Water Safari is celebrating National Paul Bunyan Day on June 28th, 2024. Guests and team members at Enchanted Forest Water Safari are encouraged to share their photos with Paul Bunyan from previous years! Join in the fun on our social media! (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.) Tag WaterSafari and use the hashtag `#NationalPaulBunyanDay’

For more than a century, the giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan has been the subject of thousands of exploits that are treasured among generations in the United States. It is said that he once dragged his axe across the Southwest and created the Grand Canyon. Americans have created thousands of folktales about Bunyan making him a national icon for the great outdoors and all it has to offer. Old Forge, New York is right in the heart of the Adirondacks and it only makes sense to have their own personal take on Paul Bunyan.

At Enchanted Forest Water Safari, New York’s largest water theme park, “Tall Paul” has been the subject of millions of snapshots that are treasured in family albums and now countless social media posts. The much-photographed Paul is the 19-foot-high statue that has greeted visitors to the Enchanted Forest since its opening in 1956. Over 60 years of memories have been created by the larger-than-life rendition of Paul.

Though the park has changed considerably over the years, Paul Bunyan is the one constant and one of most popular attractions. He is practically impossible to miss, as visitors enter the gates, he is there to welcome one and all.

Water Safari Paul Bunyan Statue Facts:

• The statue at Water Safari is made out of fiberglass.
• A full restoration took place a couple years ago, giving Paul more reinforced fiberglass and new paint.
• Some visitors over the years believed that the Paul Bunyan statue was in a different location of the park at one time. The giant Paul Bunyan at Water Safari has been in the same spot since day one of the park being open.
• Paul Bunyan’s legs have two metal rods that help him stand.
• The original creators of the park installed Paul Bunyan.
• The Paul Bunyan statue originally welcomed visitors to “Enchanted Forest of the Adirondacks” before the park’s name changed to Enchanted Forest Water Safari. Bunyan stands at the front of the Enchanted Forest, which has original buildings and attractions from 1956.

Generations of people have been photographed with Paul. Those who were first photographed as children now proudly pose with their grandkids and even great-grandkids. “We have guests come to the park with their kids and even their grandkids because their parents posed with them when they were kids. We’ve seen photos that include at least four generations of families creating this wonderful family tradition,” said Katie Wojdyla Vice President and Director of Marketing.

Continue the tradition or start one this year. Have your photo taken by one of our Safari Snapshot park photographers or take your own (Paul loves selfies). Pack in as many family and friends as you can, don’t worry Paul has plenty of room for all to take part in making memories.

Water Safari Resort is a family-fun Adirondack Vacation Destination with over 50 rides, shows, and attractions, including 33 heated outdoor water rides, campground, a hotel, and more! Water Safari Resort encompasses Enchanted Forest Water Safari, Calypso’s Cove Family Fun Park, Old Forge Camping Resort, and Water’s Edge Inn.

Enchanted Forest Water Safari is New York’s largest water theme park with more than 50 rides and attractions, including 33 heated water rides with a focus on family fun for all ages.  The park also features classic amusement rides, fun food, exciting games, cool shops, private cabanas, storybook-themed characters, a family circus show, and much more! www.WaterSafari.com 315-369-6145