15 Fun Facts About Minnesota State

Minnesota, known as the “North Star State” or “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” has a rich history and many interesting characteristics. Here are some fun facts about Minnesota:

1. State nickname: Minnesota is often called the “North Star State” or the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” because of its abundance of lakes and its state motto, “L’Étoile du Nord,” which means “The Star of the North” in French.
2. Statehood: Minnesota became the 32nd state of the United States on May 11, 1858.
3. State symbols: The state bird of Minnesota is the Common Loon, the state flower is the Pink and White Lady’s Slipper, and the state tree is the Red Pine.
4. Twin Cities: Minneapolis and Saint Paul, the two largest cities in Minnesota, are known as the Twin Cities and together form the core of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area.
5. Mall of America: The Mall of America, located in Bloomington, Minnesota, is the largest shopping mall in the United States in terms of total floor area, featuring over 500 stores and numerous attractions, including an indoor amusement park called Nickelodeon Universe.
6. Mississippi River: The Mississippi River, the second-longest river in the United States, begins its journey to the Gulf of Mexico at Lake Itasca in Minnesota.
7. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, located in northeastern Minnesota, is a vast wilderness area featuring over a million acres of interconnected lakes, rivers, and forests, making it a popular destination for canoeing, camping, and fishing.
8. Largest open-pit iron mine: The Hull-Rust-Mahoning Open Pit Iron Mine, located in Hibbing, Minnesota, is the largest open-pit iron mine in the world.
9. Juicy Lucy: The Juicy Lucy, a cheese-stuffed hamburger, is a culinary invention that originated in Minneapolis and is now a popular menu item in many restaurants throughout Minnesota.
10. Cold weather: Minnesota is known for its cold winters, with temperatures frequently dipping well below zero degrees Fahrenheit. The state holds the record for the lowest temperature in the contiguous United States, at -60°F (-51°C), recorded in Tower, Minnesota, in 1996.
11. Ice hockey: Ice hockey is a popular sport in Minnesota, and the state is known for producing a high number of professional and collegiate players.
12. SPAM: The canned meat product SPAM is produced by Hormel Foods Corporation, which is headquartered in Austin, Minnesota. The SPAM Museum, also located in Austin, showcases the history of the iconic food.
13. Prince: The late musician Prince was born and raised in Minneapolis and maintained a strong connection to the city throughout his career. His former home and recording studio, Paisley Park, is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.
14. Mayo Clinic: The Mayo Clinic, a renowned medical institution and research center, is based in Rochester, Minnesota.
15. Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox: Minnesota is home to several statues of the legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan and his companion Babe the Blue Ox, which can be found in various towns across the state. These folk heroes are an important part of Minnesota’s cultural heritage.