Minnesota

Minnesota is a state in the Upper Midwestern region of the United States. It shares borders with the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario to the north and east, and with the U.S. states of Wisconsin to the east, Iowa to the south, and North Dakota and South Dakota to the west. The northeast corner of Minnesota also has a water boundary with Michigan. Known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," Minnesota has over 14,000 bodies of fresh water. Many areas of the state are forested, while others are prairie or farmland.

The name Minnesota comes from the Dakota language. People have lived in this area since ancient times. French explorers and missionaries arrived in the 17th century. The United States bought the area in 1803, and Minnesota became a state in 1858. It is one of the northernmost states in the country.

Minnesota's economy started with timber, farming, and railroads. Over time, it grew to include services, finance, and healthcare. The state is known for having good healthcare, education, and a high standard of living. Minnesota has a rich cultural history influenced by Scandinavian and German immigrants, and in recent years, it has become more diverse with people from many parts of the world.

Etymology

The name Minnesota comes from the Dakota word for the Minnesota River. In Dakota, the river's name could mean "clear blue water" or "cloudy water". Early explorers heard the name and wrote it in different ways before finally choosing "Minnesota" in 1849.

Many places in Minnesota have names from the Dakota language. For example, Minnehaha Falls means "curling water", Minneiska means "white water", and Minneapolis mixes the Dakota word for water with a Greek word for city. The state's seal shows the Dakota phrase for "the land where the water reflects the skies".

History

Main article: History of Minnesota

When Europeans first came to North America, the Dakota people lived in what is now Minnesota. The first Europeans were French voyageurs and fur traders who arrived in the 1600s. They used the Grand Portage to reach areas for trading. The Anishinaabe people, also called Ojibwe or Chippewa, moved into Minnesota and formed an alliance with the Dakota. But European powers caused trouble, leading to the Dakota-Ojibwe War and moving the Mdewakanton from their homes near Mille Lacs Lake. Explorers like Daniel Greysolon, Sieur du Lhut, Father Louis Hennepin, Jonathan Carver, Henry Schoolcraft, and Joseph Nicollet mapped the land.

The area was part of Spanish Louisiana from 1762 to 1802. The land east of the Mississippi River became part of the United States after the American Revolutionary War, and the land west of the river was added through the Louisiana Purchase. In 1805, Zebulon Pike got land from Native Americans at where the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers meet. Fort Snelling was built between 1819 and 1825. Soldiers there built mills that helped start the city of Minneapolis. People settled near the fort, and later moved to what became St. Paul.

Minnesota was part of different territories before it became a state. It was in the Territory of Missouri from 1812 to 1821, then an unorganized area, and later part of the Territory of Michigan. From 1836 to 1848, it was in the Territory of Wisconsin. Minnesota became a territory in 1849 and the 32nd U.S. state on May 11, 1858. Many of the people who started the state came from New England.

Treaties with the U.S. government moved Native lands to reservations. Tensions grew, leading to the Dakota War of 1862. A group of Dakota people killed settlers, and the war ended with many Dakota people being forced to leave. Logging, farming, and railroads helped Minnesota grow. Sawmills and flour mills made the state famous for its flour.

The state found iron in the 1880s, which led to mines and railroads to move the ore. In the 1900s, farms and factories grew, and new technology helped farming. After World War II, Minnesota became known for technology and medical devices. The Mayo Clinic became a leading hospital. In recent years, the state has made changes to improve schools and government.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Minnesota

Minnesota is the second northernmost U.S. state after Alaska. It is part of the Upper Midwest and the Great Lakes region of North America. The state shares a water border with Michigan and a land border with Wisconsin to the east. To the south is Iowa, to the west are North Dakota and South Dakota, and to the north are the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Manitoba. Minnesota is the 12th-largest U.S. state, covering 86,943 square miles.

Minnesota has some of the oldest rocks on Earth, with formations about 3.6 billion years old. Over time, volcanic activity, ancient seas, and glaciers shaped the land. Today, Minnesota has gently rolling plains and many lakes and rivers. The state has cold winters and warm summers, with temperature records ranging from −60 °F to 114 °F. Minnesota is home to forests, prairies, and many wildlife species, including bald eagles and timber wolves. The state has many protected areas, such as state parks and national forests, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Cities and towns

See also: List of cities in Minnesota, List of townships in Minnesota, and List of counties in Minnesota

Saint Paul, sitting along the Mississippi River in east-central Minnesota, has been the state’s capital city since 1849.

Saint Paul is next to the largest city in Minnesota, Minneapolis. Together with nearby areas, they form the Twin Cities metropolitan area, which is the country’s 16th-largest and home to about 55% of the state’s people. The rest of the state is often called Greater Minnesota or “Outstate Minnesota”.

Minnesota has 17 cities with more than 50,000 people. Starting with the largest, they are Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, Duluth, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Plymouth, Saint Cloud, Woodbury, Eagan, Maple Grove, Coon Rapids, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Blaine, and Lakeville. Only Rochester, Duluth, and Saint Cloud are not part of the Twin Cities area.

Minnesota’s population is growing, mostly in cities. Some areas, like Sherburne and Scott counties, have grown a lot, while many other counties have fewer people now.

The United States Navy has honored many Minnesota communities.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Minnesota

Minnesota is a state in the United States with about 5.7 million people. Many people have moved there over the years. In the past, most people came from places like Scandinavia, Germany, and Ireland. Today, many people live there from Latin America, East Africa, and Southeast Asia.

The people of Minnesota come from many different backgrounds. Most people are white, but there are also many Black, Asian, and people of many other races. Many families speak languages other than English, such as Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and Vietnamese.

People in Minnesota also have many different religious beliefs. Many are Christian, especially Lutheran and Catholic. There are also communities that practice Buddhist, Muslim, and Hindu faiths, among others. Some people do not follow any specific religion.

Main article: Religion in Minnesota

Economy

Main article: Economy of Minnesota

See also: List of Minnesota locations by per capita income

Minnesota's economy has changed from making raw materials to creating finished products and services. The state's economy is very diverse, with business sectors that look similar to the United States as a whole.

In 2025, Minnesota's gross domestic product was $531.4 billion. Many big companies are based in Minnesota, such as Target, UnitedHealth Group, 3M, and General Mills. The state also has large private companies like Cargill, the largest privately owned company in the United States.

Minnesota's per capita personal income was $78,538 in 2025, ranking 13th in the nation. The unemployment rate was 3.3% as of May 2025.

Minnesota's early industries included fur trading and agriculture. Minneapolis grew around flour mills powered by St. Anthony Falls. Today, agriculture is still important, with Minnesota being a top producer of sugar beets, sweet corn, peas, and farm-raised turkeys. The state also produces corn and soybeans and has many food cooperatives.

Forestry remains important, including logging, pulpwood processing, and paper production. Minnesota was once famous for its soft-ore mines, which supplied a large portion of the world's iron ore. Today, taconite mining continues, and in 2016, Minnesota produced 60% of the country's usable iron ore. The mining boom helped create the port of Duluth, which is still important for shipping.

The manufacturing sector now includes technology and biomedical firms, along with food processing and heavy industry. Minnesota is home to the nation's first indoor shopping mall, Southdale Center in Edina, and the largest, Mall of America in Bloomington. The state also has its own lottery.

Further information: List of power stations in Minnesota

Minnesota produces ethanol fuel and was the first state to require its use, a 10% mix (E10). In 2019, many gas stations sold E85 fuel, which is 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. A 2% biodiesel blend has been required in diesel fuel since 2005. Minnesota is also a top producer of wind energy, generating nearly one-fifth of its electricity from wind in 2018.

Xcel Energy is the state's largest utility and is based in Minnesota. There are also many municipal utilities and 44 electric distribution cooperatives serving customers across the state.

Minnesota has a progressive income tax system with four tax rates. In 2025, the state ranked 10th in the nation for taxes per person. The state sales tax is 6.875%, with some items like clothing and food exempt. The state legislature allows local sales taxes, such as a 0.5% tax in Minneapolis. Excise taxes apply to alcohol, tobacco, and motor fuel. There is also a use tax on items bought outside Minnesota but used in the state. Owners of real property pay property tax to various local governments.

Culture

Minnesota has many famous museums and music groups. The Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, and the Minnesota Orchestra are just a few examples. The state also has many theater groups, with Minneapolis having more than any other city except New York City.

Books set in Minnesota include Giants in the Earth and the Little House series. Famous writers from Minnesota include F. Scott Fitzgerald and Bob Dylan, who won a big prize for writing in 2016.

Minnesota has produced many famous musicians like Prince and The Andrews Sisters. The state also has a rich history in comedy and film. Shows like A Prairie Home Companion and movies like Fargo were created or filmed here.

The Minnesota State Fair is a big event that shows many parts of life in the state, from food to art and fun activities. Other festivals happen throughout the year, celebrating everything from winter to music and more.

Health

Minnesota has very good health overall. People in Minnesota live longer, stay healthier, and get checked up more often than in many other places. This is why some groups say Minnesota is the healthiest state in the country.

A law started in October 2007 that made smoking not allowed in restaurants and bars. The state works on health rules through the Minnesota Department of Health. Big hospitals and clinics, like the famous Mayo Clinic, help make sure people stay healthy.

Education

Main article: Education in Minnesota

See also: List of colleges and universities in Minnesota, List of high schools in Minnesota, and List of school districts in Minnesota

Minnesota has always placed a strong focus on education. Even when the state’s government first began, one of its first actions was to start a special school to train teachers. Because of this, many people in Minnesota know how to read and have gone to school.

In recent years, Minnesota has been recognized for its strong schools. The state has a high number of people who have finished high school and many who have gone on to college. Students in Minnesota also do very well on tests compared to students in other places around the world. The state has many public and private colleges and universities where people can continue their learning after high school.

Transportation

Main article: Transportation in Minnesota

Transportation in Minnesota is managed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, called MnDOT, and by local governments. Major roads, called Interstate highways, spread out from the Twin Cities area. The most important ones are Interstate 35, I-90, and I-94. I-35 and I-94 link Minneapolis and St. Paul, while I-90 runs along the southern part of the state.

Minnesota has many train routes, most of which go through Minneapolis–St. Paul or Duluth. There is also water travel along the Mississippi River and from ports on Lake Superior.

The main airport in Minnesota is Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport, which is a busy place for travelers and cargo. Other airports in Duluth and Rochester also offer flights. Public transportation, like buses, is available in many cities, including special services for people with disabilities. There are also two daily train trips, called the Empire Builder and the Borealis, that go through Minnesota. Local bus services and two train lines connect different places in the Twin Cities area.

Law and government

See also: Law of Minnesota

Minnesota is governed by the Minnesota Constitution, which was adopted on October 13, 1857. Like all U.S. states, Minnesota has a republican system with three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The state constitution includes a bill of rights that protects important freedoms.

Executive

Main article: Governor of Minnesota

The executive branch is led by Minnesota's governor, currently Tim Walz, who took office on January 7, 2019. The governor appoints leaders of state agencies and is responsible for carrying out the law. The governor also leads the Minnesota National Guard. A cabinet helps the governor with state government tasks.

Minnesotans elect several key leaders separately: a secretary of state, an attorney general, and a state auditor. Together with the governor and lieutenant governor, they form the Executive Council, which helps manage state finances and other important matters.

Legislature

The Minnesota Legislature has two parts: the Minnesota Senate and the Minnesota House of Representatives. The state has 67 districts, each with about 85,000 people. Each district elects one senator and two representatives.

Judiciary

Minnesota's court system has three levels. Most cases begin in the district courts. Appeals from these courts and some government decisions are handled by the Minnesota Court of Appeals. The Minnesota Supreme Court makes final decisions on important cases.

Regional

Minnesota has special groups that help local governments, like regional development commissions and Metropolitan Planning Organizations. These groups plan for land use and other community needs.

Federal

Minnesota's United States senators are Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith. The state has eight congressional districts, each represented by a member of Congress.

Tribal

The State of Minnesota was created in areas where the Dakota and Anishinaabe peoples lived. Today, these groups have 11 tribal governments that work with the U.S. and state governments. These include communities like the Prairie Island Indian Community and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Minnesota

See also: List of political parties in Minnesota, Minnesota's congressional delegations, Minnesota's congressional districts, and Political party strength in Minnesota

Minnesota is known for having very active voters. Many people in the state care a lot about politics. In the 2008 U.S. presidential election, 78.2% of people who could vote did so — the highest percentage in any U.S. state. In 2020, even more people voted, with 79.96% of registered voters taking part. People can register to vote on the day of the election at their polling places if they show proof of where they live.

Minnesota has often voted for Democratic presidents since 1976, which is longer than any other state. The state did not vote for Ronald Reagan in either of his campaigns. Both the Democratic and Republican parties are strong in Minnesota. The Democratic party in the state is called the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party, or DFL. It formed in 1944 when two parties joined together.

Minnesota has also had interesting elections with third parties. In 1998, Jesse Ventura, a former mayor and professional wrestler, was elected governor as a member of the Reform Party, now called the Independence Party. The Green Party also has some influence in local government in cities like Minneapolis and Duluth. To keep major-party status, a party’s candidates must get at least five percent of the vote in any statewide election.

Media

Main article: List of media in Minnesota

See also: List of newspapers in Minnesota

The Twin Cities area is the fifteenth largest media market in the United States. Other top markets in the state include Fargo–Moorhead, Duluth–Superior, Rochester–Mason City–Austin, and Mankato.

Broadcast television in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest started on April 27, 1948, when KSTP-TV began broadcasting. Hubbard Broadcasting, which owns KSTP, is now the only locally owned television company in Minnesota. There are 39 analog broadcast stations and 23 digital channels in the state.

The four largest daily newspapers are the Star Tribune in Minneapolis, the Pioneer Press in Saint Paul, the Duluth News Tribune in Duluth, and the Post-Bulletin in Rochester. Two of the largest public radio networks, Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) and Public Radio International (PRI), are based in the state. MPR has the largest audience of any regional public radio network in the nation. The state's oldest radio station, KUOM-AM, was launched in 1922 and is still on the air.

Sports, recreation and tourism

Minnesota has many organized sports teams and activities for people to enjoy. Tourism is also very important, especially around the lakes. The northern part of the state, once known for mining and timber, is now a popular place for vacations.

Organized sports

Main article: Sports in Minnesota

Minnesota has professional teams in all the big sports. The Minnesota Vikings have been part of the National Football League since 1961. They have played in different stadiums over the years and have competed in several big championship games.

The Minnesota Twins have been a Major League Baseball team since 1961. They have won big championships and have played in their current stadium since 2010.

The Minnesota Timberwolves joined the National Basketball Association in 1989 and play in their own special arena. The Minnesota Wild are part of the National Hockey League and play in St. Paul.

Minnesota also has teams in other sports like soccer and lacrosse, as well as minor league teams and women’s sports teams. The state has many college teams too, including the University of Minnesota.

Outdoor recreation

Minnesotans love being active outside, especially near water. Many families have small houses on lakes where they go for weekends and vacations. Popular activities include water skiing, boating, canoeing, and fishing. Ice fishing is also popular in winter.

During winter, people enjoy skating, hockey, curling, and snowmobiling. Minnesota has many forests and parks for year-round activities like camping, hiking, and biking. The state has more bike trails than any other in the U.S. and many trails for cross-country skiing in winter.