Traveling Michigan's Upper Peninsula...
When I was a youngster I had my picture taken standing next to Babe the Blue Ox. I was about ten years old, my brother was five ~ unfortunately I can't locate that photo. That would have been taken in 1947 ~ yes, I am old!
I have climbed to the top of Castle Rock; then and several times later as I would be with people who had not seen the view from that point. It is very picturesque, to say the least. When we were there this past month, we didn't stop there as the grandchildren were sleeping and my son thought it better to take them when they are a couple of years older and they can remember it better. So I am sharing these other photos with you from 'roadsideamerica.com'
Paul Bunyan and Babe - Castle Rock
Castle Rock is an abrupt, geologic protuberance just north of the Mackinac Bridge on Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The nearly 200-ft. column of rock was long ago augmented with a man-made ramp and walkway to provide tourists a climb for an unparalleled view of Lake Huron and distant Mackinac Island.
At the base of the Castle Rock lookout is an amusing Paul Bunyan statue accompanied by his mythical sidekick, Babe the Blue Ox. This Bunyan is rare. Instead of standing, ready to deforest Michigan, Paul sits, staring googly-eyed towards the lake.
Paul and Babe are surrounded by a low hurricane fence, to discourage lap monkeys. The statue and lookout are accessed via Castle Rock Curios, a gift shop with a classic neon sign out front and loads of souvenirs to salve that Upper Peninsula itch.
Paul Bunyan and Babe - Castle Rock ...
Address: 2811 Mackinac Trail, St. Ignace, MI
Directions: I-75 exit 348. West side of the road, at the base of Castle Rock. Impossible to miss.
Hours: Daily May - mid-Oct. (Call to verify)
Phone: 906-643-8268
[Show Map]
There are many other Paul Bunyan and Babe the blue ox statues around the country ~ this is just one, but the one that I've seen myself.
06.29.09 (1:22 am) [
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posted by:
Ladyg (
reply)
post date:
06.29.09 (10:43 am)
Very nice, I hope you find the picture of you and your brother.
posted by:
barnabus1 (
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post date:
06.29.09 (12:42 pm)
What...they afraid too many lap monkeys and Blue Ox sitters will wear off the paint?? or wear out the concrete...if that's what it's made of!! They should give the tourists their money's worth!! Hmmm can't even take the bull by the horns! Oh well...that's life!!! Would be fun to go to the top of Castle rock!!
posted by:
bawdy (
reply)
post date:
06.29.09 (12:47 pm)
I've never been there either, but now I feel I have. ;-) I think the fence was built to prevent Charlton Heston and Ted Nugent from shooting Babe.
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
06.29.09 (3:09 pm)
Reply to: Ladyg
Unfortunately I can't find the photo, unless my family (sister) has a copy of it. I lost all kinds of things when I lost my home to a fire many years ago. Lost so much, but still had the best ~ my life!
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
06.29.09 (3:10 pm)
Reply to: barnabus1
Yes, seems foolish doesn't it... but I think bawdy might have the answer :)
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
06.29.09 (3:10 pm)
Reply to: bawdy
You know, bawdy, I think you might have the answer here ~ good one! :)
posted by:
inkspector (
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post date:
06.29.09 (7:52 pm)
Great post. I never knew that information so I learned something new.
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
07.02.09 (11:41 am)
Reply to: inkspector
Thanks for stopping by ~ I remembered this after reading a post of yours.
posted by:
PirateGirl (
reply)
post date:
07.05.09 (11:05 pm)
We have a Paul Bunyan here as well, but he is standing and was holding trucks in his hands - he's been moved to the local fairgrounds and nowadays he holds a sign that welcomes visitors to the annual festivites - I don't think I've ever seen a sitting one (Probably got tired standing for so long - can't say as I blame him)- I would say that the fence is for protection against vandals - this sitting Paul is rare and sadly things aren't what they used to be in this old world anymore - I find there is less and less respect - I volunteer at a farm and some of the peices there have been vandalised already, even though they were saved and are over 50 years old. - no respect at all. - any way, great pic AC thanks for sharing it! Wish we had Babe too - he makes it compleate! :)
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
07.06.09 (6:12 am)
Thanks for stopping by PG.
Unfortunately it is true that so many do not respect property of others and spoil it for the rest of us. Sorry to hear of the damages done to your farm; I know you've worked hard on some of the items there.