Minnesota - The Land of 10,000 Lakes

Minnesota

Minnesota, known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," is a northern state defined by its abundant freshwater, forested landscapes, and strong traditions of outdoor recreation. It became the 32nd state in 1858 and shares a long border with Canada, as well as the source of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca.

Home to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota balances urban energy with natural beauty. The state has deep ties to Native American heritage, especially the Dakota and Ojibwe peoples, and played a major role in lumber, mining, and farming in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Minnesota is also recognized for its progressive politics, cultural contributions, and educational achievements. From towering pine forests to the Mall of America, the state showcases both natural wonder and human innovation.

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Fast Facts and Interesting Facts
Fact Detail Interesting Facts
Region Midwest
  1. Minnesota is known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," but actually has over 11,800 lakes.
  2. The Mississippi River begins at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota.
  3. Minnesota has more shoreline than California, Florida, and Hawaii combined.
  4. The state is home to the Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the U.S.
  5. Minnesota experiences some of the coldest winters in the continental U.S.
  6. The Twin Cities (Minneapolis–St. Paul) are major cultural and economic hubs in the Midwest.
  7. It has a strong tradition of Scandinavian heritage, especially Norwegian and Swedish.
  8. Minnesota is a leader in medical technology and is home to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
  9. Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota features lakes, forests, and historic canoe routes.
  10. The state has a large number of state parks and is known for outdoor recreation year-round.
  11. Prince, the legendary musician, was born and raised in Minneapolis and recorded much of his music at his Paisley Park studio in Minnesota.
  12. Minnesota has a state law that requires all public schools to teach Ojibwe and Dakota history and culture, reflecting its deep Native American heritage.
Population 5.7 million (2023 estimate)
Area 86,936 sq mi
Statehood May 11, 1858 (32nd state)
Capital City St. Paul
Largest City Minneapolis
Abbreviation MN
Nickname The North Star State
Geography Thousands of lakes, northern forests, Mississippi River headwaters, prairie in the west
Bordering States North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin; also borders Canada
Economy Agriculture (corn, soybeans), healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and high-tech industries
State Tree Red Pine
State Bird Common Loon

Our Content
Minnesotsa Interactive Map

Interactive and Printable Minnesota Maps and Map Activities

This section features numerous interactive and printable Minnesota maps. Students can even use our Maptivation program to make their own Minnesota map.

Minnesota History

History of Minnesota

Minnesota was originally home to Native American tribes like the Dakota and Ojibwe before becoming a U.S. territory in 1849 and achieving statehood in 1858. The state played a key role in the lumber and milling industries and was a major supplier of iron ore during the industrial era.
Charles Lindbergh

Famous People from Minnesota

Charles Lindbergh, born in Minnesota, became an international hero after completing the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927. The Mayo Brothers, William and Charles, were pioneering physicians who founded the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, revolutionizing modern medicine with their collaborative approach to healthcare.

 
Comprehension

Minnesota Literacy and Comprehension Exercises

This section offers a variety of literacy and reading comprehension activities, including engaging passages with question sets, cloze reading exercises, and lessons on text elements and structure. These resources are generally suitable for students in grades 4–8.
Minnesota Symbols

Fun Minnesota Printables and Coloring Activities

This section features fun and educational Minnesota-themed coloring activities and printables, including state symbols, a state flag outline, a 'Welcome to Minnesota' sign, and much more!
Collage America

Minnesota and United States Online Games

This section provides some really exciting online games such as Minnesota or Not Minnesota, Collage America, Ameriquake, Conquer the States, Draw America, and several more.