Minnesota is located in the north central United States. It shares it's borders with Ontario, Canada, on the north, the State of Wisconsin, on the east. To the south is the State of Iowa, and to the west are the States of North Dakota, and South Dakota.

The name Minnesota comes from the Dakota Indian word, minisota which means "sky-tinted waters". With almost 12,000 lakes, Minnesota has more shoreline than any other state in the United States.

When many people think of Minnesota, all they think of is Cold and Snow. Believe me we have more than that. Heck, you should see our mosquitos! They're as big as birds, and as thick as pea soup.

But seriously...one of the things I like best about Minnesota, is that we actually have four seasons, Fall, Winter, Spring, and Roadwork (summer). Our winters can be very cold. The town of Embarass, Minnesota continually has the coldest temperature in the lower 48 states. When they don't it's probably because International Falls, Mn. does. Just imagine what it would be like to spend three or four months of the year in your freezer! Actually the freezer would feel kind of balmy compared to some days. We have days when the temperature gets down to 30 degrees below zero (farenheit) or colder. Add a little wind and you have a wind chill of 70 below. Wind chill for those of you who live in warm weather climates, is how cold the wind feels on bare skin. That of course is an unscientific explanation, but trust me, expose any skin to that and it will freeze in a matter of seconds.

That doesn't stop hardy Minnesotans though. For fun we like to go snowmobiling, skiing, ice skating, or even ice fishing. No we don't fish for ice! We build small shacks, called fish houses, out on a frozen lake, drill holes in the ice and fish through it. Minnesotans don't let a little cold and snow bring our lives to a stand still, and yes Mommymia, Domino's does deliver in the winter.

One bad thing about Winter...shoveling snow! Thank you whomever it was that invented snowblowers.

Then comes Spring. It doesn't get here soon enough for many. Spring is a great time of year in Minnesota, the leaves start to grow on the trees, the grass starts turning green again, and best of all, the snow and ice melts! The sun comes out and the temperature goes up to 45, 50 degrees (F) and people put on their shorts and get out and enjoy what seems like a rebirth!

This time of year you see people out walking with each other, people out walking their dogs, and people out planting gardens. You see the farmers out planting their fields, kids flying kites, and peoples just out enjoying the great weather. Spring seems to be a very busy time of year here.

Springs Fault...Grass! Thank that person that invented the power lawnmower *especially the rider*

Next comes summer...hot, humid weather, mosquitos, and of course Summer Vacation. Summertime is kind of a laid back time of year in Minnesota. The Beaches are packed with swimmers and sunbathers,the parks are full of kids playing, the campgrounds and resorts are full of tourists, and of course the Highway Department has all the roads torn up and detoured.

Summer is vacation time in Minnesota. Everyone heads up to the cabin. Camping, boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming, are some of the things that you will catch Minnesotans doing in the Summer.

I believe I already mentioned summers misgivings...Hot humid weather, and mosquitos. In the summer, be thankful for air conditioning, and bug spray.

and finally Fall comes...Personally I think fall is the best time of the year. The temperatures start to cool off again, The Mosquitos disappear, and the fishing is great.

In the fall, Minnesotans love to get out and enjoy natures display of brilliant colors. The leaves on the trees turn beautiful shades of red, yellow, orange, and maroon. You would be hard pressed to find anything more beautiful than a forest full of brightly colored trees.

Fall is also harvest time. You will see the farmers all busy in their fields, bringing in the crops.

Unfortunately, after their beautiful show of color, the trees all drop their leaves on the yard and they have to be picked up! Mr. Inventor, thank you for the lawn tractor with the power vaccum attachment.

Northstar Start your Tour of Minnesota here
Explore Minnesota check out Minnesota for your next vacation
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (site is currently being reconstructed)
State Parks Guide a guide to Minnesota's State Parks
The Mall of America one of the largest malls in the world
Minnesota State Fair
Valleyfair The Upper Midwest United States largest amusement park
KQRS 92.5 FM Minnesota's #1 Radio Station
Coon Rapids Herald my hometown paper
Minneapolis Star Tribune
St. Paul Pioneer Press