Lucette Diana Kensack, Paul Bunyan’s sweetheart.
IN THE HEART OF NORTHWOODS MINNESOTA, in the land of legends and lake cabins, sits a village of some 300 folks. Hackensack. Twice I’ve been here, twice photographing Paul Bunyan’s sweetheart, Lucette, who resides along the shores of Birch Lake, and once picnicking along that same lake.
I’ve never explored this town much except with my camera. But simple observations through a viewfinder can reveal a lot about a place. In Hackensack, I see a hardy northwoods character, a laid-back attitude and a welcoming spirit.
The lovely log cabin library right next to Lucette is run by volunteers.
Nearby stands Paul Bunyan in chainsaw art.
I would love to sample food from the seasonal Butts & Buns BBQ.
That rugged character shows in log cabin style construction from lake homes to food truck and in the chainsaw carved wood sculptures around town.
This seems like my kind of kicked back place where I’d feel comfortably at home in buffalo plaid flannel and jeans. Kids biking along a narrow street with tackle box, fishing poles, bait and net in hand confirm my assessment of a town that appears Mayberry timeless.
Lucette is a tourist attraction.
Embracing the legend of Lucette at a local eatery.
Yet, there’s a definite awareness of tourism, of welcoming the temporary residents who arrive here in the spring to open their lake cabins for weekend get-aways, summer vacations and final autumn visits.
Hackensack hosts numerous arts-related events including the Northwoods Art & Books Festival and an annual Chainsaw Event.
My quick visual perusal of Hackensack certainly doesn’t tell the entire story. But it gives a glimpse of a place appreciated by those who live here. And appreciated, too, by the people who come here to experience the legends, the arts, the food, the sense of place that is so northwoods Minnesota.
BONUS PHOTOS:
TELL ME: If you’ve been to Hackensack, or live or vacation here, how would you describe this community? What should I know about Hackensack?
© Copyright 2017 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I really enjoyed your keen Hackensack observations and photos with sharp images. I sent the link to chamber for them to enjoy.Thanks for showcasing the best of the town. .
You are most welcome, Sue. And thank you for passing this along to the local tourism folks.
Looks like my kind of town! I have never been there but will put it on my road trip destinations list. Humm my list is getting larger all the time. Perhaps I need to get an RV and road trip permanently………….
Some people do that. You could spend an entire year exploring all Minnesota offers from the prairies in the southwest to the rivers and hills in the southeast to the lakes and woods up north.
Audrey your response could be made into a poem or a song about what MN offers to locals and tourists 🙂
Now there’s a thought. And I do write poetry…
Northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan in the summer months and soutthern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan in the winter months, works for me! Some people think I’m weird……….perhaps……………..
Do you really care what people think? Once a Minnesotan, always a Minnesotan. Thank you for sharing your deep love of our shared home state and of Wisconsin and Michigan.
Wow this looks like a great place to visit. I need to explore more of Minnesota
We’d love to have you in Minnesota any time.