1. The Land of 10,000 Lakes
Minnesota is a state in the Midwest region of the United States, and is famously known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes". With over 12,000 lakes, Minnesota is home to more shoreline than California, Hawaii, and Florida combined. The state is also home to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a 1.1 million acre area of pristine lakes, rivers, and forests. Minnesota's lakes are a major source of recreation for locals and tourists alike, offering activities such as fishing, swimming, and boating.
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Advertisement2. The North Star State
Minnesota, the North Star State, is named after the Dakota word for “clear water”. This is fitting, as the state is home to over 10,000 lakes and is known for its pristine waters. The state is also home to the Mississippi River, which is the second longest river in the United States. Minnesota is a great place to explore the outdoors, with its many lakes, rivers, and forests.
Also → Saint Paul: The Most Diverse City in Minnesota
3. Minnesota's Musical Icons: A Look Back
Minnesota has long been a hotbed of musical talent, producing some of the most iconic and influential musicians of all time. From the legendary Prince, to the Andrews Sisters' classic harmonies, to the rockabilly of Eddie Cochran, to the folk of Bob Dylan, to the surf rock of The Trashmen, to the garage rock of The Castaways, to the pop songwriting of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, to the indie rock of Jonny Lang and Soul Asylum, to the hip-hop of Rhymesayers Entertainment and Doomtree, to the cult favorites Hüsker Dü and The Replacements, Minnesota has been home to a diverse and vibrant music scene for decades.
Also → The Magnificent Minneapolis
4. A State of Contrasts
Minnesota is a state of contrasts, boasting both the 12th largest land area and the 21st highest population of any U.S. state. With a population of over 5.6 million people, Minnesota is home to a diverse range of cultures, landscapes, and activities. From the bustling cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul to the vast forests and lakes of the north, Minnesota has something for everyone.
Also → Alaska: 3 Million Lakes & Outdoor Adventures
Advertisement5. The Only State in the US Located in Canada
Nestled in the northernmost region of the United States, Minnesota stands out as the only state apart from Alaska to be located so far north. With its northern border stretching along the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario, Minnesota is the only state to have a common border with two different countries. This unique geographical position has allowed Minnesota to become a hub of cultural exchange, with a diverse population and a wide variety of activities and attractions.
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6. Minnesota rocks older than Earth
The state of Minnesota is home to some of the oldest rocks on the planet, with gneisses estimated to be 3.6 billion years old - that's 80% as old as the Earth itself! This remarkable discovery has allowed geologists to gain a better understanding of the planet's history and evolution.
Also → Vermont: A State of Natural Beauty
7. A Land of Scandinavian Influence
Minnesota is renowned for its rich Scandinavian American culture, which has been a defining feature of the state for generations. From the iconic lutefisk dinners to the traditional folk music, the Scandinavian influence is evident in many aspects of life in Minnesota. The state is home to a number of Scandinavian-American organizations, such as the American Swedish Institute and the Sons of Norway, which help to preserve and promote the culture. Additionally, many of the state's cities and towns have strong Scandinavian roots, with many of them hosting annual festivals and events to celebrate the culture.
Also → Winona Ryder: Born in Minnesota, named after nearby city
Advertisement8. Minnesota's Highest Point: Eagle Mountain
In Minnesota, the highest point is Eagle Mountain, towering at an impressive 2,301 feet (701 m). This is a remarkable difference from the state's lowest point, which is just 601 feet (183 m) above sea level at the shore of Lake Superior - a mere 13 miles (21 km) away.
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9. Home to an impressive array of wildlife
Minnesota is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including the nation's largest population of timber wolves outside of Alaska. In addition, the state is home to healthy populations of black bear and moose, making it a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts. With its vast forests and lakes, Minnesota is an ideal habitat for these majestic creatures, and provides a unique opportunity to observe them in their natural environment.
Also → Anchorage: The Northernmost City in the United States
10. Minnesota is a state that is seismically safe
Minnesota is a state that is blessed with geological stability, as it experiences earthquakes only rarely and the majority of them are minor. In fact, the state is so geologically quiet that it is considered one of the safest places in the United States in terms of seismic activity. The last major earthquake to hit Minnesota was in 1975, and since then, the state has experienced only minor tremors.
