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Kateri Jochum
Bemidji, Minn.

The last ride on the Tilt-a-Whirl

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Josh Murphy and daughters.
Josh Murphy, and daughters, Kate, 6, and Lauren, 3, take a spin on the Tilt-a-Whirl at the Paul Bunyan Amusement Park in Bemidji.
Photo courtesy of Melissa Murphy

A visit to an amusement park belongs to summer like a pair of shorts, ice cream cones or a day at the lake. According to the International Amusement Park Association, big operations continue to thrive.

But in recent years, small town carnivals have been closing down all over the state. The Paul Bunyan Amusement Park in Bemidji is just one example of a slice of summer whose ride is coming to an end.

We went along with Melissa and Josh Murphy of Rochester, who were enjoying the park one last time with their daugthers, age 6 and 3.

Gallery
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Kate on the swings.
Kate Murphy takes a ride on the big swings.
Photo courtesy of Melissa Murphy
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Tilt-a-Whirl
The Tilt-a-Whirl is produced in Fairbault, Minnesota. The ride has been churning those strong of stomach for 60 years. This one is going to be auctioned off this fall.
MPR Photo/Kateri Jochum
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Josh Murphy and daughters
Josh Murphy, and daughters, Kate, 6, and Lauren, 3, take a spin on the Tilt-a-Whirl at the Paul Bunyan Amusement Park in Bemidji.
Photo courtesy of Melissa Murphy