Minnesota
"L'Étoile du Nord"
Nickname
North Star State
Capital
Saint Paul
Statehood
May 11, 1858 (32nd)
Motto
L'Étoile du Nord
Explore Minnesota
18 of 18 articles available
Top mountains
Signature peaks and elevation highlights.
Best hikes
Trail ideas from day hikes to overnighters.
State parks
Must-see parks and natural areas.
Road trip loops
Weekend-friendly scenic drives.
Waterfronts
Lakes, rivers, and coastal stops to visit.
Waterfalls & springs
Cool-down spots and photogenic falls.
Scenic overlooks
Pull-offs and vistas for quick views.
Camping spots
Easy campgrounds and dispersed sites.
Historic towns
Main streets, museums, and landmarks.
Family weekends
Low-stress itineraries with kids in mind.
Top universities
Best-known universities and colleges.
Top biggest cities
Largest metros and fast-growing hubs.
Top places to visit
Must-see destinations and attractions.
Top high schools
High-performing public and private schools.
Top cities
Beloved cities for living and visiting.
Basic information
Quick facts, nickname, capital, and region.
Geography
Landscapes, neighbors, and natural regions.
Economy
Key industries, employers, and growth drivers.
About Minnesota
Minnesota holds far more than the "10,000 lakes" on its license plates — the true count runs past 11,000 — and that water-heavy geography shapes everything from the Twin Cities' park system to the state's fishing and cabin culture up north. Minneapolis and St. Paul together form one of the strongest corporate headquarters clusters in the Midwest.
The guides below move from that urban core north into lake country, covering the cities, industry, and outdoor identity that define Minnesota.