Minnesota is a state known for its natural beauty. Its distinct seasons provide great conditions for many different outdoor activities. Long, cold winters bring frozen waterways and heavy snow. People can enjoy ice fishing, skiing, and snowshoeing. The weather warms up in the summer, and the state becomes green and full of life. People go hiking, biking, swimming, and boating. Minnesota’s many lakes and forests make it a perfect place for outdoor adventures.
Minnesota is home to the largest population of gray wolves in the lower 48 states. Most of these wolves live in the state’s northern forests, where they hunt deer and live in packs. Gray wolves are an important part of the environment. They help keep animal populations balanced. Years ago, gray wolves were almost gone from Minnesota. Thanks to conservation (protection of animals or ecosystems), their numbers have grown again.
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Bde Maka Ska is the largest lake in Minneapolis.
Minnesota is famous for its lakes. The state is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but there are even more. Lake Superior is the largest and most famous lake in the state. It also happens to be the largest freshwater lake in the world. One lake in Minneapolis used to be called Lake Calhoun. In 2020 it was renamed Bde Maka Ska. That means “White Earth Lake” in the Dakota language. This name honors the Dakota people and other Indigenous Minnesotans who have lived in the area for thousands of years. Indigenous peoples have deep connections to the land, water, and wildlife. Their cultures continue to shape Minnesota today.
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At 95 million square feet, the Mall of America could hold 78 football fields.
Minnesota also has lively cities filled with art, music, and culture. The state’s two largest cities are Minneapolis and the state capital, St. Paul. Together, they are known as the Twin Cities because they are so close together. They sit next to each other along the Mississippi River. Just outside Minneapolis, in Bloomington, stands the Mall of America, the biggest indoor shopping center in the United States. Inside, visitors can find hundreds of stores, an aquarium, and even an indoor amusement park.
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More Facts about Minnesota
- Native Americans were the first people to live in the area we call Minnesota, and they arrived around 12,000 years ago.
- The name Minnesota comes from Dakota words minni, meaning “water” and sotah, meaning “sky-tinted” or “cloudy.”
- Minnesota became the 32nd state in 1858.
- The state bird is the common loon. The state flower is the pink and white lady’s slipper.
- Waterskis, grocery bags with handles, the pop-up toaster, packaged cake mix, microwave popcorn, and Post-It Notes were all invented in Minnesota.
What Do You Think? What would you be excited to see or do in Minnesota?
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