On March 1st, the Land of 10,000 Lakes is recognized on National Minnesota Day.
The 32nd state to join the union shares its northern border with Canada.

Angle Township on the north edge of Lake of the Woods makes Minnesota the northernmost state of the continental forty-eight. Also known as the Gopher State, it extends along the northern shore of Lake Superior.

Dakota Sioux and Ojibwa, Menominee, and other tribes populated the area when the first Europeans began to explore and later settle the area. Fur trading in the densely wooded territory led to French treaties in the late 17th century.

The Mississippi River divides a portion of the state; its source is Lake Itasca. This natural boundary also divided the region when the Treaty of Paris determined United States’ western border after the Revolutionary War. Minnesota would not become whole until 1836 when it became part of the Wisconsin Territory, 33 years following the Louisana Purchase.

Official Minnesota

State Capital – St Paul
State Nickname – The Gopher State
State Motto –  L’etoile du Nord      State Song – Hail! Minnesota
State Bird – Loon
State Reptile –
State Flower – Pink Lady’s Slipper
State Wildflower –
State Animal – State Fish – Walleye
State Beverage – Milk
State Fruit – Honeycrisp Apple State Stone –
State Shell –
State Tree – Norway Pine
State Gemstone – Agate
State Butterfly – Monarch

The state capital of St. Paul, once called Pig’s Eye Landing, was founded in 1838 along the Mississippi River and was named the territorial capital in 1849. Minnesota became the 32nd state in 1858.
Just upriver from St. Paul, Minneapolis formed from Ft. Snelling, built in 1819.

Today, the metropolis spans both sides of the river for nearly 60 square miles. Downtown Minneapolis includes the world’s most extensive uninterrupted network of indoor pedestrian pathways. The skyway system boasts eight miles connecting restaurants, shopping, businesses, hotels and apartment complexes.
Head north along Lake Superior into the Arrowhead Region where the air stays cooler longer and lake effect will have real meaning. Duluth and points north with an industrial history benefit from mild summers, access to clear summer nights, Aurora Borealis and unspoiled views.

Hidden Treasures

The Quietest Place on Earth, Minneapolis

Devil’s Kettle, Grand Marais

Frank Lloyd Wright Gas Station, Cloquet

Museum of Quackery and Medical Frauds, Saint Paul

Wabasha Street Caves, Saint Paul

Niagara Cave, Harmony

House of Balls, Minneapolis

City Salvage, Minneapolis

Spam Museum, Austin

Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, Minneapolis

Birthplace of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Saint Paul

For a complete list of Minnesota State and National Parks & Historic Sites visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks
 and www.nps.gov.
Check out a few of the featured sites around the state below.

Lake Bemidji State Park – Bemidji

Cascade River State Park – Lutsen

Saint Croix State Park – Hinckley

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park – Two Harbors

Great River Bluffs State Park – Winona

Lake Maria State Park – Monticello

Fort Ridgely State Park – Fairfax

Old Mill State Park – Argyle

Voyageurs National Park

Pipestone National Monument

Marshall W Alworth Planetarium – Duluth

National Eagle Center – Wabasha

The Works Museum – Bloomington

Wildlife Science Center – Stacy

Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post – Onamia

Herreid Military Museum – Luverne

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Charles Eastman – Physician – (February 19, 1858 – January 8, 1939)

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Charles and William Mayo – Physicians – (June 29, 1861 – July 28, 1939 & July 19, 1865 – May 26, 1939)

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Sinclair Lewis – Author – (February 7, 1885 – January 10, 1951)

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Richard W. Sears – Businessman – (December 7, 1863 – September 28, 1914)

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Fred Quimby – Producer – (July 31, 1886 – September 16, 1965)

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F. Scott Fitzgerald – Author – (September 24, 1896 – December 21, 1940)

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Wanda Gág – Artist – (March 11, 1893 – June 27, 1946)

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Walter Breuning – Super centenarian – (September 21, 1896 – April 14, 2011)

Richard Gurley Drew – Inventor – (June 22, 1899 – December 14, 1980)

Robert Mondavi – Businessman – (June 18, 1913 – May 16, 2008)

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Toni Stone – Baseball Player – (July 17, 1921 – November 2, 1996)

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Judy Garland – Performing Artist – (June 10, 1922 – June 22, 1969)

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Charles Schultz – Cartoonist – (November 26, 1922 – February 12, 2000)

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Roger Maris – Baseball – (September 10, 1934 – December 14, 1985)

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John Madden – NFL Coach – (April 10, 1936-)

Bob Dylan – Singer-songwriter – (May 24, 1941 -)

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Ann Bancroft – Explorer (September 29, 1955 – )

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Prince Rogers Nelson – Singer-songwriter – (June 7, 1958 – April 21, 2016)

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Minnesota Flavor

• Swedish meatball
• Wild Rice
• Pho
• Hotdish
• Honeycrip Apples
• Juicy Lucy
• Cheese Curds
• Lefse
• Walleye

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMinnesotaDay

From the founders of the Mayo clinic to the creators of inline skates and cheerleading, Minnesotans find time to create, explore and celebrate.  Tour the cities or 10,000 lakes and all the history in between! 
Use #NationalMinnesotaDay to share on social media.