MARCH 2008
MINNESOTA FROM A-Z
L'etoile du nord - Star of the North
A fact for each letter of the alphabet
Click on highlighted word for more information
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The
Minnesota Department of AGRICULTURE protects public health and safety regarding food and agriculture products. It is one of the leading farm states in the country and leads in the production of sugarbeets, greenbeans for processing, and the raising of turkeys. Minnesota is part of a
four state region that produces an abundance of agricultural commodities. The Minnesota State Drink is milk, the State Grain is Wild Rice, and the Blueberry Muffin is the State Muffin. The
State Soil is
Lester. In 1970
Norman Borlaug, a University of Minnesota graduate, won the Nobel Peace Prize for Wheat. Minnesota has
4-H Clubs and chapters of the
Future Farmers of America. Minnesota
Agriculture in the Classroom, The
National Agriculture Statistic Service, and
AG in the Classroom provide information about agriculture.
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The
Amish way of life largely revolves around working and socializing together as a family and community. The city of
Harmony is the largest Amish community in Minnesota.
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Minnesota has
ARCHAEOLOGY and paleontolgy events for kids, families, and schools.
The
Institute of Minnesota Archeology focuses on the exploration of the upper midwest archaeology. Minnesota has 360 archaeological sites. Fossils of all ages are found in Minnesota. The
Kensington Runestone tells of a journey of a band of Vikings.
Little Elk Heritage Preserve has archeological sites dating from at least 3,000 B.C. The
Owen-Johnson Interpretive Center has exhibits of prehistoric stone artifacts.
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Minnesota has
ART museums, schools, artists and galleries. The
Minnesota Museum of American Art has over 3,000 works of American artists from the 19th and 20th century.
The
The
Minnesota has
Minnesota has
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Minnesota is home to a wide variety of
BIRDS, & there are many
Birding Hotspots. The State Bird is the
Common Loon. Avian Acres has native
birds. Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge has an important bird habitat.
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge has nearly 300 species of birds and
bald eagles are common. The
Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota is a medical facility for birds of prey. The state has
Audubon Societies and Bird Clubs.
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BRIDGES are located throughout Minnesota including
Historic Bridges and
Suspension Bridges, and nearly 2 dozen
Covered Bridges.
Arial Lift Bridge was designed to carry traffic to Duluth Harbor.
Split Rock Bridge is a single-span stone-arch highway bridge. Some of the bridges built by the
Great Northern Empire are still around.
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Minnesota has scenic
BYWAYS and drives. Two of the scenic byways were among the first of the national scenic byways. The
Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway circles lakes. When completed, the
Paul Bunyan Trail will be over one hundred miles long. The
Grand Rounds Scenic Byway is a system of trails, paths, and roadways. Minnesota has a variety of
trails including
Horse Trails and more paved trails than any other state. Minnesota participates in
National Trails Day. The state has several
unique attractions including a
Viking
Ship.
Minnesota is home to a wide variety of
Minnesota has scenic
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St. Paul is the CAPITAL of Minnesota. It was originally named "Pigs Eyhe" after a French/Canadian trader. Railroads made St. Paul the "Gateway to the Northwest". Madison is the Lutefisk capital of the United.
Winona is the Stained Glass Capital of the United States.
Lake of the Woods is the Walleye Capitol of the world.
Lake Benton is known as the Windpower Capital of the Midwest.
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Minnesota has many means of
COMMUNICATION including newspapers, radio, television, telephone, and internet. There are several
telephone areas codes in the state. Many businesses and school are connected to the internet and
Internet Service Providers are located throughout the state. Minnesota has
webcams of animals, airports, cities, and other places.
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Minnesota has 87
COUNTIES. St. Louis is the largest county in size and Ramsey is the smallest.
Hennepin is the largest county in population and
Traverse is the smallest. Minneapolis/St. Paul is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country.
Dodge is the only county that does not have a lake. The term "county" is used in 48 of the 50 states for the level of government below the
state government.
Minnesota has many means of
Minnesota has 87
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There are nearly a thousand DAMS in Minnesota. Most of them are
hydroelectric and provide water power for the state. Three of the dams are
nuclear - Monticello, Prairie Island 1, and Prairie Island 2. Reservoirs formed by the dams provide many recreational opportunities. During the winter,
ice dams form on the roofs of buildings.
Geothermal Power is used commercially, and
Wind Power is being investigated.
There are nearly a thousand DAMS in Minnesota. Most of them are
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Minnesota experiences an occasional
EARTHQUAKE. The first recorded earthquake was in 1860. The largest earthquake was in 1975.
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Public EDUCATION in Minnesota is free and compulsory from age 7-16.
Education Minnesota is the states largest education organization dedicated to students and families. Project Learning Tree teaches children about land, air, and water. The Minnesota Secretary of State has a
Student Page.
Information about schools in Minnesota is available from
SchoolBug and
Great Schools.
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Minnesota has hundreds of
EVENTS including
Fairs & Festivals. There are several
County Fairs, & the
State Fair in St. Paul is one of the largest and best attended agricultural and educational fairs in the country. The mascot of the fair is a gopher named Fairchild. An
Irish Fair is held in St. Paul. A
Scottish Fair and Highland Games is held at the Dakota Fairgrounds. The
Clann Tartan portrays the recuiting camp of a scottish military unit of the 17th century army. Minnesota observes
Fixed Public Holidays and celebrates many other holidays.
Minnesota experiences an occasional
Public EDUCATION in Minnesota is free and compulsory from age 7-16.
Minnesota has hundreds of
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A large variety of
FISH can be found in Minnesota.
Fishing is a popular activity, and
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources gives information about fishing in the state. There are 5
State Fish Hatcheries in Minnesota. The State fish is the
Yellow Perch or walleye. In the winter there is
ice fishing.
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The Minnesota State
FLAG is royal blue with a gold fringe. The
State Seal is in the center surrounded by a wreath of
Ladyslippers the State Flower. A few
cities have their own flag including Bayport, Mankato, and Rochester. Some Native American tribes in the state have their own flag including The Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe, The
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, The
Minnesota Chippewa, The White Earth Band of Ojibwe, and the
Red Lake Nation.
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Minnesota has many
FOOD Festivals, Shows, and Events. When people started coming to Minnesota, they brought with them a wide variety of
food. The state has several edible state symbols - wild rice, milk, morrell mushrooms, walleye fish, and a state muffin (blueberry).
Minnesota is the "birthplace" of
SPAM and
Betty Crocker (General Mills). The state has several
Food support & assistance Programs.
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Minnesota has three FORTS -
Fort Snelling ,
Fort Ripley, and
Fort Ridgeley. Fort Anthony was the first American fort and was renamed Fort Snelling.
A large variety of
The Minnesota State
Minnesota has many
Minnesota has three FORTS -
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The
GEOLOGY of Minnesota can be traced back millions of years and can be divided into
three eras - hot, wet, and cold. A lot of what happened in Minnesota a long time ago can be found in its
rocks, and many types of
rocks are found in the state. The
Minnesota Geological Survey provides information &
maps about the geology of the state.
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Minnesota has 24
GHOST TOWNS. Many have buildings and cemeteries.
Forestville is in Forestville State Park and has a store stocked with merchandise typical of the 1890's.
Pomme de Terre has a schoolhouse.
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The
GLOBAL POSTION of Minnesota ranges from 43-48 degrees north latitude and 91-96 degrees west longitude. Minnesota lies in the heartland of the
United States. The highest elevation is
Eagle Mountain and the lowest is the surface of Lake Superior. Minnesota was part of the
Louisiana Purchase.
NOAA provides information about the
Topography of Minnesota.
Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt using a Global Positioning System, and there are several
geocaches throughout the state.
The
Minnesota has 24
The
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Minnesota has more than 24
HISTORIC SITES including
Mantorville which has the oldest operating Court House in the state and a
restaurant (Hubble House) that was a Stage Coach stop. The state also has 62 Historic Districts or Landmarks. The
History Center Museum is in St. Paul.
Stearns County Heritage Museum is one of the best county historical museums in the state. More than 1,500 places in Minnesota are listed in the
National Register of Historic Places including 595 buildings. The
National Trust helps protect historic place in Minnesota.
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The
HISTORY of Minnesota can be traced back over 3 billion years.
The
recorded history of Minnesota dates back to 1659. Minnesota participates in
National History Day.
Minnesota has more than 24
The
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Minnesota has a variety of
INDUSTRIES. Manufacturing is the leading industry and agriculture is an important part of the economy. The state is home to many inventions and name-brand products including snowmobiles, and rollerblades. The medical field is well represented and The
Mayo Clinic is famous around the world. Minnesota has several
Trade Shows during the year.
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Minnesota has a variety of
INSECTS. The Monarch
butterfly is the State Insect. There are many species of
dragonflies and damselflies. The
Hole-in-the-Mountain Prairie is a habitat for rare insects including the
Dakota Butterfly.
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Minnesota has several ISLANDS and most of them are on the Mississippi River.
Hennepin Island is attached to
Nicollet Island which is the only inhabited island on the Mississippi River.
Oak Island is on the Minnesota/Ontario border.
Latsch Island has a community of floating homes. The
Islands of Peace are a Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Boom Island and
HarrietIsland are not really islands but parks on the Mississippi River.
Minnesota has a variety of
Minnesota has a variety of
Minnesota has several ISLANDS and most of them are on the Mississippi River.
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JAZZ is popular in Minnesota. There are many
jazz clubs & organizations. The
Twin City Jazz Society gives regular performances. The University of St. Thomas and University of Minnesota School of Music have jazz singers. The Minnesota Jazz Orchestra features a 16-piece bigband. Other orchestras include the Kenwood Chamber Orchestra, Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, Youth Symphonies, and St. Paul Jewish Community Center symphony. The
Minnesota Orchestra was a model for other symphony orchestras throughout the country. There are 2 opera companies in Minneapolis - The
Minnesota Opera and the
North Star Opera.
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The
JEFFERS Petroglyphs site in southwestern Minnesota has over 2,000 petroglyphs (rock carvings) some of which may be up to 5,000 years old.
The
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Southeastern Minnesota has several
KARST areas cave
and sinkholes. Mystery Cave has stalactites, stalamites, and underground pools.
Niagra Cave has stalactites and a waterfall. The
National Park Service has a Cave and Karst Program. The
Minnesota Speleological Survey has information about caves.
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Many aspects of life in Minnesota focus on KIDS, and the governor of Minnesota has a
Kids Page. The State Parks in Minnesota have
Kids Programs. Information about the well-being of kids and families in Minnesota is provided by
KIDS Count
Southeastern Minnesota has several
Many aspects of life in Minnesota focus on KIDS, and the governor of Minnesota has a
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Glaciers covered most of Minnesota during the Ice Age. They formed thousands of
LAKES and are the source of the river systems. The 5 most popular lake names are Mud Lake, Long Lake, Bass Lake, and Round Lake, and Rice Lake.
Shallow lakes are a threatened resource. The largest lake is Red Lake. The State Gem is the
Lake Superior Agate.
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Public
LIBRARIES including bookmobiles, and
Academic Libraries are located throughout Minnesota. The first Children's Department in a library is said to be that of the
Minneapolis Public Library. There are also government libraries, and many organizations maintain libraries. Most libraries have electronic catalogs and internet access.
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Minnesota has nearly a dozen
LIGHTHOUSES. At one time
Split Rock Lighthouse was the probably the the most visited lighthouse in the country.
Two Harbors Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in the state and is a historic site. The most important aspect of a
lighthouse is the light that comes from the tower.
Public
Minnesota has nearly a dozen
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Minnesota has several MILITARY installations including
Twin Cities Army Amunition Plant,
Camp Ripley, and
Air Force Commemorative Wing in Duluth. The
Minnesota Military Museum has historical artifacts. The
Minnesota National Guard is a reserve component of the U.S. Army. The
Army Corps of Engineers has several projects in the Minnesota.
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Minnesota has a variety of
MINERALS including clay, sand, gravel, peat, granite, and limestone. The state is the largest producer of iron ore and
taconite in the country. The State Mineral is
Galena.
The
Minnesota Division of Lands and Minerals manages the mineral resources in the state.
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MUSEUMS with a variety of themes are located throughout Minnesota. The
Minnesota Children's Museum has hands-on activities, and 2 changing galleries have traveling exhibits.
Owatonna has State Orphange Museum.
Minnesota has several MILITARY installations including
Twin Cities Army Amunition Plant,
Minnesota has a variety of
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The NAME Minnesota is Indian for sky-tinted water. The state has several nicknames including The
North Star State because part of the state reaches farther north than any other state (except for Alaska). The North Star is also known as
Polaris. Minnesota is sometimes called The Land of 10,00 lakes because of its many lakes, and The Bread and Butter State because it produces so many grain and dairy products. In the past it has been called The Beaver State because of the many beavers that lived there and The Gopher State after a cartoon.
International Falls is sometimes called The Icebox of the Nation because of its cold temperatures. The names of many places in Minnesota have an
interesting history.
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Minnesota has several NATIVE AMERICAN
historic sites. The
Lower Sioux Interpretive Center provides information about the traditional lifestyle of these Native Americans. A
Wacipi is held every year by the Upper Sioux community.
Pipestone National Monument was the nations 1st national monument. More than 10,000
earth mounds built by prehistoric Indians have been found in the state. The
American Indian Movement was founded in Minnesota.
Casinos are located throught the state.
The NAME Minnesota is Indian for sky-tinted water. The state has several nicknames including The
Minnesota has several NATIVE AMERICAN
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Minnesota provides most of the iron
ORE in the country. The
Mesabi Range is a belt of iron ore located between Grand Rapids and Babbit. The
Iron Range Research Center focuses on the history of iron ranges in the state. The
Mahoning Mine is the largest open pit iron ore mine in the world.
Minnesota has several
OBSERVATORIES, planetariums, and astronomy clubs. Some of the observatories are open for public viewing. The observatory at
The College of St. Catherine has computer, solar, and wide field telescopes.
Minnesota provides most of the iron
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Minnesota has over 300 PARKS including
National Parks & Monuments,
State Parks, county parks,
city parks, and
amusements parks.
Voyageurs National Park is one of the most extensive wilderness areas in the country. A
State Park Permit is available.
The Mall of America is the largest mall in the country and has the largest
Indoor Park in the country.
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Nearly 5 million
PEOPLE live in Minnesota. Many
famous people claim Minnesota as their home. The
Minnesota Author's Biographies Project provides information about 36 past and present Minnesota authors. The state has a Confederation of Somali Community. The legend of
Paul Bunyan originated in Minnesota with the lumberjacks in the north woods.
Minnesota has over 300 PARKS including
Nearly 5 million
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The
United States Mint issued a
QUARTER for each state in the order that it became part of the Union. Minnesota became a State in 1858 and a quarter was issued for it in the year 2005. The U.S. Mint has a special
Kids Page
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QUILTING is popular in Minnesota and there are
Quilt Guilds throughout the state. The Weavers Guild of Minnesota is in St. Paul, and Northern Lights Handspinners Guild is in Minneapolis.
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Take a
map/QUIZ about Minnesota.
The
Take a
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Minnesota has many
RECREATION areas. The most popular recreation is
Boating and the state has one recreational boat per every 6 people, more than any other state.
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Minnesota has a variety of
REPTILES and
amphibians including frogs, salamanders, snakes, and turtles.
Blue Devil Valley Preserve is one of the state's 5 natural habitats for an endangered lizard called the blue devil. Minnesota is part of the
USGS North American Amphibian Monitoring Program.
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Several
RIVERS flow through Minnesota including the
Mississipi River which is the 3rd largest river in the world. It begins in Minnesota at
Lake Itasca which means "true head". The
Minnesota River River Basin drains many square miles in the state and is both scenic and recreational. There are 3
wild and scenic rivers in Minnesota. The
Zumbro River is one of the few rivers in th4 country that flow north.
Minnesota has many
Minnesota has a variety of
Several
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Many
SHIPWRECKS and rescues have occured on the lakes and rivers of Minnesota. The
State Preservation Office of the Minnesota Historical Society has a program to preserve the maritime history of the state.
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The
State SONG is Hail! Minnesota and was originally the official University of Minnesota song. The
State Band is the Minnesota State Band.
Minnesota also has a
State Marching Band
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Minnesota has a variety of
SPORTS including motor sports, winter sports, college sports, and professional sports. The first
intercollegiate basketball game was played in Minnesota. The
Metrodome is the only facility in the country to host a Super Bowl, a World Series, and a NCAA Final Four Basketball Championship. Minnesota has over 500
golf courses, and Minneapolis has more golfers per capita than any other city in the country. The
Minnesota Sports Federation is the largest amateur sports organizastion in the country. LaCrosse was named after the game lacrosse that the French saw Indians playing there. Lake City is the birthplace of
waterskiing
Many
The
Minnesota has a variety of
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The
Minnesota Department of TRANSPORTATION is responsible for all aspects of transportation in the state. Minnesota sits at the top of the country's
Water Transportation Highway. Many lakes and streams in the state form an
inland navigation system. The state has an
Adopt-a-Highway Program. The
Federal Highway Administration provides information about
traffic and road closures in Minnesota. A variety of special
license plates are available including some for
American Indian Tribes. The
Transportation Museum has 5 operating sites. Kasson is the only city in Dodge County to have only 1 stoplight. Minnesota has several types of
highway markers. To celebrate its 50th birthday in 2002,
Matchbox Cars issued a vehicle for each state in the order in which it was admitted into the Union. The vehicle for Minnesota was the
Ford F Series Fire Truck with Raft.
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Minnesota has a variety of species of
TREES. The State Tree is the
Norway Pine. Minnesota has 58
state forests. The
Forest History Center in Grand Rapids has re-created a turn-of-the-century logging camp.
The
Minnesota has a variety of species of
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Minnesota has a network of 35
UNIVERSITIES and State Colleges with 53 campuses. The
University of Minnesota celebrated its 150 anniversary in 2001.
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Two ships of the United States Navy have been named USS Minnesota. The 1st
USS Minnesota was a wooden steam frigate and saw action during the American Civil War including an encounter with CSS Virginia. The 2nd
USS Minnesota (BB-22) was a Connecticut-class battleship and saw combat during World War I.
Minnesota has a network of 35
Two ships of the United States Navy have been named USS Minnesota. The 1st
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Minnesota has a variety of natural VEGETATION ranging from
forests to prairies. The
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is the largest urban sculpture garden in the country.
Wawina Peatland has patterned peatland. Information on
historic vegetation helps to understand changes that have occurred. Aquatic vegetation offers shelter for fish. The state has a website to ask questions about
gardening. Minnesota is part of the
USGS Vegetation Mapping Program. The
Nature Conservancy helps preserve the land in Minnesota.
Minnesota has a variety of natural VEGETATION ranging from
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Minnesota has several
WATERFALLS.
Grand Portage State Park has the highest waterfall in Minnesota. Menneopa State Park has a double waterfall.
St. Anthony Falls is the only waterfall on the Mississippi River.
Gooseberry Falls State Park is known for its waterfalls, river gorge, Lake Superior shoreline, wildlife, and log and stone structures.
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The
WEATHER in Minnesota is challenging. All 4 seasons are experienced. Summers can be hot with occasional rain and thunderstorms. Winters bring snow and icy roads. In 1996 Minnesota recorded its lowest temperature - minus 60 degrees farenheit! The
Minnesota Climatology Working Group provides information about weather in the state. The Environmental Protection Agency provides information about the effect of
Global Warming in Minnesota.
NOAA provides activities for kids about the weather.
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Minnesota has a variety of
WILDLIFE and many
Wildlife Refuges. Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge has one of Minnesota's grandest mammals - the moose. The State Mammal is the
White-tailed Deer. The
Eastern Wild Turkey is the largest game bird in the state.
The
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge provides habitat for birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and fish. The
Bell Museum of Natural History has information about wildlife. Minnesota has the largest wolf population of the lower 48 states. The state participates in the
Wildlife Protection Program.
Minnesota has several
The
Minnesota has a variety of
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XMAS is the abbreviation for Christmas which is celebrated in Minnesota much as it is in the rest of the
United States and in the
world. The production of
Christmas trees, poinsettias, and wreaths is a significant industry. The
Minnesota Christmas Tree Association provides information about Christmas trees.
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The Minnesota YMCA groups including a YMCA group active in
state government. The state has nearly a dozen
YMCA Camps
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Minnesota has several
YOUTH HOSTELS including a Youth Hostel at
Itasca State Park. Minnesota also has
Elder Hostels.
The Minnesota 
Minnesota has several
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The use of
ZIP CODES in the United States began in 1963. Zipcodes for Minnesota start with 55 or 56. The postal abbreviation for the state is MN.
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Minnesota is in the Central
Time ZONE and in the United States Department of Agriculture
Plant Hardiness Zones 3-6.
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Minnesota has 3 ZOOS and an underwater adventure with exhibits and an education program. The
Minnesota Zoo is one of the top zoos in the country. It is home to nearly 3,000 animals including 15 species on the U.S. Endangered Species Act list and offers
educational opportunities for preschoolers through senior citizens.
Como Zoo is a free zoo in St. Paul. Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth holds special fun events throughout the year.
Avian Acres in the southeastern part of the state has a Petting Zoo. A zoo near Byron focuses on Minnesota wildlife and is a shelter for injured or orphaed animals.
The use of
Minnesota is in the Central
Minnesota has 3 ZOOS and an underwater adventure with exhibits and an education program. The
