In the very north of the United States of America, to the west of the Great Lakes lies the federal state of Minnesota. On May 11, 1858, it became part of the Union and the 32nd state of the USA. With an area of 225,365 km², Minnesota is the twelfth largest state in the USA. The state is considered the northernmost region of the US, if we do not count Alaska. Minnesota got its name from the original Dakota Indian tribe, who called it “murky water” in their language.
Minnesota is bordered by Canada to the north and Iowa to the south. It is bordered to the west by the states of South and North Dakota, to the east by Lake Superior and the state of Wisconsin. The surface of Minnesota is mostly flat, because in the past there were extensive glacial lakes. Several important rivers flow here, and even the Mississippi River has its source area here. Notable streams in addition to the Mississippi include the Minnesota River, Rainy River, Red River of the North, and St. Croix River. Clear waterways are full of pike, pike, perch and trout.
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Numerous lakes have also formed in this area, such as Upper Red Lake, Lower Red Lake, Mille Lacs Lake, Vermillion Lake, Rainy Lake, Lake of the Woods, Lake Superior, Leech Lake, Winnibigoshish Lake or Lake Pepin. Due to the number of lakes (11,842), the state is often called the same as Finland – “The Land of a Thousand Lakes”. The lakes are a great refuge for many species of waterfowl.
Numerous parks and rich forests provide refuge for many species of wild animals, such as marten, elk, deer, wolf and lynx. The state is also involved in the protection of the baribal bear and the American elk. This unique natural wealth is also used by local residents and tourists as a space for their recreation. In western Minnesota, there are vast prairies that are intensively used for agriculture. The east of the country, on the other hand, is covered with forests, and the north can be considered an almost untouched area of endless taigas. Although the surface consists mostly of lowlands, the highest point of Eagle Mountain reaches a height of 701 meters above sea level.
More than 5 million people live in Minnesota today, of which the largest representation (about 85%) is white and people of Western European descent. Many Swedes, Norwegians, Germans and Irish immigrated here in the past. Approximately 4% of the population are made up of blacks, the rest are Indians and half-breeds. About 60% of the population lives in the area around the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, which are the center of commerce, industry and transportation of the state. Most people are of the Christian faith, Roman Catholics and Protestants predominate, but Lutherans and Baptists are also strongly represented here. However, we also find here Muslims, Jews, Buddhists and people worshiping other non-Christian religions.
Minnesota has a continental climate characterized by large temperature differences between summer and winter. Heavy rainfall, blizzards, tornadoes, storms and gales that can cause natural disasters are not uncommon in Minnesota. Minnesota is still considered an important agricultural area, where corn, wheat, soybeans and sugar beets are grown on a large scale. An important economic sector is the engineering, metallurgical, electrotechnical, food, printing and woodworking industries. Iron ore and manganese are mined here.
According to COUNTRYAAH, the capital is St. Paul located on the north bank of the Mississippi River. However, the most populous and largest city is Minneapolis. Other major cities are Duluth, Rochester, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Plymouth, Eagan, Coon Rapids, and Burnsville.
Duluth
The port city of Duluth is the regional capital of St Louis County and, with its approximately 85,000 inhabitants, is the fourth largest city in the US state of Minnesota. Duluth is the westernmost city in the Great Lakes region and is located on the north shore of Lake Superior. Duluth is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the 3,700 km long New York Barge Canal or Saint Lawrence Seaway, leading through the Great Lakes and Lake Erie.
Duluth – Superior Harbor is one of the most important ports in the Great Lakes region. Coal, iron ore and grain are transported here. The town was named after the first known European explorer who went to the area – Daniel Greysolon called Sieur du Lhut. The city is the birthplace of singer Bob Dylan, but also home to the professional ballet company Minnesota Ballet.
The city is full of artistic opportunities, with an abundance of museums and galleries. Famous museums include the Duluth Art Institute at the Duluth Depot, the Tweed Museum of Art belonging to the University of Minnesota Duluth. But you will also find many smaller local galleries scattered throughout the city. Free concerts are often held in Chester Park in the summer, and the Bayfront Blues Festival is regularly held in August. Another music festival is the Homegrown Music Festival and Junior Achievement High School Rocks – Battle of the Bands, featuring high school and high school bands from Minnesota.
Since 1977, Grandma’s Marathon (named after its sponsor Grandma’s Restaurant) has been held regularly in the city. Another sporting event is the Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon held in February. Notable buildings in the city include the Historic Central High School, St Louis County Courthouse, Anger Tower, Weber Music Hall and Chester Terrace. The John Blatnik Bridge and the Aerial Lift Bridge dominate the city.
