bemidji State University in the Winter:

SO. PRETTY!

10. Bemidji is in the middle of three large Indian Reservations, so there is an abundance and appreciation of culture right here in town.

11.

Bemidji has a big history, it's been around since 1896! Some buildings

and businesses from back in the day still stand today, giving the town

some intrigue as to what things were like back then!

Bemidji has a lot to offer, as long as you are paying attention, and look at all of your options!