America
Minnesota
Country
Continent
United States
Best Cities to Visit
- Minneapolis
- Rochester
- Duluth
- Bloomington
- Plymouth
Size
225,181 KM2
Population
5,700,000
Spending Budget
$1,194 - $3,743
Famous For
- General Mills
- The Mall of America
- 10000 Lakes
Best Time to Visit
- June
- July
- August
History
Minnesota has been inhabited by various indigenous peoples since the Woodland period of the 11th century BCE. Between roughly 200 and 500 CE, two areas of the indigenous Hopewell tradition emerged: the Laural Complex in the north, and Tremplau Hopewell in the Mississippi River Valley. The subsequent Upper Mississippian culture, consisting of the Oneota people and other Siouan speakers, lasted through the arrival of Europeans in the 17th century. French explorers and missionaries were the earliest Europeans to enter the region, encountering the Dakota, Ojibwe, and various Anishinaabe tribes. Much of what is now Minnesota formed part of the vast French holding of Louisiana, which the United States purchased in 1803. After several territorial reorganizations, the Minnesota Territory was admitted to the Union as the 32nd state in 1858. Minnesota's official motto, L'Étoile du Nord, is the only state motto in French; meaning "The Star of the North", it was adopted shortly after statehood and reflects the state's French origins and its position as the northernmost state in the contiguous U.S.
Present Day
Since the late 20th century, Minnesota's economy has diversified significantly, shifting from traditional industries such as agriculture and resource extraction to services, finance, and healthcare. The state remains a center of Scandinavian, German, and Czech culture, but in recent decades has become increasingly multicultural amid greater domestic migration and immigration from Asia, the Horn of Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Minnesota's standard of living index is among the highest in the nation, and the state is among the best-educated in the nation. It is ranked among the best states in metrics such as employment, median income, safety, and governance.
Future
By 2040, the Twin Cities metro area will add 824,000 new residents to the 2,850,000 counted during the 2010 census, according to projections from the Metropolitan Council, the agency responsible for policymaking, planning, and shared services of the Twin Cities region. Natural population growth will account for most of the change, but nearly a third of the increase will be driven by migration, including the arrival of some 355,000 international immigrants.
Superior National Forest
Superior National Forest, with pristine lakes and rivers, covers large areas of northeast Minnesota. The town of Ely, home to the International Wolf Center, is an excellent base from which to explore the unspoiled landscape. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which lies within the forest, is well known among paddlers in the United States and Canada.
North Shore
The North Shore Scenic Drive near Duluth follows the north shore of Lake Superior from Duluth to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Along this route are many of the top state parks in Minnesota, including Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche, and Grand Portage State Park. Waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and great views of the seemingly never-ending Lake Superior accompany the long drive.
Paddle Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park is a pristine wilderness area that combines natural beauty with history. This mainly backcountry park, accessed primarily by water or air, is a wonderful place for canoeing, boating, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits. The park is remote and offers great opportunities to see wildlife, such as bears, moose, loons, and much more.
International Wolf Center
The International Wolf Center near Ely is an educational center that supports and promotes the survival of wolves. Hands-on exhibits, demonstrations of wolf tracking methods, and all kinds of information on wolves is presented. Visitors learn about the natural history of wolves by observing the resident wolf pack.
Minnesota State Capitol Building
Constructed between 1896 and 1905, the Minnesota State Capitol building recently underwent renovations to restore this historic structure back to its original glamour. Besides repairs to the exterior marble and restored furnishings of the interior, the 2013 to 2017 renovations also added more public space and accessibility for visitors.
Mall of America
Located on the outskirts of St. Paul, in the suburb of Bloomington, is the Mall of America. When it opened in 1992, it was one of the largest malls in the United States. In addition to more than 500 shops and dozens of restaurants, the facility includes theaters, hotel accommodation, and other amusements.
Como Park Zoo
The Como Park Zoo
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Hosting more than 700,000 visitors a year, the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) has a wide range of art and attractions, all with free admission to explore. The collection at Mia features more than 89,000 artworks, and the permanent and temporary exhibits span everything from American modernism to ancient artifacts from around the world.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is located 20 miles northeast of Two Harbors on the North Shore of Lake Superior. It is home to Split Rock Lighthouse, which was built in 1910 to protect Lake Superior shipping. Visitors can tour the lighthouse, foghorn building, keeper's house, tower, and light.
Munsinger Clemens Gardens
The Munsinger Clemens Gardens in St. Cloud are some of the summertime delights of the city. The Munsinger Gardens feature approximately 80,000 annual plants within a setting of trees, benches, swings, fountains, and ponds. The Clemens Gardens are known for having more than 1,100 rose bushes, and an all-white garden devoted to white flowers and flowering shrubs.