What is Minnesota Known For? (27 Things it’s Famous For) 2023

If you’re asking yourself the question, what is Minnesota known for, take a seat and get ready, because there are so many things to know about this state.

I’ve lived here for my entire life, so I can wholeheartedly tell you that yes, Minnesota is underrated and is well-known for quite a few things!

We’re known for more than most people even think, including natural beauty, a rich culture, and a diverse landscape. As well as being the birthplace of some great inventions and big-name stars.

Let’s go over some of the top things that people know Minnesota for and why it’s a state worth visiting!

What is Minnesota Best Known For?

While there are tons of things that Minnesota is known for, the thing that we’re best known for is our 10,000+ lakes.

With so many great waterways including rivers, ponds, lakes, and more, there’s no question as to why we’ve been given the nickname, ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes.’

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Top Things that Minnesota is Known For

Below are 27 of the top things that Minnesota is known for. But the list is endless, and there are many more things you may think of!

1. Tater Tot Hotdish

One thing is for sure, Minnesotans know how to make a pretty mean hotdish.

And they’ll get after you if you call it a casserole instead of a hotdish, so be sure to use the right terminology when you’re in our territory!

Who knew a mixture of hamburger, cream of mushroom soup, and mixed veggies could taste so good?!

Topped with golden brown tater tots and you’ve got yourself the best-ever Minnesotan dinner.

It’s not uncommon to find at least one (often 3 or 4) hotdishes at every potluck you attend.

2. Cold Winters

When someone thinks of the north, their brain automatically goes to ‘COLD!’

So there’s no question as to why Minnesota is so well known for our extremely cold winters, tons of snow, and frozen lands.

We see days that reach -30°F, and some that feel even colder than that due to the wind chill.

And our winters aren’t just a few months long. They tend to last for nearly half the darn year.

Some people consider winter to be from November to April.

So if you’re planning a visit to Minnesota in the winter, be sure to dress warm and pack a few extra layers.

3. The Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair is something that locals look forward to all year. Even though I’ve gone every year since I was born, I still look forward to it!

With the smells of mini donuts and cheese curds drifting through the air, millions of people walk the streets of the fairgrounds.

At the end of August, for 12 days leading up to Labor Day, Minnesotans gather for the ‘Great Minnesota Get-Together.’

A few of the must-haves for my family are the cheese curds, Sweet Martha’s Cookies, and Pronto Pups. We never eat lunch at the fair and always just get a ton of snacks to share!

People from all over travel to see why it’s the best state fair in the country!

4. The Land of 10,000 Lakes

Since we’ve been given the name The Land of 10,000 Lakes, of course, it makes sense that we’re well known for our waterways.

While there are actually closer to 14,000 lakes in the state, it’s just easier to say 10,000.

You can find a lake nearly everywhere you look. And in the winter, that field that you’re looking at, might very well be a lake.

Minnesotans put them to good use too! We boat on them, fish, swim, kayak, ice fish, snowmobile, etc. etc. on our grand lakes.

5. Saying ‘Ope’

Something that every Minnesotan has had to accept is the fact that every once in a while (more like multiple times a day…) an “ope” might sneak out. It’s just a fact!

Anytime I squeeze past someone, drop my pen, or forget something, I accidentally say ‘ope’ and I just have to let it happen. I usually always try to laugh it off.

It’s something that we just can’t help, and it comes with being born and raised in Minnesota.

So if you meet somewhere who lets out an “ope,” just embrace it.

6. The North Shore

Perhaps the most beautiful place in the state of Minnesota is known as the North Shore, along the western shore of Lake Superior.

When you ask someone what is Minnesota known for, it’s hard to leave out the beautiful shore.

It’s my favorite part of the entire state because there are so many great places to hike, explore, and enjoy the outdoors. I really do love it.

From overlooks of the shore such as Palisade Head, 8 state parks, Lake Superior beaches, and delicious restaurants, it’s got everything you could wish for.

7. Wild Rice

Wild rice is the state grain of Minnesota and grows in shallow lakes in the central and northern parts of the state.

The rice is harvested by hand with tall wooden sticks that known the rice into the bottom of a canoe.

It’s traditionally been harvested by the Ojibwe Tribes, who have harvested the rice in pairs. One person steers the boat through the water while the other knocks the rice into the boat.

If you’re lucky enough to try wild rice during your visit, you’ll be pleased with how delicious it is.

From creamy chicken wild rice soup to wild rice stuffed chicken, there are many ways to prepare the local grain.

8. Lake Superior

As the largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Superior is a big reason that people visit Minnesota.

It’s one of the 5 Great Lakes and takes up over 31,000 square miles of land. It’s the coldest and deepest of the Great Lakes!

The beautiful lake runs along the North Shore, creating beautiful views for miles and miles.

Visitors love to swim in Lake Superior, search for sea glass and rocks, hike along the shore, and even surf during the winter months.

It’s a powerful lake that sometimes feels like an ocean. Especially when you’re looking out into the distance and can’t see any land.

But don’t be fooled, there aren’t any whales here! 😉

9. The Mayo Clinic

The large city of Rochester in southern Minnesota is home to one of the country’s best medical facilities, the Mayo Clinic.

There are a few campuses around the country, but the Mayo in Rochester has continuously been ranked as one of the best hospitals in the US.

It has departments with top-notch doctors and nurses for cardiology, cancer, endocrinology, gastroenterology, dermatology, and many more.

And it’s often ranked as one of the best for many of these departments!

People travel from all over the country to go to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

10. Jucy Lucys

When visiting Minnesota, you may also find yourself asking, what is Minneapolis known for? Many, many things, but first and foremost; the Jucy Lucy.

A trip to Minneapolis wouldn’t be complete without indulging in one of Minnesota’s most beloved burgers.

At Matt’s Bar & Grill in downtown Minneapolis, you can try out an original Jucy Lucy.

These burgers are stuffed with hot cheese that oozes out when you bite into the delicious burger.

And when paired with a side of fries, it’s a match made in Heaven, right here in Minnesota.

The dive bar sure knows how to do it right! Although I’ve tried other places (like 5-8 Bar and Lucy’s Burgers) my favorite still has always been Matt’s Bar.

11. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

With over 1 million acres of forests, lakes, and beautiful land, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is one of the best wilderness areas in the country.

It offers over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, and plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

While in the BWCAW, you’ll notice the peace and quiet that it brings. Dark skies, the sounds of birds chirping, and the wind rustling the leaves are a few things to enjoy during a visit.

It is one of the most visited wilderness areas in the country, but a trip to the Boundary Waters still requires a lot of preparation.

There aren’t any stores inside, it’s tough to get around without a canoe, and service is limited.

But it’s one of the best parts of Minnesota, so don’t miss it!

12. Mississippi River Headwaters

Although the Mississippi River isn’t special to just Minnesota, since it travels through much of the Midwest, we do have something special here.

In Itasca State Park, just outside of Park Rapids, are the headwaters of the great Mississippi River.

Yep, that’s right. It all starts right here in the great state of Minnesota!

My family has visited the headwaters many times since my mom grew up in Park Rapids. Whenever we’ve visited, we’ve also grabbed ice cream at the visitor center!

Kiddos may even enjoy splashing around in the water near the headwaters while you sit back and enjoy the Minnesota summer.

13. The North Star State

Minnesota has many nicknames, and another of that long list is ‘The North Star State.’

While you’ll often hear us referred to as the Land of 10,000 Lakes first, many people use this nickname for MN as well.

The reason that we’ve been given this nickname is because it comes from the French motto ‘l’étoile du nord’, which means the Star of the North.

Minnesota is located in the far northern part of the United States, although sometimes thought to be in Canada.

The Minnesota hockey team also used to be called the North Stars, from 1967 to 1993, before the Wild came to town in 2000.

14. Bald Eagles

Bald eagles are the United States of America’s national bird, and in some places, you will rarely catch a glimpse of one.

But in Minnesota, we’re pretty darn lucky to have one of the highest populations of these beautiful birds.

It isn’t uncommon to see a bald eagle soaring across the sky above you. When I visited Washington and took a whale-watching tour, there was a bald eagle and people were so excited to see it. But I was confused because we have them all the time in Minnesota!

Keep an eye out for them any time of day, because you might see one perched in a tree, feeding on road-kill, or soaring above.

15. The State of Hockey

Because of how cold of winters we have in Minnesota, we’ve taken on the sport of hockey to give us something to do on snow days.

We’re often called the ‘State of Hockey,’ because nearly everyone you meet has played a game at least once in their life!

There are outdoor hockey rinks scattered around every town, no matter how small. And most indoor rinks are available for open ice multiple days a week.

My brother played hockey growing up, so I spent tons of time at an arena. I even played it for one year before I started figure skating.

And we have every local’s favorite hockey team, the Minnesota Wild, who play at the Xcel Center in the capital city, St. Paul.

16. Snowmobiling

On winter weekends in Minnesota, you can almost always hear a faint buzzing sound when you step outside.

That would be a snowmobile, one of Minnesota locals’ favorite things to do on those cold winter days.

And with such easy access to one of the top snowmobile distributors’ headquarters, Polaris, you can find these machines everywhere you go.

Polaris has facilities all around Minnesota, but the most popular is in Roseau, where the first modern snowmobile was invented back in the 1950s.

Last year was my first time trying snowmobiling, and it’s something that we did almost every weekend after I first tried! I’m hooked and am so excited to go again.

17. Paul Bunyan

Many people know the tall tale of Paul Bunyan and his big blue ox Babe.

The exaggerated story tells of how Paul Bunyan was a North American lumberjack hero and that he would clear forests quickly and easily.

Some say that the 10,000+ lakes in Minnesota were created by Paul’s giant footsteps.

In Minnesota, there are multiple statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe that you can visit.

The one in Bemidji is the most popular, but there are also ones in Akeley and Brainerd.

18. The Mall of America

When anyone asks the question, what is Minnesota known for, many people think of the Mall of America.

Located in Bloomington, about 20 minutes south of Minneapolis and St. Paul, this is the largest mall in the entire country.

With over 500 stores, 50+ restaurants, a movie theater, an aquarium, a theme park, and more, this place is a whole experience.

When you’re visiting Minnesota, a stop at the Mall of America is a must, even if you aren’t much of a shopper.

And if you are a shopper, then be sure to bring a few bucks along, because you’ll find every store you could imagine here.

19. Minnesota Nice

One of the top things that represent Minnesota is the phrase, ‘Minnesota Nice.’

We’ve all heard it. Whether you’re from Minnesota or not, you’ve heard someone say it.

This stereotype is one that is quite controversial amongst locals because oftentimes it’s used in a passive-aggressive manner.

It’s a stereotype that Minnesotans are always courteous, kind, giving, and wanting to help.

While we have been named one of the friendliest states in the country, it can sometimes be tough to live up to those standards!

But in the end, I can say without a doubt, that our Minnesota Nice does shine through, and most Minnesotans that you meet are bound to almost always give you the time of day.

20. Prince

Perhaps one of the most beloved things that Minnesota is known for is the pop star, Prince. He was born and raised in Minneapolis.

After making a name for himself at the small concert venue, First Avenue in Minneapolis, Prince went on to become a huge star.

In Chanhassen, Prince created a large sanctuary to let his creativity reign. The space, known as Paisley Park is now open for visitors to enjoy.

Learn about the legacy of Prince and remember him for the star that he was, and still is today.

21. Target

Nearly everyone has shopped at Target at least once in their life, and I think that we can all agree that they’re one of the best stores out there.

And Minnesotans are darn proud that we’re the founding state of Target, with the headquarters in Minneapolis.

So whenever you’re in a Target, sipping on your Starbucks, and debating whether you should get another cute coffee mug, remember where Target reigns from!

22. Minneapolis’s Skyway

Minneapolis is known for being the home to the world’s largest contiguous skyway system, giving visitors the freedom to walk outside without freezing.

There are nearly 10 miles of skyways connecting 80 city blocks with the city of Minneapolis.

The skyways are typically open during the week and are the perfect way to get from place to place.

During the winter, these are one of the best parts of living in Minneapolis.

You won’t ever have to walk outside in the cold! Heck yeah!

23. Judy Garland

This popular actress was most beloved for her role in the popular movie The Wizard of Oz but sure made a name for herself back in the day.

What many don’t know, is that Judy Garland was born right here in Minnesota, in the small town of Grand Rapids. (My hometown!)

I grew up absolutely obsessed with The Wizard of Oz, so I loved visiting her home and seeing where she was born. You can still go in there today!

Inside the museum, there’s a large collection of Wizard of Oz memorabilia, as well as the carriage that the Horse of a Different Color pulled.

The ruby glass slippers that Garland wore in the film were once on display at the museum, but they were stolen back in 2005.

After over a decade of searching, the slippers were finally found, although they have never announced who the thief was.

24. Fishing

With so many lakes scattered everywhere you look, there’s no question as to why Minnesota is known for fishing.

Whether it’s the middle of summer or the dead of winter, you’ll find Minnesotans out on the lake dropping a line.

There are some of the best places to catch walleye, bass, crappie, sunfish, and more scattered all over the state.

And during the winter, head out onto the frozen lakes for some ice fishing.

25. SPAM

SPAM was born in the great state of Minnesota, and is still to this day produced in the small town of Austin.

There’s even a SPAM Museum in Austin that you can check out, to learn all about the popular canned meat.

It’s become a popular food for people to have in their pantries at home, and the people of Minnesota understand why (although I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan).

26. Bob Dylan

There are several big-name artists that were born in Minnesota, and Bob Dylan is another of them.

The American singer and songwriter, most famous for his songs ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’ and ‘Like a Rolling Stone,’ was born in Duluth.

He grew up in the small town of Hibbing, just east of Grand Rapids.

While he only lived here for a few years of his life, the small towns are still proud to have produced such a talented singer.

27. Caribou Coffee

While most people head to their local Starbucks to grab their morning cup of coffee, you can find Minnesotans waiting in the Caribou drive-thru.

The Minnesota-made coffee chain is a favorite to locals and visitors, offering drinks served in cups that memorialize our beautiful state.

Even people that are from out of state take one visit and wish that they had a Caribou back home! My favorite drink is a Sparkling Green Tea Lemonade with Raspberry. As someone who doesn’t like coffee, it’s perfect.

28. Voyageurs National Park

As the only national park in the state of Minnesota, Voyageurs is a beloved park with beautiful views.

It’s made up of nearly 40% water, which really showcases the beauty that is Minnesota.

People visit the park to fish, boat, hike, and just get out into nature.

And because of how far north it is and how remote the park is, it’s a great spot to see the northern lights and go sky-gazing.

29. The Twin Cities

Of course, I couldn’t skip out on mentioning the Twin Cities, which is one of the largest metro areas in the Midwest.

Made up of the capital city, St. Paul, and its twin, Minneapolis, the large area encompasses over 6,000 square miles of land.

It also is made up of multiple other cities that surround the two, including Bloomington, Roseville, Edina, Golden Valley, and more.

It’s where most people fly in for a visit, home to the capital building, and many of the state’s best activities.

What Food is Minnesota Known For?

One of the main things that represent Minnesota is our love of hotdishes (wrongly called casseroles in some states).

Our favorite is tater-tot hotdish, which consists of ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, mixed veggies, and tater tots.

Minnesota is also known for its wild rice, which is locally harvested and then made into delicious foods like wild rice soup.

Minneapolis is known for taking pride in its selection of craft beers and breweries, such as Surly Brewing, Modist Brewing Company, and Summit Brewing.

What is Minnesota Known For Making?

Many people don’t know that Minnesota is actually where some top products today were invented.

Scotch Tape was invented here, as were Post-It Notes and the pacemaker.

Rollerblades were invented in Minnesota, as well as retractable seatbelts, water skis, and the automatic pop-up toaster.

Items that were first made here and continue to be manufactured here include Polaris snowmobiles, Tonka Trucks, General Mills cereals, and 3M Tape.

What Animal is Minnesota Known For?

Minnesota is known for its abundance of wildlife, including large mammals such as black bears, white-tailed deer, and wolves.

The state is also home to a variety of birds, such as the state bird, the common loon, and the nation’s bird, the bald eagle.

Aside from these animals, we also have a large variety of freshwater fish species, including walleye, northern pike, and bass.

Of course, there are other animals in the state as well, and you can see some of them out in the wild when hiking or out in the woods.

What is Minnesota Known for Having the Largest Of?

Something that people love to see are the largest things in each state, and luckily, Minnesota has a few to showcase.

Minnesota is home to the world’s largest ball of twine, walleye statue, otter statue, pelican statue, kneeling Paul Bunyan statue, and more.

What Things Represent Minnesota?

There are many things that represent Minnesota, either by a symbol designated to the state, or just something people think of when they think of the state.

Here’s a list of some of the things that represent Minnesota.

• Common loon
• Walleye
• Lady slippers
• Monarchs
• Snow/cold weather
• The Boundary Waters
• The Minnesota State Fair
• Hotdishes
• Lake Superior
• Wild rice
• Lakes

FAQs

Conclusion: What is Minnesota Known For?

When we think of what is Minnesota known for, there are just too many things to count.

Minnesota is a state of unique beauty and diversity.

From its stunning landscapes to vibrant cities, there is something for everyone in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Visitors can enjoy good food, nice people, fun activities, and more when planning a visit to the great state of Minnesota.