Minnesota is found in the northern Midwest, with South and North Dakota to the west, Iowa to the south, Wisconsin to the east, and Canada above. The state is full of lush forests, vibrant cities, and various bodies of water. Ultimately, it’s called the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” and is a treasure trove of rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Whether you visit Minnesota monthly, plan to move here (because Minnesota is a top rated place to live) or have been here forever, it’s important to know what the North Star State offers.
In a sense, you could be a Minnesota native and still not know everything this state provides. Let’s explore why people like living here!
A Strong Economy
Overall, Minnesota has a strong economy that’s supported by various industries, such as agriculture, technology, retail, and healthcare. Did you know that Cargill is the largest privately owned company in the US, and its headquarters are in this state?
Here are a few other industries that have boomed here:
- Technology – Tech companies are streaming into the Twin Cities area and include corporations like Medtronic and 3M, as well as startups.
- Agriculture – Minnesota is known for having fertile ground and is the top producer of sugar beets, soybeans, and corn, as well as dairy and turkeys.
- Retail – Target is the nation’s largest retail company, and its headquarters are in Minneapolis.
- Healthcare – The Mayo Clinic is located in Rochester, Minnesota, and it’s the leader in patient care and healthcare innovation.
Delicious Food in Minnesota
Whether you’ve lived here for a while or are visiting, it’s important to note that Minnesota offers a wide variety of food options that contain local ingredients. You’ll find farm-to-table cuisine and Scandinavian-inspired choices. Check out the most popular ones below:
- Lefse – This is a soft flatbread that reflects the Scandinavian heritage in Minnesota. It’s often served with sugar and butter.
- Walleye – This is the state fish, so most Minnesota menus showcase it. You’ll often find it grilled or fried.
- Hotdish – This is a hearty casserole that’s become a comfort food staple in the area. It typically features vegetables, meat, and a creamy sauce.
- Juicy Lucy – This is a Minnesota creation. The cheese-stuffed hamburger is very delicious.
- Wild Rice Soup – This is a creamy soup dish made with wild rice that was locally harvested. It’s a traditional ingredient for many Native American tribes in the area.
Top Tourist Attractions to Visit
Did you know that Minnesota is famous for its mixture of cultural hotspots and natural wonders? Here are some destinations to check out:
- Mall of America in Bloomington – The Mall of America in Bloomington is the largest shopping mall in the US. It has over 500 stores, an aquarium, and an indoor amusement park.
- North Shore Scenic Drive – Taking the picturesque route along Lake Superior will provide you with stunning views, charming towns, and beautiful waterfalls.
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – The beautiful wilderness area is quite expansive and ideal for fishing, camping, and canoeing. You’ll experience scenic views and serene lakes.
- Minnehaha Falls – If you enjoy waterfalls, you should check out Minnehaha Falls. It’s in Minneapolis and is a favorite place for tourists and locals.
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden – Are you an art lover? If so, you should check out the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, with its iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry piece.
Five Famous Restaurants to Visit in Minnesota
Take a look at these five famous restaurants found in Minnesota:
- Duluth Grill in Duluth – The restaurant is famous because it’s committed to offering organic and sustainable ingredients and has a diverse menu.
- Meritage in St. Paul – The French brasserie is well-known for its elegant atmosphere, classic dishes, and oysters.
- The Freehouse in Minneapolis – The beloved brewpub offers a wide range of house-made beers and an extensive menu, which are perfect for casual dining.
- Owamni by The Sioux Chef in Minneapolis – The restaurant is celebrated because it sources its ingredients locally and focuses on Indigenous cuisine.
- Murray’s in Minneapolis – The restaurant is known for its Silver Butter Knife Steak, which is a local favorite and has been since 1946.
- Matt’s Bar – Home of the Jucy Lucy, a hamburger with cheese melted inside the patty.
The Entertainment and Cultural Options
What entertainment choices are available in Minnesota? Check out these options:
- Music – Minnesota has produced a few iconic musicians, such as Bob Dylan and Prince. If you want to experience live music, consider the First Avenue Club, which is in Minneapolis.
- Festivals – The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest events in the United States. There’s also the St. Paul Winter Carnival, which helps to celebrate the state’s seasons and culture.
- Theater – Most people aren’t aware that the Twin Cities has more theater seats than any other US city outside of NY. Guthrie Theater is one of the most popular venues.
Higher Education Options
If you’re only planning a visit, you may not need to know which colleges and universities are available. However, if you wish to move here, it might be helpful. They include:
- Gustavus Adolphus College – This college is known for academic excellence. Even if you don’t attend classes, you may wish to visit the beautiful campus in St. Peter.
- St. Olaf College – This is a liberal arts college, and it’s located in Northfield. The music program is pretty strong here.
- Macalester College – This is a very prestigious college found in St. Paul. It’s primarily known for emphasizing internationalism.
- Carleton College – This is a top-ranked college found in Northfield with a strong focus on liberal arts.
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities – This college is well-known for its diverse academic programs and research.
Beautiful Natural Resources (Including the Mississippi River and the Minnesota River)
Most people know that Minnesota’s landscape is primarily characterized by its rivers, forests, and lakes. The state is committed to outdoor recreation and conservation, which is evident in the many natural areas and parks, such as:
- Whitewater State Park – The Whitewater State Park is known for its scenic bluffs and clear, spring-fed river.
- Jay Cooke State Park – This park has a swinging bridge going over the St. Louis River and has amazingly beautiful waterfalls.
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park – This park features a beautiful lighthouse. There are scenic views along Lake Superior on the North Shore.
- Voyageurs National Park – This park is known for its pristine wilderness and interconnected waterways. Therefore, it’s perfect for fishing and boating.
- Itasca State Park – You’ll find the headwaters for the Mississippi River here, and you can walk across it!
Here’s a fun little fact: Minnesota has more than 11,842 lakes bigger than 10 acres, which is why it’s nicknamed the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”
Bar Games
If we’re being honest, Minnesota has a lot of cold winter months. This usually means that people congregate in bars to keep warm and be amongst friends. For this reason, bars have many activities that keep people engaged. Bar games range from legal gambling to support a cause, such as pull tabs, all the way to bar bingo and simulated horse races. Meat raffles are also a common, year round activity that many people love to partake in.
Calling All Sports Enthusiasts
Do you love sports? The professional teams located here include:
- Minnesota United FC (MLS) – This is the state’s soccer team; they play at Allianz Field.
- Minnesota Wild (NHL) – Everyone in Minnesota loves hockey, and this is the team in St. Paul.
- Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) – This is the state’s professional basketball team.
- Minnesota Twins (MLB) – This is the state’s professional baseball team.
- Minnesota Vikings (NFL) – This is the state’s professional football team.
Unique Phrases in Northern Minnesota and Beyond
When visiting, you’ll likely hear some of these Minnesota sayings and phrases:
- The Cities – This refers to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.
- Uff Da! – This is an exclamation of surprise, relief, or exhaustion.
- Minnesota Nice – This describes how friendly, reserved, and courteous the state is as a whole. I go deeper into this here.
Final Thoughts on the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area
What is Minnesota known for? As you can see above, there are plenty of things people love about this state. It’s the perfect place to visit, though you may decide to move here. If you do, you’ll have time to explore everything.
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
