Top 15 Most Interesting Facts About Minnesota

1. State Motto: "L'étoile du Nord" (The Star of the North).
2. State Bird: Common Loon.
3. State Flower: Pink and White Lady's Slipper.
4. Minnesota is called the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," but it actually has over 11,000 lakes.
5. The Mall of America in Bloomington is the largest shopping mall in the U.S.
6. Minnesota is the birthplace of legendary musician Prince.
7. The Mississippi River begins its journey at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota.
8. Minneapolis and St. Paul are known as the Twin Cities due to their close proximity and shared metro area.
9. Minnesota is one of the coldest states in the U.S., with temperatures often dropping below zero in winter.
10. The state has the highest voter turnout rate in the country.
11. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the U.S.
12. Spam, the canned meat, was invented in Austin, Minnesota, home of the Spam Museum.
13. The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis is one of the most renowned regional theaters in the nation.
14. Minnesota's state fair is one of the largest in the U.S., attracting over 2 million visitors annually.
15. Lake Superior, which borders Minnesota, is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area.

Geography of Minnesota

Known for its water-rich landscape, Minnesota features forests, plains, and rivers. Key features include:

• Highest Point: Eagle Mountain (2,301 feet).
• Lowest Point: Lake Superior (602 feet).
• Major Rivers: Mississippi River, Minnesota River, and St. Croix River.

A Brief History of Minnesota

Minnesota has a long history of exploration and settlement:

• Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Dakota and Ojibwe.
• Became part of the U.S. through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
• Established as the 32nd state on May 11, 1858.

Top 10 Things to Do in Minnesota

1. Explore the Mall of America in Bloomington.
2. Visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for camping and canoeing.
3. Tour Prince’s Paisley Park in Chanhassen.
4. Walk along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis.
5. Experience the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul.
6. Take a scenic drive along the North Shore of Lake Superior.
7. Visit Itasca State Park and walk across the Mississippi headwaters.
8. Explore the Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
9. Enjoy winter sports like ice fishing and snowmobiling in the north.
10. Relax in Duluth and enjoy the Lake Superior harbor views.

Top 10 Destinations in Minnesota

1. Minneapolis
2. St. Paul
3. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
4. Duluth
5. Itasca State Park

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Minnesota, visit the state’s official tourism site: Explore Minnesota