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13 Sep 2024
🌒
Minnesota
United States
12:20:48 AM
21 Nov 2024

Minnesota Info

Abbreviation:
MN
State capital:
Saint Paul
Population:
5,700,000
Largest city:
Minneapolis (440,000)
State bird:
Common Loon
State flower:
Pink and White Lady's Slipper
State tree:
Red Pine (Norway Pine)

Local facts

  • Minnesota uses Central Time (CT).
  • Minnesota observes Daylight Saving Time.
  • Minnesota is 1 hour behind New York. For example, when it is 12:00 PM, it is 1:00 PM in New York (Eastern Time).
  • Minnesota shares the same time zone with other states including Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Texas.
  • Major industries:

    Agriculture: Agriculture is a key industry in Minnesota, known for its production of corn, soybeans, sugar beets, and livestock, particularly hogs and cattle.

    Manufacturing: A diverse manufacturing sector, producing medical devices, electronics, food products, and machinery. The medical device industry is especially notable.

    Mining: The Iron Range in northern Minnesota is rich in iron ore, making mining an important industry, particularly for the production of steel.

    Healthcare: A leader in healthcare innovation, with world-renowned institutions like the Mayo Clinic based in Rochester, contributing significantly to the economy.

    Technology: The tech industry is growing, particularly in software development and biotechnology, making the state a regional hub for innovation.

  • Local trivia and geography:

    Geography: Located in the Upper Midwest, it is known for its 'Land of 10,000 Lakes,' with over 11,000 lakes, including Lake Superior on its northeastern border.

    Trivia: Home to the largest shopping mall in the United States, the Mall of America, which features numerous stores, restaurants, and an indoor amusement park.

    Natural Attractions: It has diverse natural attractions, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Itasca State Park, the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

  • Cultural insights:

    Outdoor Lifestyle: Citizens are known for their love of outdoor activities year-round, including boating, fishing, skiing, and ice fishing, given the state's many lakes and long winters.

    Local Cuisine: Has a unique food culture that includes dishes like tater tot hotdish, wild rice soup, and Scandinavian-inspired treats like lefse and lutefisk.

    Festivals: It celebrates a variety of festivals, such as the Minnesota State Fair, one of the largest in the country, and winter events like the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.

    Art and Music Scene: Has a rich arts and music culture, with a strong influence from artists like Prince, and a vibrant theater scene, particularly in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

  • Historical context:

    Native American Heritage: Originally home to Dakota and Ojibwe tribes, and Native American culture remains an important part of the state’s heritage.

    Fur Trade: The fur trade was one of the earliest economic activities, attracting French and British traders in the 17th and 18th centuries.

    Statehood: Became the 32nd state in 1858, with early settlers coming largely from Scandinavia and Germany, influencing the state’s culture.

    Industrial Growth: It saw industrial growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in milling and timber, with Minneapolis once known as the 'Flour Milling Capital of the World.'