Lost travel bags near Paul Bunyan statue, Brainerd
Description
I was in Brainerd last Friday around 6:15 pm, sitting on a bench outside a café near the Paul Bunyan statue in downtown Brainerd when my travel bags disappeared from beside me. They’re two rolling duffel bags, one black with a red zipper and the other blue with a white stripe. Inside are everyday clothes for a weekend trip, a worn leather journal, and a passport holder—things I’d need for my next plane ride. I’ve felt a heavy knot in my chest since, imagining them abandoned somewhere cold or forgotten. If you’ve seen them or know where they turned up, please message me through the site so we can figure out next steps together.
Approximate last-seen location
Pin shows an approximate area, not the exact spot — to protect privacy.
How to safely get your item back
A short checklist to protect you and the item during the handoff.
Verify the finder before meeting
- Ask them to describe a detail not shown in your listing, such as an engraving, scratch, or contents.
- Request a clear photo of the item from an angle you did not post.
- Do not pay any release, shipping, or storage fee.
- Do not share your full address until you have verified them.
Meet in a safe, public place
- Police stations, café entrances, transport hubs, and shop foyers all work.
- Meet during daylight hours where there is CCTV and foot traffic.
- Avoid private homes, car parks at night, or isolated locations.
Bring someone with you
- Tell a friend or family member where you are meeting and when.
- Share your live location with them during the handoff.
- For high-value items, consider contacting your local police station for advice first.
Keep communication on lostandfound.io
- Use the in-app message thread so there is a record if something goes wrong.
- Do not move to WhatsApp, SMS, or email until you have exchanged a verifying detail.
- Never share bank details, government ID numbers, or copies of your ID.