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About Minnesota

The state of Minnesota is located in the Upper Midwestern United States. Nicknamed 'Land of 10,000 Lakes', it is the 12th most extensive and the 21st most populous state in the US. The state has 87 counties and Saint Paul is the capital city.

History of Minnesota

The earliest inhabitants in the region were people from the Big Game culture. Later, Old Copper culture (Eastern Archaic), Woodland, and Mississippian Culture appeared. The “Browns Valley Man” discovered at Browns Valley is supposed to be the oldest human remains in the state of Minnesota.

There were traces of other explorers, traders and missionaries of New France before the 19th century. The names of some prominent explorers belonging to this period were Radisson and Groseilliers, the Sieur du Lhut, Verendrye, Father Louis Hennepin, Antoine Auguella and Michel Aco. It was after the war of 1812 that permanent settlement began.

Minnesota became a territory in the year 1849. It officially became the 32nd state on May 11, 1858. After the Civil War, there was a surge in economic growth during the 1870s and 1880s with the railroads coming in. Today, the state is a hub of technology and a land known for its richness in natural resources.

Geography of Minnesota

Comprising an area of 86,943 square miles, Minnesota is the northernmost state in the contiguous US. The state is flanked by Canada on the north, Lake Superior and Wisconsin on the east, Iowa on the south, and North Dakota and South Dakota on the west. The North Country or the northwoods is famous for a large number of pristine wetlands and forests.

At 701 meters, Eagle Mountain is the highest point in the state. There are 6,564 natural rivers in the state, and more than 11,000 lakes over 10 acres in size. In addition to that, the state has 72 state parks and 58 state forests. Minnesota has an average temperature that ranges from 83.4 degrees (high) to –2.9 degrees (low) Fahrenheit.

Travel Destinations in Minnesota

Every region in Minnesota is inundated with an array of beautiful places to see. The Walker Art Center showcases the state's best contemporary artworks. Jeffers Petroglyphs is a 7,000-year-old site featuring about 5,000 uncovered rock carvings by Native Americans. Spend a weekend in Twin Cities (Minneapolis and Saint Paul) exploring arts scene and admiring outdoor sculpture gardens.

Explore 1,200 miles of canoe routes in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, face off with an American Bison in Blue Mounds State Park, go for a hike on Superior Hiking Trail, and take a skiing lesson in Itasca State Park. Mall of America, Water Park of America, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, and Cathedral of Saint Paul are other prominent attractions in Minnesota.

Transportation in Minnesota

• By Air – Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is the gateway to the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• By Train – Amtrak operates Empire Builder through Winona, Red Wing, Saint Paul, Staples and Detroit Lakes.
• By Road – I-35, I-90, and I-94 are primary interstate highways in Minnesota.

Education in Minnesota

There are 32 public institutions in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. The University of Minnesota has five major campuses. Furthermore, Minnesota has more than 20 private colleges and universities. Read more here.

Facts about Minnesota

• Minneapolis is the largest city on the banks of Mississippi River, which originates from the state.
• Only the state of Alaska has more area in wetlands than Minnesota's 10.6 million acres.
• The Mall of America in Bloomington can accommodate 78 football fields. More Facts...

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Map of Cities in Minnesota

Map of Minnesota Counties

Last Updated on: February 24, 2020