On May 11, 1858, Minnesota became the 32nd state of the union. The peculiar protrusion to the north is the result of a border agreement with Britain before the area was thoroughly explored.
State geography
Minnesota's landscape stretches from the edge of the subarctic forest to the heart of the Corn Belt. Most of the land has been covered by glaciers several times, and its surface has been shaped by constant freezing, thawing and ice movement. Outstanding geomorphological reminders of that time are the continuous farmlands, thousands of lakes, steep slopes, glacial lakes, and rolling plains that make up today's Minnesota landscape. The state's rich soils developed on crushed mineral rocks left behind by retreating glaciers. The average height of the landscape ranges from 184 m above sea level (Lake Superior) to 701 m at Eagle Mountain.
Minnesota's thousands of rivers flow north, east, and south before emptying into the Hudson Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico, respectively. The state got its name from the word Dakota (Sioux) - the main tributary of Minnesota.
Interesting fact! Dakota literally means "sky-colored water".
The northernmost and largest state of America consists of vast forests, fertile prairies and countless bodies of water. The latter served as the basis for one of Minnesota's countless nicknames, "The Land of 10,000 Lakes." In fact, there are slightly more of them (about 12,000). Together, the lakes cover an area of more than 10 acres (4 ha). The main feature of the state is almost 13,000 square kilometers (5,000 sq mi) of inland fresh water.
Minnesota on the world map
This is one of the largest states in the US. On the north side, it is surrounded by the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario, as well as the Upper Lakes. To the east it is adjacent to the state of Wisconsin.
The southern and western sides were surrounded by the states of Iowa, South and North Dakota.
Climate and weather
Temperature changes in Minnesota occur not only seasonally, but also from one part of the state to another. It is hot here in summer, and in the northern regions frost is possible in any month.
In July, the average daily maximum reaches +29°C in southern Minnesota and +21°C near the shoreline of Lake Superior. The average daily maximum in January varies from -4 °C in the south to -9 °C in the north. The minimum ranges from -15 °C to -21 °C. The frost-free period lasts less than 90 days in the northern parts of the country and more than 160 days in the southern parts.
Average annual rainfall ranges from 500mm in the northwest to over 750mm in the southeast. Seasonal snowfall ranges from 1000mm in the western part of the state to over 1800mm in the northeast.
From about mid-December to mid-March, almost all of Minnesota is occupied by continuous snow cover.
State Nature
The original vegetation falls into three main categories: coniferous, deciduous forests, and prairies. Coniferous vegetation occupies the northeastern part of the state. It includes pine, spruce, fir, as well as tamarack, which grows in swampy areas. The hardwood belt extends from the southeast to the northeast to the Canadian border, bypassing Minneapolis/Saint Paul and located on the southern and western side of the coniferous forest. In width, deciduous forests occupy from 65 to 130 km. They mainly consist of oak, maple, linden, ash, elm, poplar and elderberry. To the south and west of the deciduous forests is the prairie. Most of it is farmland, but one-third of Minnesota is still covered by forests.
Mammals found throughout the state include deer, foxes, raccoons, porcupines, minks, weasels, skunks, muskrats, marmots, and squirrels. In the north, there are black bears, moose, wolves, coyotes, lynxes, otters and beavers. Common year-round birds include tits, woodpeckers, grosbeaks, cardinals, sparrows, and jays. Migratory birds include ducks, geese, gulls, coots, thrushes and herons.
Interesting fact! The state symbol is the polar loon.
Among the game are also common hazel grouse, quail, partridge, wild turkeys and pheasants. The main predators include hawks, eagles, owls and eagles. The tree rattlesnake is found in several southeastern counties.
Walleye is the most popular fish in the state. Among fishermen, it takes an honorable first place. Other commercial fish include northern pike, maskinong, perch, lake trout, crappie, sunfish and eel. Many streams are home to brown and rainbow trout. In the deep cold waters of the Upper Lake, you can find cod, coho salmon, king salmon, salmon, herring and whitefish.
Population of Minnesota
Canadians, as well as those of English, Scottish, and Scotch-Irish ancestry, first settled in Minnesota in the early 19th century. Most of them were entrepreneurs who helped build institutions and participated in town meetings to discuss legislative matters. Several localities held them even before Minnesota became a state in 1858.
The first major immigrant groups in the second half of the 19th century were Germans, Swedes and Norwegians who cleared forests, built railways, worked the soil and sold. At that time, the German settlers were numerically dominant. They occupied central and south-central Minnesota. Norwegian settlers moved west, forming the main ethnic group in the west-central region of the state and in the Red River valley. The Swedish settlement is located north of Twin City in west-central and northwestern Minnesota. A significant number of Finns settled in the northeast; Poles - in the southeastern and central part of the state; gypsies - south of Twin City; the Irish are in the south; the French and French Canadians in northwestern Minnesota; the Dutch and Flemings in the southwestern part; Icelanders in northwestern Minnesota; Danes, Welsh and Swiss all over the state.
Interesting fact! The Indian population is represented by the Ojibwa people (also Chippewa or Anishinabe), half of which is located in the Twin City area. The rest live on reservations in rural Minnesota.
Each ethnic group brought their own religious traditions. Residents of central and south-central Minnesota (mostly of German, Polish, and Romani origin) are Roman Catholic. Germans and people from the Scandinavian countries are Lutherans. Muslim and Buddhist communities meet in the cities, while the Twin City area is dominated by Jews.
10 cities in Minnesota
Minnesota is a huge state, ranked 12th in area. According to 2009 data provided by the US Census Bureau, Minnesota ranks 21st out of 50 in terms of population, so there is more land than people.
Minneapolis: 413,651
Minneapolis is the most recognizable city in the state. It hosts three of the four major sports teams. In 2008, the city hosted the Republican National Convention.
This is the most underrated place in the northern United States. Amazing views of the horizon from the embankment, three professional sports stadiums, many art centers and theaters. Perfect brewing technology, the best park system in the country, and a gourmet paradise where you can enjoy Scandinavian cuisine for breakfast, Ethiopian cuisine for lunch, “hot dishes” for dinner, and sipping cocktails on the Ferris wheel.
Saint Paul: 302,398
Saint Paul is the state capital and home of the Minnesota Wild hockey team.
Rochester: 208,880
Rochester is home to the world famous Mayo Clinic with 33,179 employees.
Duluth: 86,293
Duluth is located in the northeast corner of the state and borders Wisconsin and Lake Superior, which is the largest freshwater lake in the world. The city is also adjacent to the Superior National Wildlife Refuge and is famous for its four-season climate.
Bloomington: 84,465 people
Bloomington is home to the Mall of America, the largest mall in the United States. According to bloomingtonmn.org, the center is large enough to accommodate 32 Boeing 747s. To the south, Bloomington is bordered by the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.
Brooklyn Park: 79,707
Brooklyn Park is located in Hennepin County and borders the Mississippi River to the east. The park area covers more than 8 million square meters.
Plymouth: 73,987
According to the city's website, in 2008 Plymouth was ranked #1 in Money Magazine's "Best Places to Live". At the same time, cities with a population of 50,000 to 300,000 people were taken into account. In 2010, he hit the top 12.
Woodbury: 65,659
Much of the City of Woodbury's area is away from freeways. In 2014, it was ranked #12 in Money Magazine's "Best Places to Live".
Egan: 65,453 people
At one time, Egan was called the "Onion Capital of the United States" due to the large amount of arable land.
Maple Grove: 65,406 people
On the territory of Maple Grove there are seven lakes, many parks and 48 playgrounds.
Transport
Minnesota's transportation infrastructure is concentrated in the Twin City area. Regional and transcontinental rail and road systems radiate from the heart of the Twin Cities. Northeast Minnesota trains carry iron ore and taconite products, which are then shipped to Wisconsin.
Since the discovery (1959) of the waterway in the Great Lakes region, products from the Midwest have spread throughout the world. In many parts of the state, river transport has become the main mode of transportation for passengers and goods. Mississippi River barges carry bulk products to major inland ports in St. Paul and Minneapolis. Coal, oil and salt are delivered upstream. Grain, sand and gravel are transported in the opposite direction.
The Twin City area, served by several commercial airlines, is also an air hub for the Upper Midwest. The Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport has a well-established satellite connection.
Cottage Grove
Airplanes are not allowed to land in city parks.
Plants should not be watered on odd days. The exception is the thirty-first day.
Hibbing
The duties of the police include the extermination of cats seen in any public place.
Minneapolis
People are not allowed to go up or down the narrow alleys.
Red cars cannot drive on Lake Street.
minneton
Do not drive a truck with dirty tires or place stickers on the sidewalk.
It is forbidden to convince another person to go to the massage therapist after 23:00.
Saint Cloud
You can't eat hamburgers on Sundays.
Top attractions in Minnesota
In addition to the Bloomington Mall and the Minnesota Zoo, the state boasts a wealth of attractions and cultural sites. The traveler will learn about the rich history of the Midwest, explore nature and enjoy the Minnesota lifestyle.
Lighthouse "Split Rock"
The Split Rock Lighthouse is a historic site located in Two Harbors. According to the Minnesota Historical Society, this is one of the most famous landmarks in the state, which was built in 1910. Those who come here to relax often climb the hills, walk along the base of the lighthouse, and also enjoy the picturesque view of the lake. "Split Rock" can be visited from May 15 to October 15. As of January 2018, the ticket price is USD 10 for adults; 8 USD for pensioners and students; 6 USD for children aged 6 to 17. Children aged 5 and under are admitted free.
Walker Arts Center
The Walker Art Center is an important cultural attraction in Twin City, with a large collection of sculptures, paintings, photographs, as well as artwork, digital works and other exhibits. The center displays more than 11,000 works and 1,200 art books. It also has a sculpture garden where visitors can take a self-guided tour and admire the strange pieces. Among them you can see the Spoon Bridge, as well as a magnificent greenhouse. As of January 2018, admission to the gallery is $15 for adults and $13 for seniors aged 65 and over. The cost for students and teenagers with ID is 10 USD. Entrance to the sculpture garden is free for all visitors.
valley fair
ValleyFair is a 90-acre amusement park located in Shakopee. It can entertain both small children and teenagers and adults of all ages. Valleyfair is equipped with Soak City Water Park, rollercoasters, extreme rides, as well as Challenge Park, where you can find go-kart tracks, arcades and an 18-hole mini golf course. Visitors can experience classic carnival rides including the traditional carousel, ferris wheel, inflatable boats and hot air balloon rides. One-day package for visitors aged 3 to 61 is 45 USD (as of January 2018). Children under 2 years old are admitted free of charge.
Minneapolis waterfront area
The waterfront (the oldest section of the city) is home to several local cafes, trendy bistros, the historic Teatro de la June Lune, a soap factory and the new Guthrie Theatre. Visitors can enjoy the fresh air at Boom Island Park or walk along the Great River Birding Trail, relax at the Tuggs River Saloon or Vic's Restaurant. You can follow the publishing process at the Open Book Center. The Minneapolis River area is managed by the Minnesota Historical Society, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Council, Minneapolis Department of Planning and Economic Development, and other community organizations.
Paul Bunyan Waterpark
Paul Bunyan Waterpark is located in The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes. This is a family resort offering cabins and spacious suites designed in the style of the Midwest. The water park is located on the territory of the hotel and has an area of 2800 square meters. It features a holographic water slide, a 222-square-meter play center, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and an indoor ring-shaped pool. As of January 2018, daily admission from Friday to Sunday is $17.95 and Monday to Thursday is $11.95.
Conclusion
The state of Minnesota covers an area of 225,181 square kilometers. It is the northernmost state in the US, as only Alaska is further north. A cold climate prevails here, many mammals and migratory birds live, and the entire territory of Minnesota is covered with forests and parks. A quarter of the state's population is from Scandinavian countries, but the majority of residents are of German origin, as this is the largest ethnic group. By the end of the 20th century, the service sector began to dominate the economy of Minnesota. It surpassed agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, which were the main sources of income in the state upon settlement.
Saint Paul is the capital of Minnesota, and the Twin City area (Minneapolis-Saint Paul) is the main administrative, economic and cultural center of the state.
Infrastructure and transport are developed at the proper level. Like any state, Minneapolis has its own laws, and sometimes very strange ones. Attractions such as the Split Rock Lighthouse, the Minneapolis waterfront area, or the Walker Arts Center will leave no one indifferent.
Minnesota- a state in the Midwest of the United States, one of the so-called states of the Northwest Center. Population 5,420,380 (2013 data). The capital is Saint Paul. The largest city is Minneapolis. Other major cities: Bloomington, Duluth, Rochester, Brooklyn Park.
Official nicknames are North Star State, Gopher State, Land of 10,000 Lakes, Bread and Butter State.
The area of Minnesota is 225.365 thousand square meters. km (12th place among the states), of which 8.4% is on the water surface. In the north and northeast, Minnesota borders on the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario, from which the state is separated in places by lakes Lesnoe, Superior, and others, as well as the Rainy and Pidgin rivers. Minnesota borders Wisconsin to the east, Iowa to the south, and South Dakota and North Dakota to the west.
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The northern part of Minnesota is located on the crystalline Laurentian Shield, with rocky ridges and deep lakes (about 15,000 lakes in total) associated with its outcrops. To the northwest and west are prairies. Central and southern parts of Minnesota lie on a flat plain. About a third of the territory is covered with forests. Humid temperate continental climate. There are more than 10,000 lakes in Minnesota, which is reflected in one of the state's official nicknames.
Before the arrival of Europeans, Minnesota was inhabited by the Chippewa (Ojibwa), Dakota, and Winnebago Indian tribes.
Presumably, the first Europeans to set foot on these lands were the Vikings back in the 12th century, but their presence left few traces. In modern times, the first Europeans to explore the territory of Minnesota were the French, in particular the expeditions of Samuel de Champlain, Daniel Duluth (the city of Duluth is named after him) and Robert de Lasalle. In 1679 Duluth declared the province part of the French Empire. In 1763, the territory was ceded to Great Britain in accordance with the Treaty of Paris.
The area of what is now Minnesota east of the Mississippi became part of the United States after the Revolutionary War, while another area to the west became part of the United States as a result of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.
On March 3, 1849, the Territory of Minnesota separated from Iowa, which at first included a significant part of modern North and South Dakota. On May 11, 1858, Minnesota was admitted to the Union, becoming the 32nd state of the country. The state constitution was adopted in 1858.
During the Civil War, there was no fighting in Minnesota. Representatives of the state fought in the army of northerners.
At the end of XIX - beginning of XX centuries. The state experienced rapid economic development. In 1915, the steel mills of the United States Steel Corporation were opened in Duluth. Maritime shipping also developed thanks to navigation along the St. Lawrence River.
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the state's GDP in 2003 was $211 billion. Minnesota is an industrial state. The twin cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) host the headquarters of many large corporations, including 3M. The Mesabi iron ore region provides more than half of the US iron ore production.
The discovery of the Saint Lawrence Deep Waterway made Duluth an international seaport. Sand, gravel and stone are mined.
In the 20th century, industries such as mechanical engineering, printing, food processing and woodworking developed, and in recent decades, the production of computer technology.
Agriculture is also well developed in Minnesota, although farmers make up only about 2% of the population. The main agricultural crops are soybeans, corn, seeded grasses, and wheat. There is also dairy farming.
In preparing the material, articles from Wikipedia were used.
Minnesota is the land of ten thousand lakes. And this is not fiction at all, according to official statistics there are almost 12 thousand of them! Obviously, because of this generosity of nature, Minnesotans are the lucky holders of the title of citizens of the most livable state in America. Over the past 10 years, experts have recognized Minnesota as the healthiest of the 50 states 6 times.
Minnesota is famous not only for its amazingly beautiful lakes, but also for a large number of reserves. Excellent fishing, hunting, kayaking and canoeing, the country's best cycling routes, excellent skiing trails annually attract millions of people from all over the world to the state.
How to get there
You can get to Minnesota only with transfers. Fly first to Washington, and from there to Minneapolis. A transatlantic flight is not cheap, so if you haven't booked your tickets months in advance, you'll have to shell out a tidy sum. The cheapest route will cost 87700 RUB one way.
Prices on the page are for September 2018.
Find flights to Minnesota
Weather in Minnesota
The climate of the state is temperate continental. It has cold snowy winters and hot summers. A record winter temperature of -51 °C was recorded in 1996, a record summer temperature of +46 °C in 1936. It is believed that in Minnesota, in the city of International Falls, there is the coldest place in the continental United States - the so-called refrigerator of the nation. Rain, snow, blizzards, thunderstorms, hail and tornadoes are also not uncommon here. The southern part of Minnesota is located in the area of the so-called Tornado Alley: hurricane whirlwinds pass here more than 20 times a year, usually in the summer.
Popular hotels in the Region
Attractions, entertainment and excursions in Minnesota
Tourism is an important branch of the state's economy. It cannot be otherwise, because Minnesota is famous not only for its amazingly beautiful lakes, but also for a large number of reserves. Excellent fishing, hunting, kayaking and canoeing, the country's best cycling routes, excellent skiing trails annually attract millions of people from all over the world to the state. Fans of cognitive rest also do not remain without impressions.
Minnesota
Saint Paul
On the left bank of the Mississippi is the state capital, Saint Paul. This is a major cargo port, but looks more like a European city with well-preserved buildings of late Victorian architecture.
Downtown St. Paul is simply a paradise for pedestrians; you can move freely around the city center thanks to a network of skyways - closed glass pedestrian crossings. You can walk 5 miles, that's 8 km, and never go outside!
Saint Paul is famous for being the birthplace and author of the first major novel, This Side of Paradise, by American writer Francis Scott Fitzgerald. Also here, since the 19th century, the annual winter carnival of St. Paul has been held.
Minneapolis
Despite the fact that the capital of Minnesota is Saint Paul, the largest and most culturally famous in the state is still Minneapolis. The Institute of Arts is located here, where you can always see an interesting exhibition, the Walker Art Center, which houses the works of Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore, the Frederick Weissman Art Museum ... However, Minneapolis and St. Paul are called "twin cities", they are even located opposite each other, on different banks of the Mississippi. But Minneapolis is more modern, with wide, busy streets and soaring skyscrapers. And the skyway network is more than 12 km!
In terms of the number of seats in theaters, St. Paul and Minneapolis are second only to New York!
The annual theater fringe festival is very popular in the state, which shows drama, dance, puppet shows, as well as children's shows and musicals.
Land of lakes
The area of lakes in Minnesota exceeds 40 thousand square meters! The largest and deepest of them is the Superior, one of the Great Lakes of North America and the largest freshwater lake in the world. In addition to lakes that are of interest to all tourists - and fishing enthusiasts, and divers, and families with children, there are about 6.5 thousand rivers and streams in Minnesota, it is here that the sources of the largest river in the United States, the Mississippi, are located.
Voyager Park
In the north of Minnesota, near the border with the Canadian province of Ontario, is the Voyageurs National Park. The park was founded in 1971 and occupies a huge area, and a third of the territory is water. In addition to four large lakes, there are 26 more small ones, strewn with rocky islands. The scenery here is breathtaking!
Through ancient rocks and a network of water channels in the old days ran the routes of fur traders and travelers.
In the park you can relax both soul and body. For this, everything is here! You can set up a tent or stay in a house on the shores of Lake Rainey, rent a small barge with a cabin, or explore the local beauty in a motorboat, canoe or seaplane.
During the boat ride you will see eagles, loons, gulls, deer and elks. Or you can go on a one-day excursion to the historic Kettle Falls waterfall - you will learn a lot of interesting things about nature, and in the evening the organizers will arrange a bonfire party. The kids will love this trip too!
In the Voyager Park, there are several tourist centers at once, where there are exhibitions, and in cinema halls you can watch films about wildlife, about the history of the park. You can also buy books and souvenirs here.
Shopping in Minnesota
Shopping lovers will be interested in Mall of America - one of the largest shopping centers in the world. It is located near the state capital, in the suburbs of Bloomington. About 40 million people visit it every year, and every fourth is a tourist. The mall has more than 500 shops, at least 20 restaurants, an amusement park with 400 live trees and an aquarium that even has sharks.
The state of Minnesota is located in the west of North America. The head of the region is the city of Saint Paul - a major industrial and economic center. The nearest town is Minnepolis. Its mirrored skyscrapers contrast with the colonial buildings of the capital.
The area of the district exceeds 220,000 square kilometers. Minnesota shares a common border with Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Dakota. Its northern borders lie along the national border of Canada. Transport accessibility of the province is provided by the international air gates of Minneapolis and the local Saint Paul airport.
Geographical position
The state of Minnesota is the twelfth largest district in the United States. Ten percent of its territory is occupied by the water area. No wonder it is nicknamed the Land of a Thousand Lakes. There are really a lot of reservoirs with the purest fresh water. All of them are surrounded by centuries-old forest thickets that grow on the Laurentian Upland.
From the point of view of geology, this area is considered one of the oldest. Its age is almost three billion years. The soil layer in these parts is thin. Under its layer, rocks are hidden, which now and then come to the surface. The lands of the district are covered with pine, birch, mountain ash and maple tracts. They are inhabited by bears and deer, moose and wolves.
Weather
The climate of Minnesota is continental. Winters in the northwestern United States are frosty and windy, while summers are hot and dry. The meteorological characteristics of the region are directly affected by the largest local reservoir - Lake Superior.
The coldest month is January. The thermometer in early February only occasionally exceeds -6 ° C and stays at -15 ° C. The hottest period is in mid-July. At this time, the air warms up to 30 ° C.
The southern lands of Minnesota are famous for the abundance of tornadoes that visit the state at least twenty times a year. Hurricane winds usually occur during the summer season. The coldest point in the region is a city called International Falls. In this settlement, the thermometer regularly exceeds -40 ° C.
Population and economy
According to the census, the county has a population of over 200 million. For comparison, in the middle of the 19th century, the number of inhabitants was exactly a hundred times less. The national composition is represented mostly by Germans, who are 40% in this district. Minnesota has also become home to Norwegians, Irish, Swedes, Finns, British, Poles and French. Italians, Czechs and Dutch are in the minority.
The lion's share of the inhabitants preaches Protestantism. One in three people in the state is Catholic. Almost 90% of the population are representatives of the Caucasian race. Native Indians account for only one percent.
The basis of the region's economic well-being is provided by industrial enterprises. Active mining is underway. There is a woodworking, printing and food industry.
The first people who occupied the vast expanses of Minnesota in the United States were the Winnebago and Sioux Indians. Ojibwe and Cheyenne people are also registered in the state. The colonists who arrived in these lands were by no means of British blood. Scandinavian sailors had to master the northern latitudes. Although the official version says that the French were the discoverers of the region.
Minnesota's official nickname is the North Star State. And the district was named in honor of the river, which permeates its entire territory with a blue artery. The local cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis are famous for the record number of suspension bridges that span from one high-rise to another. The distance between cities is 14 kilometers. Therefore, among the people, these settlements were called twins.
sights
One of the most important sources of income for the state of Minnesota is tourism. Hundreds of thousands of travelers flock here every year to see the picturesque landscapes and amazingly beautiful nature of this Nordic region with their own eyes. Entertainment in Minnesota is innumerable. This includes gambling fishing, hunting in protected forests, and kayaking. Enough impressions for everyone!
Fans of sightseeing holidays are recommended to visit the largest reservoirs in the region. Hiking and cycling trails are laid along the shores of Lake Superior. In winter, skiing and dog sledding are popular in the area. In the summer they go rock climbing and horseback riding.
national park
The protected lands of the Voyageurs National Park reserve stretch to the north and border on the possessions of Canadian Ontario. The official date of foundation of the park is 1971. The area of the reserve is huge. Its third is occupied by the lakes of the state of Minnesota, the water surface of which hides about 26 islands. It was here, among the bare ledges of rocks buried in the icy rock, that ancient trade routes ran.
Despite the remoteness from large settlements, the reserve has everything you need for an active and safe pastime. Those who wish can pitch a tent or use cozy hunting lodges. There is a rental of motor boats and catamarans. It is possible to ride a seaplane or even get your own cabin on a barge, imposingly floating along the Rainy River.
metropolitan life
Saint Paul occupies the left bank of the full-flowing Mississippi River, which originates near the municipality. Travelers from afar are greeted by the lingering horns of cargo ships as they leave one of the busiest ports in the northern United States.
The historic quarters of the capital are a vivid example of Victorian urban planning. Despite their venerable age, old mansions, estates and shopping galleries are perfectly preserved. Life in Downtown flows slowly. All its public and business buildings are involved in a single network of skyways, covered glass passages.
The most famous resident is the talented North American writer Francis Scott Fitzgerald.
Welcome to Minneapolis!
Fifteen minutes drive from Saint Paul and you're in Minneapolis. The metropolis is strikingly different from its twin brother. It proudly flaunts the mirror towers of skyscrapers. Representative offices of the most famous national corporations are located in the offices of the city.
You can start your acquaintance with Minneapolis in numerous parks and squares, which are generously decorated with sculptural groups of contemporary artists. Walking around the city is no less pleasant. Its sidewalks are clean and tidy. Cafes and restaurants are everywhere, alluring with the aromas of coffee and fresh pastries. You can take a bird's-eye view of the city panorama by taking the elevator to the top floor of the ADS Center building.
Indian reservations
A visit to the local Indian settlements is a full-fledged tourist attraction, which enjoys consistently high popularity among foreigners. Contrary to popular belief, indigenous tribes do not live in poverty. They have everything you need for a comfortable life.
The most prosperous Americans are considered Mdewakantons. There is a casino on the territory of their settlement, and the monthly income of the average resident amounts to tens of thousands of dollars! The Indians spend part of their fabulous income on gambling. A lot of money is spent on charity and helping those in need.
Minnesota is the land of countless lakes. And this is a justified name, because in total the number of lakes is approximately twelve thousand. Apparently, the generosity of nature endowed the locals with the status of lucky ones who became citizens of the land that is the most suitable for people. Over the past decade, experts have named Minnesota the healthiest state six times among the other fifty. In addition to the most beautiful lakes in Minnesota, there are many nature reserves. Therefore, hunting, excellent fishing and trips in canoes and kayaks are provided. And also, few people miss the best cycling trails in the country.
Story
In the old days, Minnesota was inhabited by the Winnebago, Dakota, and Chippewa Indian tribes. Scandinavians are considered to be the first Europeans on its territory; their stay here was evidenced by the Kensington rune stone, which is inscribed with runes. They were followed by the French, who came with the expedition of Daniel Duluth and others.
As early as 1679, Minnesota was part of the French Empire. Then in 1763, as the Seven Years' War ended, colonial interests clashed between Spain, France, and Britain. Therefore, after the drawing up of the Treaty of Paris, Minnesota was transferred to Great Britain. From 1775 to 1783, the War of Independence took place, as a result of which the eastern part of Minnesota, more precisely, the Mississippi side, became part of the United States. With the Louisiana Purchase, western Minnesota fell to America in 1803.
Minnesota constantly changed its borders. The state constitution was adopted in 1858, and in the same year it became a US state. In the last century, shipping and industry developed well in Minnesota. Therefore, the state developed very quickly and reached its present state. The rich history of Minnesota deserves the attention and study of travelers.
Name
The name Minnesota comes from the name of the Mnisota River, a name given to it by the Dakota tribes. The first part "minne" means "water". And the whole sound of the name translates as "cloudy water" or "clouds in water." During the appearance of Europeans in the state, local tribes translated the name for them by pouring milk into the river and calling it Mnisota. However, Minnesota is not the only name that means "water"; other geographic places in the state also bear this designation.
Thus, other places in Minnesota are endowed with similar names. An example of this is the Falls - Minnehaha Falls; White Water - Minneiska; Lots of water - Minneota; Big Water - Minnetonics; Crooked Water - Minnetrista and also the city of Minneapolis. In addition to the official name, the region has unofficial names - the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the Gopher State, the North Star State, and the Bread and Butter State.
In a word, the name of the region and its individual parts indicate that the state consists mainly of water. It is noteworthy that the names given by the ancient tribes have survived to this day, which allows us to consider with what trepidation they relate to the history of their ancestors. By the way, all this is told in local museums.
Peculiarities
Nature has generously rewarded Minnesota with the most beautiful lakes in large numbers. In addition, the amazingly beautiful nature attracts many tourists and residents of the United States. Indeed, many people aspire to move to this state with the goal of living in one of the cleanest states. In addition, a monthly vacation in this area allows you to improve your health and gain vitality. The state of Minnesota has the longest life expectancy, as well as safe working conditions in the workplace.
Interestingly, for the state's economy, the main industry is the tourism industry, because in Minnesota there are not only beautiful lakes, but also many amazing nature reserves. Basically, lovers of educational recreation tend to come here, because there are many ski slopes, opportunities for hunting, fishing and hiking, where you can have a great rest with the whole family.
The total area of the Minnesota lakes is over 40 thousand square meters. At the same time, the Upper Lake is considered the deepest and largest, which is also called one of the Great Lakes in North America. At the same time, it is the largest freshwater lake on earth. In addition to beautiful lakes, there are many rivers and streams in Minnesota; it is from here that the largest source of the Mississippi River begins.
Voyagers National Park is located in the north of the state, this place was created in 1971, and it also spreads over a larger area, with a third of the territory covered by water. In addition to four large lakes, there are many small lakes that are strewn with rocky islands. In addition to natural beauties and reserves, Minnesota is famous for its cultural attractions. Therefore, traveling around the state can be exciting and interesting.
Minnesota cities
The state capital is the city of Saint Paul, which is located on the left bank of the Mississippi. This city is a major cargo port, which is a European city with well-preserved Victorian buildings. A paradise for walkers is considered to be Downtown St. Paul, which is a pedestrian zone made of glass. This means that eight kilometers you can not go out.
Unlike the state capital, the city of Minneapolis is the most famous and largest in Minnesota. Especially when it comes to cultural heritage. In this largest city there is an Institute of Arts, interesting exhibitions are held here. Works by Henry Moore and Picasso are featured at the Walker Art Center. Although, it is worth noting that Saint Paul and Minneapolis are called twins. They are even opposite each other, though only on opposite banks of the Mississippi.
In addition to these cities, it is worth noting such large cities as Brooklyn Park, Duluth, Bloomington and Rochester. It is difficult to list the rest of the cities and towns of Minnesota. Therefore, while traveling around the city, it is worth considering separately the most interesting cities in the thematic areas of interest.
