National Minnesota Day

We recognize each state in the order they entered the union, beginning with Hawaii and ending with Hawaii on Independence Day. We feature a small part of each state's past, foods, and the people who make up the state. There's so much more to discover, we can't help but celebrate our beautiful country even more.

Minnesota joined the union on May 11, 1858, making it the 32nd state in the United States, and sharing its northern border with Canada. Minnesota is the northernmost state of the continental forty-eight, with Angle Township on the north edge of Lake of the Woods. It extends along Lake Superior's northern shore, also known as the Gopher State.

When the first Europeans began to explore and later settle the area, Dakota Sioux and Ojibwa, Menominee, and other tribes populated the area. In the late 17th century, fur trading in the densely wooded territory resulted in French treaties.

The Mississippi River divides a portion of the state; its source is Lake Itasca. After the Revolutionary War, this natural boundary divided the region when the Treaty of Paris established the United States' western boundary. Minnesota did not become whole until 1836, when it became part of the Wisconsin Territory, 33 years after the Louisana Purchase.

In 1838 along the Mississippi River, St. Paul, once known as Pig's Eye Landing, was established as the state capital and was designated as the territorial capital in 1849.

Minneapolis was founded from Ft. Paul, Minnesota, by a just upriver from St. Paul, Minneapolis. Snelling, 1819, was built in 1819. The metropolis spans both directions of the river for nearly 60 square miles today. Downtown Minneapolis is the world's most complete network of indoor pedestrian paths. The skyway system in eight miles links restaurants, shopping, shops, hotels, and apartment complexes.

Head north along Lake Superior into the Arrowhead Region, where the air stays cooler longer and the lake effect will have real meaning. Mild summers, easy summer nights, Aurora Borealis, and unspoiled views have enriched Duluth and points north with an industrial history.