Minnesota, or “The Land of 10,000 Lakes” as it’s affectionately called, is a beautiful state with unique features. It’s known across the US as the state that houses some very polite residents, extremely cold winters and a lot of jewel-colored lakes. The state has a lot to offer and many people take frequent trips up there in both winter and summertime. Keep reading to find out some fascinating facts about Minnesota!
#1: The Name
Minnesota is actually named after the Minnesota River. The very word, “Minnesota” comes from a Sioux Indian word, “Minisota.” This delicate sounding word literally means ‘cloudy water’ or ‘sky-tinted,’ both of which are a wonderful homage to the state with a whole lot of lakes. It’s no secret that wherever you go in Minnesota, your eyes will be arrested by a flash of blue!
#2: The Twin Cities
You’ve probably heard of the Twin Cities: Minneapolis and Saint Paul. These glittering metropolitans are a far cry from being suburban. While most of Minnesota is known for lush forests and lots of lakes, the cities have a modern and urban lifestyle that pulls in a lot of tourists. St. Paul is the state capital but Minneapolis is the one with a crowded, yet aesthetic, skyline that can be spotted from miles away. Both cities boast some iconic vintage architecture and Victorian houses.
#3: Make A Fortune
Minnesota is not only pretty but also has a bustling business side. The state is home to one of America’s biggest concentration of Fortune 500 companies on this side of the coast. A lot of household names such as Best Buy, General Mills, Land O’Lakes and Target are located in the Twin Cities.
#4: Live the Mall Life
Minneapolis also has the Mall of America, which is packed full of shops, amusement parks, indoor theme parks and lots more to do! It has around 4.3 miles of store frontage, making it the largest mall in the whole country. Now you know where you need to go in case you’re aching for a shopping spree! But be warned: you most likely won’t be able to walk it all in one day so come prepared for repeat visits.
#5: The Literaries
The state has a vast and proud history of classic and modern literary geniuses. Writers like F Scott Fitzgerald, Neil Gaiman, Tim O’Brien, Laura Ingalls Wilder and more are some of the few that were either born or lived in the state. You won’t run short of bookstores or literary gems when you visit the state!
#6: River Origins
The majestic Mississippi River actually begins in Lake Itasca, which is located in Minnesota. It’s in the Northern part of the state and is only around 2 square miles in area. Hard to believe that a tiny lake can lead to a giant river but there you go. Minnesota has it all!
#7: Guinness World Record
Minnesota is home to a quirky and fun Guinness World Record! Yes, you read that right. The world’s biggest ball of twine was made by one person in Darwin, Minnesota and it can still be seen if you visit. There’s even a Twine Day that takes place every August. Everyone gathers around to celebrate the mighty accomplishment because this ball of twine is no ordinary one. It’s even been written about in songs and has made appearances on TV! The ball weighs exactly 17,400 pounds so you know it’s legit.
#8: Iron Supply
Northern Minnesota also has the proud feat of being America’s richest source of iron ore. There are a lot of open-pit mines in Hibbing, Minnesota. This mining area has been certified as one of the world’s largest open-pit mines. You’ll never run short of metal when you’re in Minnesota!
#9: The Loon
If you’ve never heard of the loon, you might be a little taken aback when reading this. In fact, the loon is a bird and it is Minnesota’s state bird! This aquatic fowl can be spotted swimming and diving in the plethora of lakes that Minnesota has all around. What’s more, the state’s official flower is the Lady Slipper, a pink and white design that can be seen gracing many local parks. Lastly, Minnesota’s state motto is “L’Etoile du Nord” which translates to “Star of the North.” As you can see, Minnesota is known for a lot and is even seen as a place of guidance.
#10: Diverse Population
Even though many Minnesota residents can trace their roots back to Germany and Scandinavia, there are other, diverse communities that reside in the capital city as well as Minneapolis. Both Twin Cities are home to America’s biggest Somali and Hmong populations, making them an infusion of culture and language!
Minnesota has a lot of interesting facts that surround it. If you’re going to visit, you should look up some of the more historical locations that exist in the state, as well as some of the biggest lakes around. You will find a lot of other people visiting for the same reason. This is why Minnesota boasts a collection of cozy and comfortable hotels, resorts and lodges that cater to every traveler’s needs, whether it’s summer or winter-time activities!