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{{US state |
Name = Minnesota |
Fullname = State of Minnesota |
Flag = Flag of Minnesota.svg |
Flaglink = [[Flag of Minnesota]] |
Seal = Minnesotastateseal.jpg |
Map = Map of USA MN.svg |
Nickname = North Star State,<br/>The Land of 10,000 Lakes, The Gopher State|
Motto = [[L'Étoile du Nord]] (French: The Star of the North)|
Capital = [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]] |
LargestCity = [[Minneapolis, Minnesota|Minneapolis]] |
Governor = [[Tim Pawlenty]] ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]]) |
Senators = [[Norm Coleman]] ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]])<br />[[Amy Klobuchar]] ([[Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party|DFL]])|
PostalAbbreviation = MN |
AreaRank = 12<sup>th</sup> |
TotalAreaUS = 87,014|
TotalArea = 225,365 |
LandAreaUS = 79,682 |
LandArea = 206,375 |
WaterAreaUS = 7,332|
WaterArea = 18,990 |
PCWater = 8.4 |
PopRank = 21<sup>st</sup> |
2000Pop = 4,919,479 |
DensityRank = 31<sup>st</sup> |
2000DensityUS = 61.80|
2000Density = 23.86 |
MedianHouseholdIncome = $55,914 |
IncomeRank = 5<sup>th</sup> |
AdmittanceOrder = 32<sup>nd</sup> |
AdmittanceDate = [[May 11]], [[1858]] |
TimeZone = [[Central Standard Time Zone|Central]]: [[UTC]]-6/[[Daylight saving time|-5]] |
Latitude = 43°34'N to 49°23'50.26"N |
Longitude = 89°34'W to 97°12'W |
WidthUS = 250|
Width = 400 |
LengthUS = 400 |
Length = 645 |
HighestPoint = [[Eagle Mountain (Minnesota)|Eagle Mountain]]<ref name=usgs>{{cite web| year = 2005 | url =http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html#Highest| title =Elevations and Distances in the United States| publisher =U.S Geological Survey| accessdate = 2006-11-06}}</ref> |
HighestElevUS = 2,301 |
HighestElev = 701 |
MeanElevUS = 1,198 |
MeanElev = 365 |
LowestPoint = [[Lake Superior]]<ref name=usgs/> |
LowestElevUS = 602 |
LowestElev = 183 |
ISOCode = US-MN |
Website = www.state.mn.us
}}
<!-- The intro is intended to be an overview of the rest of the article, the references are there -->
'''{{audio|en-us-Minnesota-1.ogg|Minnesota}}''' ([[IPA chart for English|pronounced]]: {{IPA|[ˌmɪnəˈsoʊtə]}}) is a [[U.S. state|state]] in the [[Midwestern United States|Midwestern]] region of the [[United States]]. It is the 12<sup>th</sup> largest state in the U.S., and the 21<sup>st</sup> most populous, with over five million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the [[Minnesota Territory]] and admitted to the Union as the 32<sup>nd</sup> state on [[May 11]], [[1858]]. While the state's residents are primarily [[caucasian race|white]] and [[Northern European]], substantial influxes of [[African]], [[Asian]], and [[Hispanic]] immigrants have joined the descendants of [[Europe]]an immigrants and of the original [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] inhabitants.
Nearly 60% of Minnesota's [[residents]] live in the [[Minneapolis-St. Paul]] [[metropolitan area]] known as the ''Twin Cities'', the center of [[transportation]], [[business]], and [[industry]], and home to an internationally known [[arts]] community. The remainder of the state, often referred to as [[Greater Minnesota]], consists of western [[prairie]]s now given over to intensive [[agriculture]]; eastern [[Deciduous|deciduous forests]], also heavily [[farmed]] and settled; and the less-populated northern [[Taiga|boreal forest]]. The state is known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," and those [[lakes]] and the other waters for which the state is named, together with state and national forests and parks, offer residents and tourists a vigorous outdoor lifestyle.
The extremes of the climate contrast with the moderation of Minnesota’s people. The state is known for its [[moderate]]-to-[[progressivism|progressive]] [[politics]] and social policies, its civic involvement, and high [[voter turnout]]. It ranks among the healthiest states by a number of measures, and has one of the most highly educated and [[literate]] populations.
<!--References go in sections below, not in intro.-->
==Origin of the name==
[[Image:MinnesotaWelcomeSign2006NewAlbinIowa.JPG|thumb|right|Minnesota welcome sign]]
The name ''Minnesota'' comes from the word for the [[Minnesota River]] in the [[Sioux language|Dakota language]], ''mnisota''. The Dakota word ''Mni'' (sometimes spelled ''mini'', or ''minne'') can be translated as "water". ''Mnisota'' is then translated as ''sky-tinted water'' or ''somewhat clouded water''.<ref name = mnhs-name>{{cite web | title = Minnesota State | publisher = Minnesota Historical Society | url = http://mnplaces.mnhs.org/upham/otheritem.cfm?PlaceNameID=2007&BookCodeID=67&County=0&SendingPage=Results.cfm | accessdate = 2006-06-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Minnesota definition | publisher = Dictionary.com | url = http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=Minnesota | accessdate = 2006-07-06}}</ref> Native Americans demonstrated the name to early settlers by dropping milk into water and calling it ''mnisota''.<ref name = mnhs-name /> The names of many locations in the state contain the Dakota word for water, such as [[Minnehaha Falls]] ("waterfall", not "laughing waters" as is commonly thought), [[Minneiska, Minnesota|Minneiska]] ("white water"), [[Lake Minnetonka|Minnetonka]] ("big water"), [[Minnetrista, Minnesota|Minnetrista]] ("crooked water"), and [[Minneapolis, Minnesota|Minneapolis]], which is a combination of ''mni'' and ''polis'', the Greek word for "city".<ref>
{{cite web | title = Minnehaha Creek | publisher = Minnesota Historical Society | url = http://mnplaces.mnhs.org/upham/Waterway.cfm?PlaceNameID=2002&BookCodeID=9&County=27&SendingPage=Results.cfm | accessdate = 2006-10-12 }}</ref><br clear="all">
==Geography==
[[Image:National-atlas-minnesota.png|thumb|right|Minnesota, showing roads and major bodies of water]]
Minnesota is the northernmost state except for [[Alaska]]. Minnesota reaches farther north than the other states due to the [[Northwest Angle]] area. This angular feature on the northern border of the state is the only part of the 48 [[Continental United States|contiguous states]] lying north of the [[49th parallel north|49<sup>th</sup> Parallel]]. Minnesota is in the heart of the U.S. region known as the [[Upper Midwest]]. The state shares a [[Lake Superior]] water border with [[Michigan]] and [[Wisconsin]] on the northeast; the remainder of the eastern border is with [[Wisconsin]]. [[Iowa]] is to the south, [[North Dakota]] and [[South Dakota]] are west, and the [[Canada|Canadian]] [[province]]s of [[Ontario]] and [[Manitoba]] are north. With 87,014 square miles (225,365 km²), or approximately 2.25% of the United States,<ref>
{{cite web | title = Facts and figures | publisher = infoplease.com | url = http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/us/A0859662.html | accessdate = 2006-06-22}}</ref> Minnesota is the 12<sup>th</sup> largest state, and is the second-largest of the Midwestern states.<ref>{{cite web| title = Land and Water Area of States, 2000| publisher = Information Please| date = 2006| url = http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108355.html | accessdate = 2006-11-22}}</ref>
===Geology and terrain===
{{main|Geology of Minnesota}}
[[Image:StLouisRiver JayCooke.JPG|thumb|left|Tilted beds of the Middle [[Precambrian]] Thompson Formation in [[Jay Cooke State Park]].<ref name = MNGeog>{{cite book | last = Ojakangas | first = Richard W. | coauthors = Charles L. Matsch | others = Illus. Dan Breedy | title = Minnesota's Geology | year = 1982 | publisher = University of Minnesota Press | ___location= Minneapolis, Minnesota | id = ISBN 0-8166-0953-5 }}</ref>]]
Minnesota contains some of the oldest rocks found on earth, granitic [[gneiss]]es some 3.6 billion years old, or 80% as old as the planet.<ref name = MNGeog /><ref name=USGS>{{cite web | title = Geologic Time: Age of the Earth | publisher = usgs.gov | url = http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/geotime/age.html | accessdate = 2007-03-27 }}</ref> About 2.7 billion years ago, [[basalt]]ic [[lava]] poured out of cracks in the floor of the primordial [[ocean]]; the remains of this [[volcano|volcanic]] rock formed the [[Canadian Shield]] in northeast Minnesota.<ref name = MNGeog /><ref name="Compass">{{cite book | last = Breining | first = Greg | title = Compass American Guides: Minnesota, 3rd Edition | edition = 3rd |publisher = [[Fodor's|Compass American Guides]] | year = 2005 | month = December | id = ISBN 1-4000-1484-0 }}</ref> Following a period of [[volcanism]] 1.1 billion years ago, Minnesota's geological activity has been relatively quiet, with no volcanism, no mountain formation, and little earthquake activity.<ref name = MNGeog /> The roots of these volcanic mountains and the action of [[Precambrian]] seas formed the [[Iron Range]] of northern Minnesota. These seas began the flattening of Minnesota which continued with glaciation beginning 600,000 years ago. Massive glaciers at least one [[kilometer]] thick ravaged the landscape of Minnesota and created its current terrain.<ref name = MNGeog /> The last of four major glaciations, the [[Wisconsin glaciation]], left Minnesota 12,000 years ago.<ref name = MNGeog /> The extent of these glaciers reached all of Minnesota except the far southeast and southwest. This untouched southeastern area is known as the [[Coulee Region|Driftless Zone]],<ref>{{cite web | title = Natural history - Minnesota's geology | publisher = Minnesota DNR | url = http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snas/naturalhistory.html | accessdate = 2006-10-17 }}</ref> and is characterized by rolling hills and streams that cut into the [[bedrock]]. The glaciers left their remains across the entire state as they retreated, with most areas having 50 feet (15 m) or more of [[glacial till]]. As the last glaciers retreated, gigantic [[Lake Agassiz]] formed in the northwest; the lake's outflow carved the valley of the [[Minnesota River]], and its bottom created the fertile lands of the [[Red River of the North|Red River]] valley.<ref name = MNGeog /> Minnesota is geologically quiet today; it experiences [[earthquake]]s infrequently, and most of them are minor. The strongest earthquake in the last century occurred near [[Morris, Minnesota|Morris]] in 1975, and rated between 4.6 and 4.8 in [[Richter magnitude scale|magnitude]] on the Richter scale.<ref>{{cite web | title = Table Showing Minnesota Earthquakes | publisher = University of Minnesota, Morris | url = http://www.mrs.umn.edu/earthquakes/MNeqchart.html | accessdate = 2006-11-26 }}</ref>
[[Image:Lake Superior North Shore.jpg|thumb|right|[[Palisade Head]] on [[Lake Superior]] formed from a [[Precambrian]] [[rhyolitic]] [[lava]] flow.<ref name = MNGeog />]]
The state's high point is [[Eagle Mountain (Minnesota)|Eagle Mountain]] at 2,301 ft (701 m), which is only 13 miles away from the low of 602 ft (183 m) at the shore of [[Lake Superior]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Minnesota Map Collection - State, City, Road, County, River, Lake | publisher = geology.com | url = http://geology.com/state-map/minnesota.shtml#Elevation-Map | accessdate = 2006-11-26 }}</ref><ref name="Compass"/> Notwithstanding dramatic local differences in elevation, much of the state is a gently rolling [[peneplain]].<ref name = MNGeog />
Two [[continental divide]]s meet in the northeastern part of Minnesota in rural [[Hibbing, Minnesota|Hibbing]], forming a triple [[watershed]]. [[Precipitation]] can follow the Mississippi River south to the [[Gulf of Mexico]]; the [[Saint Lawrence Seaway|St. Lawrence Seaway]] east to the [[Atlantic Ocean]]; or the [[Canada Hudson Bay drainage|Hudson Bay watershed]] to the [[Arctic Ocean]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Continental Divides in North Dakota and North America | publisher = National Atlas | url = http://nationalatlas.gov/articles/geology/a_continentalDiv.html | accessdate = 2006-11-26 }}</ref>
The state's nickname, ''The Land of 10,000 Lakes,'' is not an exaggeration; there are 11,842 lakes over 10 [[acre]]s in size.<ref name=dnr>{{cite web | title = Lakes, rivers & wetlands | work = MN Facts | publisher = Minnesota DNR | date = 2003 | url = http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/faq/mnfacts/water.html | accessdate = 2006-09-16}}</ref> The Minnesota portion of [[Lake Superior]] is the largest (at 962,700 acres) and deepest (at 1,290 feet) body of water in the state.<ref name=dnr /> Minnesota has 6,564 natural rivers and streams that cumulatively flow for 69,000 miles.<ref name=dnr /> The [[Mississippi River]] begins its journey through Minnesota from its headwaters at [[Lake Itasca]], crossing the [[Iowa]] border 680 miles downstream.<ref name=dnr /> It is joined by the [[Minnesota River]] at [[Fort Snelling, Minnesota|Fort Snelling]], by the [[St. Croix River (Wisconsin-Minnesota)|St. Croix River]] near [[Hastings, Minnesota|Hastings]], by the [[Chippewa River (Wisconsin)|Chippewa River]] at [[Wabasha, MN|Wabasha]], and by many small streams in the southeast. The [[Red River of the North|Red River]], in the bed of glacial Lake Agassiz, drains the northwest part of the state northward toward Canada's [[Hudson Bay]]. In all, approximately 10.6 million acres of wetlands are contained within Minnesota's borders, the most of any state except Alaska.<ref name=weatheralmanac>{{cite book | last = Seely | middle = W. | first = Mark | title = Minnesota Weather Almanac | publisher = [[Minnesota Historical Society]] press | year = 2006 | id = ISBN 0-87351-554-4}}</ref>
{{seealso|List of lakes in Minnesota|List of Minnesota rivers}}
===Flora and fauna===
[[Image:Groundhog-Standing2.jpg|thumb|right|A groundhog seen in [[Minneapolis]], along the banks of the [[Mississippi River]]]] Three of [[North America]]'s [[biome]]s converge in Minnesota: [[prairie|prairie grasslands]] in the southwestern and western parts of the state, the [[Big Woods]] [[deciduous forest]] of the southeast, and the northern [[Taiga|boreal forest]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Biomes of Minnesota | publisher = Minnesota Department of Natural Resources | url = http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/biomes/index.html | accessdate = 2006-11-13 }}</ref> The northern coniferous forests are a vast wilderness of [[pine]] and [[spruce]] trees mixed with patchy stands of [[birch]] and [[poplar]]. Much of Minnesota's northern forest has been logged, leaving only a few patches of [[old growth forest]] today in areas such as in the [[Chippewa National Forest]] and the [[Superior National Forest]] where the [[Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness]] has some 400,000 acres of unlogged land.<ref name="Heinselman">{{cite book | title = The Boundary Waters Wilderness Ecosystem | last = Heinselman | first = Miron | publisher = University of Minnesota Press | ___location = Minneapolis, Minnesota | date = 1996 |id = ISBN 0-8166-2805-X }}</ref> Although logging continues, regrowth keeps about one third of the state forested.<ref>{{cite book | last = Bewer | first = Tim | title = Moon Handbooks Minnesota | publisher = Avalon Travel Publishing | year = 2004 | edition = First edition | id = ISBN 1-56691-482-5}}</ref> While loss of habitat has affected native animals such as the [[American marten|pine marten]], [[Elk (Cervus canadensis)|elk]], [[American bison|buffalo]], [[cougar]], [[Reindeer|woodland caribou]], and [[bobcat]], other natives thrive; the state contains the nation's largest population of [[wolf|timber wolves]] outside Alaska, and supports healthy populations of [[American black bear|black bear]], [[moose]] and [[whitetail deer]]. Located on the [[Mississippi Flyway]], the state hosts migratory waterfowl such as [[geese]] and [[ducks]], and game birds such as [[grouse]], [[pheasants]], and [[turkeys]]. The state is home to [[bird of prey|birds of prey]] including the [[bald eagle]], [[red-tailed Hawk|red-tailed hawk]], and [[snowy owl]]. Its lakes teem with the sport fish of the region: [[walleye]], [[bass (fish)|bass]], [[muskellunge]], and [[Northern Pike|northern pike]]. The streams in the southeast are populated by [[brook trout]], [[brown trout]], and [[rainbow trout]].
{{seealso|Category:Flora of Minnesota}}
===Climate===
{{main|Climate of Minnesota}}
[[Image:Washington Avenue Bridge Minneapolis.jpg|thumb|left|A summertime view of the [[University of Minnesota|University of Minnesota, Twin Cities]] campus]] Minnesota endures temperature extremes characteristic of its [[continental climate]]; with cold winters and hot summers, the record high and low span 174 degrees (96.6 °C).<ref name = extremes>{{cite web | title = Minnesota climate extremes | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://climate.umn.edu/doc/historical/extremes.htm | accessdate = 2006-11-10 }}</ref> Meteorological events include [[rain]], [[snow]], [[hail]], [[blizzards]], [[polar front]]s, [[tornadoes]], [[thunderstorms]], and high-velocity [[straight-line winds]]. The growing season varies from 90 days per year in the [[Iron Range]] to 160 days in southeast Minnesota near the Mississippi River, and mean average temperatures range from 36 °F (2 °C) to 49 °F (9 °C).<ref name=noaa>{{cite web | authorlink = www.ncdc.noaa.gov | title = Climate of Minnesota | publisher = National Weather Service Forecast Office | url = http://www5.ncdc.noaa.gov/climatenormals/clim60/states/Clim_MN_01.pdf| accessdate = 2006-11-05}}</ref> Average summer [[dewpoint]]s range from about 58 °F (14.4 °C) in the south to about 48 °F (8.9 °C) in the north.<ref name=noaa/><ref>{{cite web | title = 103 Years of Twin Cities Dew Point Temperature Records: 1902-2005 | publisher = Minnesota Climatology Office | date = [[March 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://climate.umn.edu/doc/twin_cities/mspdewpoint.htm | accessdate = 2007-04-09 }}</ref> Depending on ___location, average annual precipitation ranges from 19 in (48.3 cm) to 35 in (88.9 cm), and droughts occur every 10 to 50 years.<ref name=noaa/>
===Protected lands===
[[Image:Img 0748.jpg|thumb|right|Pose Lake in the [[Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness]]]]
Minnesota is home to a variety of wilderness, park, and other open spaces. Minnesota's first state park, [[Itasca State Park]], was established in 1891, and is the official [[Source (river or stream)|source]] of the Mississippi River.<ref>{{cite web | title = Itasca State Park | publisher = Minnesota Department of Natural Resources | url = http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/itasca/narrative.html | accessdate = 2006-11-13 }}</ref> Today Minnesota has [[List of Minnesota state parks|72 state parks]] and recreation areas, [[List of Minnesota state forests|58 state forests]] covering about four million acres, and numerous state wildlife preserves, all managed by the [[Minnesota Department of Natural Resources]]. There are 5.5 million acres in two national forests, the [[Chippewa National Forest]] and the [[Superior National Forest]]. Inside the Superior National Forest, on the northeastern border of the state, lies the [[Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness]], which encompasses over a million acres and a thousand lakes. [[Voyageurs National Park]] is the state's only national park.
{{seealso|Category:Parks in Minnesota}}
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==History==
{{main|History of Minnesota}}
[[Image:Minnesotaterritory.PNG|thumb|left|Map of [[Minnesota Territory]] 1849–1858]]
Before European settlement, Minnesota was populated by the [[Anishinaabe]], the [[Sioux]], and other [[Native Americans in the United States|Native Americans]]. The first [[Europe]]ans were [[French people|French]] [[fur trade]]rs who arrived in the 1600s. Late in the century, the [[Ojibwe]] Indians migrated westward to Minnesota, causing tensions with the Sioux.<ref name="timepieces">{{cite web | title = TimePieces | url = http://events.mnhs.org/TimePieces/timeline.cfm | publisher = Minnesota Historical Society | accessdate=2006-09-19}}</ref> Explorers such as [[Daniel Greysolon, Sieur du Lhut]], Father [[Louis Hennepin]], [[Jonathan Carver]], [[Henry Schoolcraft]], and [[Joseph Nicollet]], among others, mapped out the state.
In 1805, [[Zebulon Pike]] acquired land at the [[Confluence (geography)|confluence]] of the [[Minnesota River|Minnesota]] and [[Mississippi River|Mississippi]] rivers. The construction of [[Fort Snelling]] followed, between 1819 and 1825.<ref name="Gilman">{{cite book | title = The Story of Minnesota's Past | last = Gilman | first = Rhoda R. | publisher = Minnesota Historical Society Press | ___location = St. Paul, Minnesota | date = 1991-7-01 | id = ISBN 0-87351-267-7 }}</ref>
The soldiers built a [[grist mill]] and a [[sawmill]] at [[Saint Anthony Falls]], and as industry later sprung up around the falls, the city of [[Minneapolis, Minnesota|Minneapolis]] grew up around it. Meanwhile, squatters, government officials, and tourists had settled in the vicinity of the fort. In 1839, the Army forced them to move downriver, and they settled in the area that became [[St. Paul, Minnesota|St. Paul]].<ref name="hfs">{{cite web | url = http://www.mnhs.org/places/sites/hfs/history.html | title = Historic Fort Snelling | publisher = Minnesota Historical Society Press | accessdate = 2006-07-06}}</ref> [[Minnesota Territory]] was formed on [[March 3]], [[1849]]. By 1858, thousands of people had come to build [[farm]]s and cut [[timber]], and Minnesota became the [[List of U.S. states by date of statehood|32nd U.S. state]] on [[May 11]], [[1858]].
Treaties between whites and the Sioux and Ojibwe gradually forced the natives off their lands and onto smaller reservations. As conditions deteriorated for the Sioux, tensions rose, leading to the [[Dakota War of 1862]]. The result of the six-week war was the execution of 38 Indians—the largest mass execution in United States history—and the exile of most of the rest of the Sioux to the [[Crow Creek Reservation]] in [[Nebraska]].<ref name="Lass">{{cite book | last = Lass | first = William E. | title = Minnesota: A History | edition = 2nd | publisher = W.W. Norton & Company | ___location=New York, NY | year=1998 | origyear=1977 | id=ISBN 0-393-04628-1}}</ref>
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[[Image:Fort Snelling Round Tower.JPG|thumb|right|[[Fort Snelling]] played a pivotal role in Minnesota's history and in the development of the cities of [[Minneapolis, Minnesota|Minneapolis]] and [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]].]]
Logging and farming were mainstays of Minnesota's early economy. The sawmills at Saint Anthony Falls, and logging centers like [[Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota|Marine on St. Croix]], [[Stillwater, Minnesota|Stillwater]], and [[Winona, Minnesota|Winona]], processed high volumes of lumber. These cities were situated on rivers that were ideal for transportation.<ref name="Lass"/> Later, Saint Anthony Falls was tapped to provide power for [[gristmill|flour mills]]. Innovations by Minneapolis millers led to the production of Minnesota "patent" flour, widely regarded as the finest bread flour of its time. By 1900, Minnesota mills, led by [[Pillsbury Bakery|Pillsbury]] and the Washburn-Crosby Company (a forerunner of [[General Mills]]), were grinding 14.1% of the nation's grain.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Danbom, David B. | year = 2003 | month = Spring | title = Flour Power: The Significance of Flour Milling at the Falls | journal = [http://shop.mnhs.org/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=66&bhcp=1 Minnesota History] | volume = 58 | issue = 5 | pages = 271-285 | accessdate = }}</ref>
The state's [[iron]]-mining industry was established with the discovery of iron in the [[Vermilion Range (Minnesota)|Vermilion Range]] and the [[Mesabi Range]] in the 1880s, then in the [[Cuyuna Range]] in the early 1900s. The iron was shipped by rail to [[Two Harbors, Minnesota|Two Harbors]] and [[Duluth, Minnesota|Duluth]], then loaded onto ships and transported eastward over the [[Great Lakes]].<ref name="Lass"/>
Industrial development and the rise of manufacturing caused the population to shift gradually from rural areas to cities during the early 1900s. Nevertheless, farming remained prevalent throughout the state. During the [[Great Depression]], Minnesota's economy was hard-hit, resulting in lower prices for farmers, layoffs among iron miners, and labor unrest. Compounding the adversity, western Minnesota and the Dakotas were hit by [[drought]] from 1931 to 1935. [[New Deal]] programs provided some economic turnaround. The [[Civilian Conservation Corps]] and other programs around the state established jobs for Indians on their reservations. The [[Indian Reorganization Act]] of 1934 provided a mechanism of self-government for the Indian tribes. This provided natives a greater voice within the state, and promoted more respect for tribal customs because religious ceremonies and native languages were no longer suppressed.<ref name="Gilman"/>
After [[World War II]], industrial development quickened. New technology increased productivity on farms, through automation of [[feedlot]]s for hogs and cattle, machine milking at dairy farms, and raising chickens in large buildings. Planting became more specialized with [[hybrid]]ization of corn and wheat, and the use of farm machinery such as [[tractor]]s and [[Combine harvester|combines]] became the norm. University of Minnesota professor [[Norman Borlaug]] contributed to these developments as part of the [[Green Revolution]].<ref name="Gilman"/> During this time, [[suburb]]an development accelerated due to increased postwar housing demand and convenient transportation. Increased mobility, in turn, enabled more specialized jobs.<ref name="Gilman"/>
Minnesota became a center of technology after the war. [[Engineering Research Associates]] was formed in 1946 to develop computers for the [[United States Navy]]. It later merged with [[Remington Rand]], and then became [[Sperry Rand]]. [[William Norris]] left Sperry in 1957 to form [[Control Data Corporation]] (CDC).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.hagley.lib.de.us/2015.htm | title = Engineering Research Associates Records 1946-1959 | publisher = Hagley Museum and Library | accessdate = 2006-11-26}}</ref> [[Cray|Cray Research]] was formed when [[Seymour Cray]] left CDC to form his own company. Medical device maker [[Medtronic]] also started business in the Twin Cities in 1949.
==Cities and towns==
[[Image:OwatonnaBank.JPG|thumb|left|[[National Farmers Bank]] in [[Owatonna, Minnesota|Owatonna]] by [[Louis Sullivan]]]]
The [[capital]] city of Minnesota is [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]], located in the east-central part of the state along the banks of the Mississippi River. Saint Paul is adjacent to Minnesota's most populous city, [[Minneapolis, Minnesota|Minneapolis]]; they and their suburbs are known collectively as the [[Minneapolis-St. Paul|Twin Cities]] [[metropolitan area]], the 16<sup>th</sup> largest metropolitan area in the United States and home to about 60% of the state's population (as of April 2005).<ref>{{cite web | title = Population in Metropolitan Statistical Areas Ranked by 2000 Census | publisher = U.S. Census Bureau | url = http://www.census.gov/population/cen2000/phc-t29/tab03a.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-08-16 }}</ref><ref name = popest>{{cite web | title = Population Estimates | publisher = Minnesota Demographic Center | url = http://www.demography.state.mn.us/estimates.html | accessdate = 2006-09-07 }}</ref> The remainder of the state is known as [[Greater Minnesota]] or Outstate Minnesota.
Minnesota has 16 cities with populations above fifty thousand (based on 2005 estimates). In descending order by population, they are Minneapolis, Saint Paul, [[Rochester, Minnesota|Rochester]], [[Duluth, Minnesota|Duluth]], [[Bloomington, Minnesota|Bloomington]], [[Brooklyn Park, Minnesota|Brooklyn Park]], [[Plymouth, Minnesota|Plymouth]], [[Eagan, Minnesota|Eagan]], [[St. Cloud, Minnesota|St. Cloud]], [[Coon Rapids, Minnesota|Coon Rapids]], [[Burnsville, Minnesota|Burnsville]], [[Eden Prairie, Minnesota|Eden Prairie]], [[Maple Grove, Minnesota|Maple Grove]], [[Woodbury, Minnesota|Woodbury]], [[Blaine, Minnesota|Blaine]], [[Lakeville, Minnesota|Lakeville]], and [[Minnetonka, Minnesota|Minnetonka]].<ref name = popest/> Of these, only Rochester, Duluth, and St. Cloud are outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
Minnesota's population continues to grow, primarily in the urban centers. The populations of metropolitan [[Sherburne County, Minnesota|Sherburne]] and [[Scott County, Minnesota|Scott Counties]] doubled between 1980 and 2000, while 40 of the state's 87 counties lost residents over the same decades.<ref name = EIA>{{cite web | title = Environmental Information Report, App. D Socioeconomic Information | publisher = Minnesota Pollution Control Agency | date = 2003-05-30 | url = http://www.pca.state.mn.us/publications/reports/eir-appendix-e.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-11-19 }}</ref>
{{seealso|List of cities in Minnesota|List of townships in Minnesota|Category:Minnesota counties}}
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==Demographics==
{{main|Demographics of Minnesota}}
[[Image:Minnesota_population_map_cropped.png|thumb|left|A map of Minnesota's [[population density]].]]
===Population===
From fewer than 6,100 people in 1850, Minnesota's population grew to over 1.75 million by 1900. Each of the next six decades saw a 15% rise in population, reaching 3.41 million in 1960. Growth then slowed, rising 11% to 3.8 million in 1970, and an average of 9% over the next three decades to 4.91 million in the 2000 census.<ref name = EIA /> As of July 1, 2006, the state's population was estimated at 5,167,101 by the U.S. Census Bureau.<ref>{{cite web| title = national and state population estimates| work = Annual Population Estimates 2000 to 2006| publisher = US Census Bureau| date = 2006-12-22| url = http://www.census.gov/popest/states/NST-ann-est.html| accessdate = 2006-12-22}}</ref> The rate of population change, and age and gender distributions, approximate the national average. Minnesota's growing minority groups, however, still form a significantly smaller proportion of the population than in the nation as a whole.<ref name="quickfacts">{{cite web | url= http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/27000.html | title = Minnesota QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau | accessdate = 2006-11-26}}</ref> The [[center of population]] of Minnesota is located in [[Hennepin County, Minnesota|Hennepin County]], in the city of [[Rogers, Minnesota|Rogers]].<ref>{{cite web| title = statecenters | publisher = U.S. Census Bureau | date = 2000 | url = http://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt | accessdate = 2006-11-21}}</ref>
===Race and ancestry===
Over 75% of Minnesota's residents are of [[Western European]] descent, with the largest reported ancestries being [[German people|German]] (37.3%), [[Norwegian people|Norwegian]] (17.0%), [[Irish people|Irish]] (12.2%), and [[Swedish people|Swedish]] (10.0%).<ref name = SSC>{{cite web | url = http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=04000US27&-qr_name=ACS_2004_EST_G00_DP2&-ds_name=&-redoLog=false | title=Minnesota - Selected Social Characteristics | publisher = U.S. Census Bureau | date = 2004 | accessdate = 2006-11-19}}</ref> As of 2004, 6.1% of residents were foreign-born, compared to 12% for the nation.<ref name = SSC /><ref>{{cite web | url = http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTable?_bm=y&-qr_name=ACS_2004_EST_G00_DP2&-geo_id=01000US&-ds_name=ACS_2004_EST_G00_&-_lang=en&-_caller=geoselect&-redoLog=false&-format | title=National Selected Social Characteristics | publisher = U.S. Census Bureau|date=2004 | accessdate = 2006-11-19}}</ref> The state has had the reputation of being relatively homogeneous, but that is changing. The Hispanic population of Minnesota is increasing rapidly,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.demography.state.mn.us/DownloadFiles/PopulationProjectionsRaceHispanicOrigin.pdf | title = Minnesota Population Projections by Race and Hispanic Origin| publisher = Minnesota Department of Administration | date = 2004 | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-08-14}}</ref> and recent [[immigrant]]s have come from all over the world, including [[Hmong people|Hmongs]],<ref>
{{cite web | url = http://www.mla.org/map_data_states&lang_id=722&mode=lang_tops | title = Modern Language Ass'n List of Hmong Language speakers by State using 2000 census data | publisher = Modern Language Association | date = 2004 | accessdate = 2007-03-28}}</ref> [[Somali people|Somalis]], [[Vietnamese people|Vietnamese]], [[India]]ns and emigrants from the former [[Soviet bloc]].
[[Image:CathedralofStPaul.jpg|thumb|right|The [[French Renaissance architecture|French Renaissance]] style [[Cathedral of Saint Paul (Minnesota)|Cathedral of St. Paul]] in the city of St. Paul.]]
The state's racial composition in 2005 was:<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.census.gov/popest/states/asrh/SC-EST2005-04.html | title = State Population Estimates by Selected Race Categories: July 1, 2005 | accessdate = 2006-11-26}}</ref>
*86.3% [[White (people)|White]] (non-Hispanic);
*4.1% [[Black people|Black]] (non-Hispanic);
*3.6% [[Hispanic]], a category that includes people of many races;
*3.4% [[Asian (people)|Asian]]/Pacific Islander;
*1.1% [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]]/Alaskan Native;
*1.5% [[Multiracial|mixed race]];
*1.8% other races.
===
A 2001 survey indicated that 25% of Minnesota's population was [[Roman Catholicism in the United States|Roman Catholic]], and 24% was [[Lutheranism|Lutheran]]. Other religious groups represented were [[Baptists]] (5%), [[Methodists]] (4%), [[Presbyterian]]s (2%), the [[Assembly of God]] (2%), and the [[Church of God]] (2%). Christians with unstated or other denominational affiliations, including other [[Mainline Protestant|Protestants]], totalled 13%, bringing the total Christian population to 77%. Non-Christian religions, such as [[Judaism]], [[Islam]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Hinduism]], together represented 3% of the population. Fourteen percent of respondents answered "no religion" on the survey, and 6% refused to answer.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gc.cuny.edu/faculty/research_briefs/aris/key_findings.htm | title=American Religious Identification Survey | work=Exhibit 15 | publisher = The Graduate Center, City University of New York | accessdate = 2006-11-24}}</ref>
==Economy==
{{main|Economy of Minnesota}}
[[Image:Phelpsmill ottertailcounty.jpg|thumb|right|Phelps Mill in [[Otter Tail County, Minnesota|Otter Tail County]]]]
Once primarily a producer of raw materials, Minnesota's economy has transformed in the last 200 years to emphasize finished products and services. Perhaps the most significant characteristic of the economy is its diversity; the relative outputs of its business sectors closely match the United States as a whole.<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Information Report, App. D Socioeconomic Information | date = 2003-05-30
| url = http://www.pca.state.mn.us/publications/reports/eir-appendix-e.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-11-19 }}</ref> The economy of Minnesota had a [[gross domestic product]] of $234 billion in 2005.<ref>{{cite web | title = Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by State | publisher = U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis | date = 2006-10-26
| url = http://www.bea.gov/bea/newsrel/GSPNewsRelease.htm | accessdate = 2006-11-13 }}</ref> Thirty-six of the United States' top 1,000 publicly traded companies (by revenue in 2006) are headquartered in Minnesota,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/states/M.html | title=FORTUNE 500 2006: States | publisher=CNN Money | accessdate = 2006-11-14}}</ref> including [[Target Corporation|Target]], [[UnitedHealth Group]], [[3M]], [[Medtronic]], [[General Mills]], [[U.S. Bancorp]], and [[Best Buy]]. The largest privately owned U.S. company, [[Cargill]], is headquartered in [[Minnetonka]].<ref>{{cite web| title = The Largest Private Companies| publisher = Forbes| date = 2006| url = http://images.forbes.com/lists/2005/21/htm/filter.html?sort=0| accessdate = 2006-11-26}}</ref> The [[per capita income]] in 2004 was $36,184, the eighth-highest in the nation.<ref>{{cite web
| title = Regional Economic Accounts | publisher = U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
| url = http://www.bea.gov/bea/regional/bearfacts/stateaction.cfm?fips=27000&yearin=2004
| accessdate = 2006-06-22 }}</ref> The [[median household income]] in 2005 was $52,024, ranking eleventh in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/GRTTable?_bm=y&-_box_head_nbr=R2001&-ds_name=ACS_2005_EST_G00_&-format=US-30 | title=United States and States - R2001. Median Household Income | publisher=U.S. Census Bureau | accessdate = 2006-11-04}}</ref>
===Industry and commerce===
[[Image:IDS reflecting Wells Fargo.jpg|left|thumb|The [[IDS Tower]], designed by [[Philip Johnson]] and Minnesota's tallest building, reflecting [[César Pelli|César Pelli's]] [[Art Deco]]-style [[Wells Fargo Center (Minneapolis)|Wells Fargo Center]].]] Minnesota's earliest industries were fur trading and agriculture; the city of Minneapolis grew around the [[gristmill|flour mills]] clumped around [[St. Anthony Falls]]. Although fewer than 1% of the population are employed in the agricultural sector,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/QTTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=04000US27&-qr_name=DEC_2000_SF3_U_DP3&-ds_name=DEC_2000_SF3_U&-_lang=en&-_sse=on | title=Minnesota - DP-3. Profile of Selected Economic Characteristics: 2000 | publisher = U.S. Census Bureau | accessdate = 2006-11-26}}</ref> it remains a major part of the state's economy, ranking 6<sup>th</sup> in the nation in the value of products sold.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nass.usda.gov/census/census02/profiles/mn/cp99027.PDF | title=Census of Agriculture, Minnesota State Profile | publisher = U.S. Department of Agriculture | accessdate = 2006-12-03}}</ref> The state is the U.S.'s largest producer of [[sugar beets]], [[sweet corn]], and [[green peas]] for processing, and farm-raised [[turkeys]].<ref name=resources>{{cite web | url = http://www.deed.state.mn.us/whymn/resources.htm | title = Wealth of Resources | publisher = Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development | accessdate = 2006-11-26}}</ref> [[Forestry]], another early industry, remains strong, including [[logging]], [[pulpwood]] processing, forest products manufacturing, and paper production. Minnesota was famous for its soft-ore iron mines, which produced a significant portion of the world's [[iron ore]] for over a century. Although the high-grade ore is now depleted, [[taconite]] mining remains viable, using processes developed locally to save the industry. In 2004, the state produced 75% of the country's usable iron ore.<ref name=resources /> The mining boom created the port of [[Duluth, Minnesota|Duluth]], and it continues to be an important shipping port for ore, coal, and agricultural products. The manufacturing sector now includes technology and [[biomedical]] firms, in addition to the older food processors and heavy industry. The nation's first indoor [[shopping mall]] was [[Edina, Minnesota|Edina's]] [[Southdale Center]] and its largest, the [[Mall of America]], is located in [[Bloomington, Minnesota|Bloomington]].
===Energy use and production===
The state produces [[ethanol fuel]], and a 10% mix of ethanol ([[E10 fuel|E10]]) has been mandated since 1997, making Minnesota the first state with such a mandate.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ethanolproducer.com/article.jsp?article_id=1905 | publisher = Ethanol Producer Magazine | title= Ethanol Producer Magazine|accessdate=2006-11-26}}</ref> A 20% ethanol mix (E20) will be mandated in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.minnesotavotes.org/2005-SF-4 |title= 2005 Senate Bill 4 (Ethanol Mandate Increase) | publisher = Minnesota Votes | accessdate=2006-11-26}}</ref> Minnesota has more than 310 service stations supplying [[E85]] fuel.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/content.do?subchannel=-536881511&programid=536907776&sc3=null&sc2=-536888997&id=-536881350&agency=Commerce |title= The complete list of Minnesota E85 fuel Sites | publisher = Minnesota Department of Commerce | accessdate=2006-11-26}}</ref> A 2% [[biodiesel]] blend has also been required in [[diesel fuel]] since 2005. [[Electricity]]-producing [[wind turbine]]s have become popular, particularly in the windy southwest region on the [[Buffalo Ridge]]. As of November 2006, the state is the country's fourth-largest producer of [[wind power]], with 812 [[megawatt]]s installed and another 82 megawatts planned.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.awea.org/projects |title= Wind Energy Projects Throughout the United States of America| publisher = [http://www.awea.org/ The American Wind Energy Association] | accessdate=2006-11-26}}</ref>
{{Seealso|Common ethanol fuel mixtures|Wind power}}
===
Minnesota has a slightly [[progressive income tax]] structure; the three brackets of state [[income tax]] rates are 5.35%, 7.05% and 7.85%.<ref>{{cite web | title = Minnesota income tax rates for 2005/2006 | publisher = Minnesota Department of Revenue | url = http://www.taxes.state.mn.us/individ/residency_and_filing_status/filing_requirments_for_individuals/inctxrates.shtml | accessdate = 2006-11-26}}</ref> Minnesota is ranked as the 6th highest in the nation for per capita total state taxes.<ref>{{cite web | title = States Ranked by Total State Taxes and Per Capita Amount: 2005 | publisher = U.S. Census Bureau | accessdate = 2007-03-31 | url = http://www.census.gov/govs/statetax/05staxrank.html}}</ref> The [[sales tax]] in Minnesota is 6.5%, but there is no sales tax on [[clothing]], [[prescription]] [[medications]], some [[service]]s, or [[food]] items for home consumption.<ref>{{cite web | title = Sales tax fact sheets | publisher = Minnesota Department of Revenue | url = http://taxes.state.mn.us/taxes/sales/publications/fact_sheets_by_name/sales_fact_sheet_by_name.shtml | accessdate = 2006-11-26 }}</ref> The [[Minnesota Legislature|state legislature]] may allow municipalities to institute local sales taxes and special local taxes, such as the 0.5% supplemental sales tax in Minneapolis.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://taxes.state.mn.us/taxes/sales/publications/fact_sheets_by_name/content/BAT_1100111.pdf|title= Local Sales Tax and Use|accessdate=2006-11-26 |format= PDF}}</ref> [[Excise|Excise taxes]] are levied on alcohol, tobacco, and motor fuel. The state imposes a [[use tax]] on items purchased elsewhere but used within Minnesota. Owners of [[real property]] in Minnesota pay [[property tax]] to their county, municipality, school district, and special taxing districts.
==Culture==
===Fine and performing arts===
[[Image:Mpls arts.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Minneapolis Institute of Arts]]' [[Beaux-Arts architecture|Beaux-Arts]] north facade, designed by [[McKim, Mead, and White]].]] The Twin Cities area is considered the artistic capital of the Upper Midwest. Its major [[fine art]] museums include the [[Weisman Art Museum]], the [[Walker Art Center]], and the [[Minneapolis Institute of Arts]]. The [[Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra]] and the [[Minnesota Orchestra]] are full-time professional [[musical ensemble]]s that perform concerts and offer educational programs to the community. Attendance at [[theatre|theatrical]], [[music]]al, and [[comedy]] events in the area is strong, which may be attributed to the cold winters, the large population of post-secondary students, and a generally vibrant economy. The [[Guthrie Theater]] moved into a new building in 2006, boasting three stages and overlooking the Mississippi River. In the U.S., the Twin Cities' number of theater seats per capita ranks behind only [[New York City]]; in 2000, 2.3 million theater tickets were sold.<ref>{{cite web| title=Gopher Express|work=Coffman Info Desk|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=2006-10-12| url=http://www.skyway.umn.edu/gopherexpresswest/explore.php?PHPSESSID=f65d1b639e4cae622e89d4f98605c590| accessdate=2006-10-24}}</ref> The Minneapolis [[Fringe theatre|Fringe Festival]] is an annual celebration of [[theatre]], [[dance]], [[improvisation]], [[puppetry]], kids' shows, [[visual art]], and musicals. The summer festival consists of over 800 performances in 11 days, and is the largest non-juried performing arts festival in the United States.<ref>{{cite web| title = How to fringe| work = Fresh Art Delivered Daily| publisher = Minnesota Fringe Festival| date = 2006 | url = http://www.fringefestival.org/new.cfm| accessdate = 2006-11-22}}</ref>
===Literature===
The rigors and rewards of pioneer life on the [[prairie]] were the subject of ''Giants in the Earth'' by [[Ole Rolvaag]] and of the [[Little House|''Little House'']] series of children's books by [[Laura Ingalls Wilder]]. Small-town life was savaged by [[Sinclair Lewis]] in the novel [[Main Street (novel)|''Main Street'']], and more gently and affectionately satirized by [[Garrison Keillor]] in his tales of [[Lake Wobegon]]. St. Paul native [[F. Scott Fitzgerald]] wrote of the social insecurities and aspirations of the young city in stories such as ''[[Winter Dreams]]'' and ''The Ice Palace'' (published in ''[[Flappers and Philosophers]]'').
===Entertainment===
[[Image:First Avenue nightclub.jpg|thumb|left|250 px|[[First Avenue]] nightclub, the heart of Minnesota's music community.<ref name=Compass>Page 190</ref>]]
{{main|Music of Minnesota}}
Minnesotan musicians of many genres have been popular over the years, including harmony singers [[The Andrews Sisters]], folk musician [[Bob Dylan]], pop songwriters [[Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis]], rock star [[Prince (musician)|Prince]], and [[Semisonic]], an alternative rock group. Minnesota has also produced the cult favorites [[American Head Charge]], [[Motion City Soundtrack]], [[Hüsker Dü]], [[The Replacements]], and [[Atmosphere (music group)|Atmosphere]].<ref name=Compass>Page 190</ref>
Minnesota and Wisconsin have contributed significantly to comedy in its different forms. [[Ole and Lena]] jokes can't be fully appreciated unless delivered in the accent of [[Scandinavia]]n Americans. [[Garrison Keillor]] is known around the country for resurrecting the old-style [[radio comedy]] with ''[[A Prairie Home Companion]]'', which has aired since the 1970s.<ref name=Compass>Page 21</ref> Local [[television]] had the [[satire|satirical]] show ''The Bedtime Nooz'' in the 1960s, while area natives [[Lizz Winstead]] and [[Craig Kilborn]] helped create the increasingly influential ''[[The Daily Show|Daily Show]]'' decades later. [[Joel and Ethan Coen]] have produced many [[film]]s featuring [[dark comedy]], and others brought the offbeat [[cult television|cult shows]] ''[[Mystery Science Theater 3000]]'' and ''[[Let's Bowl]]'' to national [[cable television|cable]] from the Twin Cities.
==
{{main article|Culture of Minnesota}}
[[Image:MNfiddles.jpg|thumb|right|A youth [[fiddle]] performance at the [[Minnesota State Fair]].]] [[Stereotype|Stereotypical]] Minnesotan traits include manners known as [[Minnesota nice|"Minnesota nice"]], [[Lutheranism]], a strong sense of community and shared culture, and a distinctive [[American English regional differences#Midwest|Upper Midwestern accent]] sprinkled with Scandinavian-sounding words such as ''[[uff da]]''. <!-- You sure this isn't just what you've seen from Rose's character on <i>Golden Girls</i>? --> [[Potluck]]s, usually with a variety of [[hotdish]] casseroles, are popular at community functions, especially church activities. Minnesota's Norwegian and Scandinavian heritage makes [[lutefisk]] a traditional holiday dish. Movies like ''[[Drop Dead Gorgeous]]'', the [[radio show]] ''[[A Prairie Home Companion]]'' and the book ''[[How to Talk Minnesotan]]'' lampoon (and celebrate) Minnesotan culture, speech and mannerisms.
The [[Minnesota State Fair]], advertised as ''The Great Minnesota Get-Together'', is an icon of state culture. In a state of 5.1 million people, there were nearly 1.7 million visitors to the fair in 2006.<ref>{{cite web| title=Minnesota State Fair| publisher = Minnesota State Fair|url = http://www.mnstatefair.org/| accessdate = 2006-11-22}}</ref> The fair covers the variety of life in Minnesota, including [[fine art]], [[science]], [[agriculture]], food preparation, [[4H]] displays, music, [[midway (fair)|the midway]], and corporate merchandising. It is known for its displays of [[seed art]], [[butter]] sculptures of [[Princess Kay of the Milky Way|dairy princesses]], the birthing barn, and dozens of varieties of food on a stick, such as [[Pronto Pup]]s, [[Cheese curds#Fried cheese curds|cheese curds]], and deep fried candy bars. On a smaller scale, these attractions are also offered at the state's many county fairs.
Other large annual festivals include the [[Saint Paul Winter Carnival]], Minneapolis' [[Aquatennial]] and Mill City Music Festival, [[Moondance Jam]] in Walker, and [[Detroit Lakes, Minnesota|Detroit Lakes']] [[10,000 Lakes Festival]] and WE Fest.
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==
===Health===
[[Image:MayoMedicalCentersign2006-05-14.JPG|thumb|left|The Mayo Clinic in Rochester.]]
The people of Minnesota have a high rate of participation in outdoor activities; the state is ranked first in the percentage of residents who engage in regular exercise.<ref>{{cite web | title = Statemaster Health Statistics Physical Exercise by State | publisher = Statemaster | date = 2002 | url = http://www.statemaster.com/graph/hea_phy_exe-health-physical-exercise | accessdate = 2006-08-16}}</ref> Minnesotans have the nation's lowest premature death rate, third-lowest [[infant mortality]] rate,<ref>{{cite web | title = America's Health Rankings 2006 | publisher = United Health Foundation | date = 2006 | url = http://www.unitedhealthfoundation.org/ahr2006/survey2006.asp | accessdate = 2006-12-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Statemaster Health Statistics > Death Rate per 100,000| publisher = Statemaster | url = http://www.statemaster.com/graph/hea_dea_rat_per_100-death-rate-per-100-000 | accessdate = 2006-08-16}}</ref> and the second-longest life expectancies.<ref>{{cite web | title = Explore Minnesota Living | publisher = Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development | url = http://www.deed.state.mn.us/publications/MNLiving.pdf | accessdate = 2006-08-16}}</ref> According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 91% of Minnesotans have health insurance, more than in any other state.<ref>{{cite web| authorlink = ask.census.gov| title = The Percentage of People Without Health Insurance Coverage by State Using 2- and 3-year Averages: 2003 to 2005| work = Health Insurance Coverage: 2005| publisher = U.S. Census Bureau, Housing and Household Economic Statistics Division| date = 2006-08-29| url = http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/hlthins/hlthin05/hi05t10.pdf| format = pdf| accessdate = 2006-11-24}}</ref> These and other measures have led one group to rank Minnesota as the healthiest state in the nation, and another to rank it fourth.<ref>{{cite web | title = Statemaster Minnesota Health Statistics | publisher = Statemaster | url = http://www.statemaster.com/red/state/MN-minnesota/hea-health&all=1 | accessdate = 2006-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Minnesota Ranked Healthiest State | publisher = WebMD | url = http://www.webmd.com/content/article/116/112087.htm | accessdate = 2006-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Health Statistics Health Index by state | publisher = Statemaster | url = http://www.statemaster.com/graph/hea_hea_ind-health-index | accessdate = 2006-08-16}}</ref>
Medical care is provided by a comprehensive network of hospitals and clinics, headed by two institutions with international reputations. The [[University of Minnesota Medical School]] is a highly rated teaching institution that has made a number of breakthroughs in treatment, and its research activities contribute significantly to the state's growing [[biotechnology]] industry.<ref>{{cite web | title = University of Minnesota Medical Milestones | publisher = University of Minnesota Medical School | date = 2002 | url = http://www.med.umn.edu/faculty/handbook/info/home.html | accessdate = 2006-08-14 }}</ref> The [[Mayo Clinic]], a world-renowned medical practice, is based in [[Rochester, Minnesota|Rochester]]. Mayo and the University are partners in the Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics, a state-funded program that conducts research into [[cancer]], [[Alzheimer’s disease]], [[Coronary heart disease|heart health]], [[obesity]], and other areas.<ref>{{cite web | title = Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics | publisher = University of Minnesota Medical School | date = 2002 | url = http://www.minnesotapartnership.info/ | accessdate = 2006-08-14 }}</ref>
===Education===
[[Image:Pillsbury Hall.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Richardsonian Romanesque]] Pillsbury Hall is the second-oldest building on the [[University of Minnesota]] Minneapolis campus.]]
One of the first acts of the Minnesota Legislature when it opened in 1858 was the creation of a [[normal school]] at [[Winona, Minnesota|Winona]]. Since then, most surveys have placed Minnesota among the ten strongest states in education. It ranked 13<sup>th</sup> on the 2006–2007 [[Morgan Quitno]] Smartest State Award, and is first in the percentage of residents with at least a high school diploma.<ref>{{cite web | title = Smartest State Award | publisher = Morgan Quitno Press | url = http://www.morganquitno.com/edrank.htm | accessdate = 2006-07-24 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = High school diploma or higher, by percentage by state | publisher = Statemaster.com | date = 2004 | url = http://www.statemaster.com/graph/edu_hig_sch_dip_or_hig_by_per-high-school-diploma-higher-percentage | accessdate = 2006-08-16 }}</ref> With an 84% graduation rate, Minnesota ranks 5<sup>th</sup> in the nation in high school graduation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/ewp_08_t02.htm|title=Education Working Paper 8 - Table 2|publisher=Manhattan-institute | accessdate = 2006-11-14}}</ref> While Minnesota has chosen not to implement [[school voucher]]s or to teach [[intelligent design]], it is home to one of the first [[charter school]]s.
The state supports a network of public [[University|universities]] and colleges, currently comprised of 32 institutions in the [[Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System]], and five major campuses of the [[University of Minnesota system|University of Minnesota]]. It is also home to more than 20 private colleges and universities, six of which rank among the top 100 [[liberal arts]] colleges, according to [[U.S. News & World Report|U.S. News and World Report]].<ref>{{cite web | title = America's Best Colleges 2007: Liberal Arts Colleges: Top Schools | publisher = USNews.com | date = 2006 | url = http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/brief/t1libartco_brief.php | accessdate = 2006-11-06 }}</ref>
{{see also|List of colleges and universities in Minnesota|List of high schools in Minnesota|List of school districts in Minnesota}}
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==Transportation==
{{Main|Transportation in Minnesota}}
[[Image:Duluth canal.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Aerial Lift Bridge]] at [[Duluth, Minnesota|Duluth]]]]
Transportation in Minnesota is overseen by the [[Minnesota Department of Transportation]]. Principal transportation corridors radiate from the [[Minneapolis-St. Paul]] metropolitan area and Duluth. The major [[Interstate Highway System|Interstate highways]] are [[Interstate 35|I-35]], [[Interstate 90|I-90]], and [[Interstate 94|I-94]], with I-35 and I-94 passing through the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, and I-90 going east-west along the southern edge of the state. In 2006, a [[constitutional amendment]] was passed that required sales and use taxes on motor vehicles to fund transportation, with at least 40% dedicated to [[public transit]].<ref>{{cite web| title = Transportation amendment update| publisher = Minnesota Department of Transportation| date = 2006| url = http://www.dot.state.mn.us/information/mvst/index.html| accessdate = 2006-11-24}}</ref> There are nearly two dozen [[rail transport|rail]] corridors in Minnesota, most of which go through Minneapolis-St. Paul or Duluth. There is water transportation along the [[Mississippi River]] system and from the ports of [[Lake Superior]].
[[Image:Hiawatha LRV.jpg|thumb|right|A [[Hiawatha Line]] vehicle in Minneapolis]]
Minnesota's principal airport is [[Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport]] (MSP), the headquarters and major passenger and freight hub for [[Northwest Airlines]] and [[Sun Country Airlines]]. The airport is served by most other domestic carriers. Large commercial jet service is provided at Duluth and Rochester, with scheduled commuter service to six smaller cities via [[Eagan, Minnesota|Eagan]]-based [[Mesaba Airlines]].
[[Amtrak|Amtrak's]] [[Empire Builder]] runs through Minnesota, making stops at [[Midway (Amtrak station)|Midway Station]] in St. Paul and five other stations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Route/Horizontal_Route_Page&c=am2Route&cid=1081256321887&ssid=135|title=Amtrak - Routes - Northwest|publisher=Amtrak | accessdate = 2006-11-14}}</ref> Intercity bus service is provided by [[Greyhound Bus Lines|Greyhound]], [[Jefferson Lines]], and [[Coach USA]]. Public transit in Minnesota is currently limited to [[bus]] systems in the larger cities and the [[Hiawatha Line]] [[light rail]] corridor in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
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==Law and government==
As with the federal government of the United States, power in Minnesota is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.<ref>{{cite web | title = Minnesota Government | url = http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/content.do?id=-8494&agency=NorthStar | accessdate = 2006-10-20 }} </ref>
==
The executive branch is headed by the [[Governor of Minnesota|governor]]. The current governor is [[Tim Pawlenty]], a [[Republican Party of Minnesota|Republican]] whose first term began [[6 January]], [[2003]], and who was narrowly re-elected in 2006. The current [[List of Lieutenant Governors of Minnesota|Lieutenant Governor]] of Minnesota is [[Carol Molnau]], who is also the head of the [[Minnesota Department of Transportation]]. The offices of governor and lieutenant governor have four-year terms. The governor has a [[cabinet]] consisting of the leaders of various state government agencies, called commissioners. The other constitutional offices are [[List of secretaries of state of Minnesota|secretary of state]], [[Minnesota Attorney General|attorney general]] and [[Minnesota State Auditor|state auditor]].
{{seealso|List of Governors of Minnesota|Minnesota gubernatorial election, 2006}}
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|The [[Minnesota State Capitol]] in Saint Paul, designed by [[Cass Gilbert]].]]
===Legislative===
The [[Minnesota Legislature]] is a [[bicameral]] body consisting of the [[Minnesota Senate|Senate]] and the [[Minnesota House of Representatives|House of Representatives]]. The state has 67 districts, each covering about 60,000 people. Each district has one senator and two representatives (each district being divided into ''A'' and ''B'' sections). Senators serve for four years and representatives for two years. In the November 2006 election, the [[Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party]] (DFL) gained 19 house seats, giving them control of the House of Representatives by 85–49. The Senate is also controlled by the DFL, who in 2006 gained 6 seats to expand their majority to 44–23.
===Judicial===
Minnesota's court system has three levels. Most cases start in the [[district court]]s, which are courts of general jurisdiction. There are 272 district court judges in ten judicial districts. Appeals from the trial courts and challenges to certain governmental decisions are heard by the Minnesota [[Court of Appeals]], consisting of sixteen judges who typically sit in three-judge panels. The seven-justice [[Minnesota Supreme Court]] hears all appeals from the Tax Court, the Worker's Compensation Court, first-degree murder convictions, and [[Certiorari#State courts|discretionary appeals]] from the Court of Appeals; it also has [[original jurisdiction]] over election disputes.<ref>{{cite web | title = Explanation of Minnesota court system | url = http://www.courts.state.mn.us/documents/CIO/otherResources/SupremeCourt.doc | accessdate = 2006-10-19 }} </ref>
Two specialized courts within administrative agencies have been established: the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals, and the Tax Court, which deals with non-criminal tax cases.
===Regional===
Below the city and county levels of government found in the United States, Minnesota has other entities that provide governmental oversight and planning. Some actions in the Twin Cities metropolitan area are coordinated by the [[Metropolitan Council]], and many lakes and rivers are overseen by [[watershed district]]s and [[soil and water conservation district]]s.
There are seven [[Anishinaabe]] reservations and four [[Santee Sioux|Dakota]] communities in Minnesota. These communities are self-governing.<ref>{{cite web | title = Tribal Government | publisher = Minnesota North Star | url = http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/content.do?subchannel=-536888182&id=-8494&agency=NorthStar | accessdate = 2006-10-20 }} </ref>
===Federal===
Minnesota's two [[United States senator]]s are [[Norm Coleman]] and [[Amy Klobuchar]]. The state has eight [[Minnesota Congressional Districts|congressional districts]]; they are represented by [[Tim Walz]] ([[Minnesota's 1st congressional district|1st district]]), [[John Kline (politician)|John Kline]] ([[Minnesota's 2nd congressional district|2nd]]), [[Jim Ramstad]] ([[Minnesota's 3rd congressional district|3rd]]), [[Betty McCollum]] ([[Minnesota's 4th congressional district|4th]]), [[Keith Ellison (politician)|Keith Ellison]] ([[Minnesota's 5th congressional district|5th]]), [[Michele Bachmann]] ([[Minnesota's 6th congressional district|6th]]), [[Collin Peterson]] ([[Minnesota's 7th congressional district|7th]]), and [[James Oberstar]] ([[Minnesota's 8th congressional district|8th]]).
Federal court cases are heard in the [[United States District Court for the District of Minnesota]], which holds court in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and [[Fergus Falls]]. Appeals are heard by the [[Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals]] based in [[St. Louis, Missouri]] and St. Paul.
{{seealso|Minnesota United States Senate election, 2006|United States House elections, 2006#Minnesota}}
==Politics==
{{main|Politics of Minnesota}}[[Image:H Humphrey.jpg|thumb|right|[[Hubert H. Humphrey]]]]
Minnesota is known for a politically active citizenry, and [[populism]] has been a longstanding force among the state's [[political party|political parties]]. Minnesota has a consistently high [[voter turnout]], due in part to its liberal [[voter registration]] laws. In the [[U.S. presidential election, 2004|2004 U.S. presidential election]], 77.2% of eligible Minnesotans voted—the most of any U.S. state—versus the national average of 60.93%.<ref>{{cite web | title = United States Elections Project | url = http://elections.gmu.edu/Voter_Turnout_2004.htm | accessdate = 2006-06-22 }}</ref> Previously unregistered voters can register on [[Election Day (United States)|election day]] at their [[Polling place|polls]] with evidence of residency.
[[Hubert Humphrey]] brought national attention to the state with his address at the [[1948 Democratic National Convention]]. [[Eugene McCarthy]]'s anti-war stance and popularity prior to the [[1968 Democratic National Convention]] likely convinced [[Lyndon Johnson]] to drop out of the [[United States presidential election, 1968|presidential race]]. Minnesotans have voted for Democratic presidential candidates consistently since 1976, longer than any other state. In the [[108th United States Congress|108<sup>th</sup>]] and [[109th United States Congress|109<sup>th</sup>]] Congresses, however, Minnesota's congressional delegation was split, with five Democratic and five Republican members of Congress. The state's senate seats have generally also been split since the early 1990s. See [[United States Congressional Delegations from Minnesota]].
In the 2006 mid-term election, Democrats were elected to all state offices except for governor and lieutenant governor, where Republicans [[Tim Pawlenty]] and [[Carol Molnau]] narrowly won re-election. The DFL also posted double-digit gains in both houses of the legislature, elected DFL member [[Amy Klobuchar]] to the U.S. Senate, and increased the Democratic U.S. House caucus by one. [[Keith Ellison (politician)|Keith Ellison]] was elected as the first [[African-American]] U.S. Representative from Minnesota, as well as the first [[Muslim]] elected to Congress nationwide, while [[Michele Bachmann]] became the first [[Republican Party of Minnesota|Republican]] woman to represent the state on [[Capitol Hill]].<ref>{{cite web| title = Minnesota Democrat becomes first Muslim to win seat in Congress| publisher = International Herald Tribune| date = 11/07/2006| url = http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/11/08/america/NA_POL_US_Election_Muslim.php| accessdate = 2006-12-11}}</ref>
The state has had active third party movements. The [[Reform Party of the United States|Reform Party]], now the [[Independence Party of Minnesota|Independence Party]], was able to elect the former mayor of [[Brooklyn Park, Minnesota|Brooklyn Park]] and [[professional wrestler]], [[Jesse Ventura]], to the [[Minnesota gubernatorial election, 1998|governorship in 1998]]. The [[Independence Party of Minnesota|Independence Party]] has received enough support to keep major party status. The [[Green Party of Minnesota|Green Party]] has elected city council members and other local office-holders in Duluth, Minneapolis and Winona, and has made strong runs for state legislature in the past two elections. {{Fact|date=March 2007}} In 2000, Green Party candidate [[Ralph Nader]] received just over 5% of the presidential votes cast, gaining major party status for the Green Party of Minnesota, and [[Pat Buchanan]] received 22,166 votes in Minnesota, his 4th largest state vote tally nationwide.{{Fact|date=April 2007}}
{{seealso|List of political parties in Minnesota|United States Congressional Delegations from Minnesota|Minnesota Congressional Districts|Category:Minnesota elections}}
==Media==
[[Image:KSTP studios.jpg|thumb|right|[[KSTP|KSTP Studios]]]]
The Twin Cities area is the 15<sup>th</sup> largest [[media market]] in the United States as ranked by [[Nielsen Media Research]]. The state's other top markets are [[Fargo-Moorhead]] (118<sup>th</sup> nationally), [[Twin Ports|Duluth-Superior]] (137<sup>th</sup>), Rochester-Mason City-Austin (152<sup>nd</sup>), and [[Mankato, Minnesota|Mankato]]
(200<sup>th</sup>).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.nielsenmedia.com/DMAs.html|title= 210 Designated Market Areas - 03-04|accessdate=2006-11-26 |format= |work= }}</ref>
[[Terrestrial television|Broadcast television]] in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest started on [[April 27]], [[1948]], when [[KSTP-TV]] began broadcasting.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.kstp.com/article/stories/S278.shtml?cat=14|title= 5 EYEWITHNESS NEWS History|accessdate=2007-03-28 |format= |work= }}</ref> [[Hubbard Broadcasting Corporation]], which owns KSTP, is now the only locally owned television company in Minnesota. There are currently [[List of television stations in Minnesota (by channel number)|39 analog]] broadcast stations and 23 [[Digital television|digital]] channels broadcast over Minnesota.
The Twin Cities metro area has the state's two largest newspapers: the ''[[Star Tribune]]'' in Minneapolis and the ''[[Saint Paul Pioneer Press]]''. Other weekly and monthly publications (most of which are fully supported by [[advertising]]) are also available. The most prominent of these is the [[alternative weekly]] ''[[City Pages]]'', with competitor ''[[The Rake]]'' offering a free monthly.
Two of the largest [[public radio]] networks, [[Minnesota Public Radio]] (MPR) and [[Public Radio International]] (PRI), are based in the state. MPR has the largest audience of any regional public radio network in the nation, broadcasting on 37 radio stations, while PRI provides more than 400 hours of programming each week to affiliates across the nation.<ref>{{cite web | title = PRI factsheet | url = http://www.pri.org/InPRI_FactSheet.html | accessdate = 2006-08-17 }} </ref><ref>{{cite web | title = About MPR | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/about/mpr/ | accessdate = 2006-08-17 }} </ref>
==Sports and recreation==
===Organized sports===
[[Image:2006_WCHA_Final_Five.jpg|thumb|left|A [[faceoff]] between the [[University of North Dakota]] [[North Dakota Fighting Sioux|Fighting Sioux]] and the [[Saint Cloud State University]] Huskies during the [[Western Collegiate Hockey Association|WCHA]] Final Five at the [[Xcel Energy Center]].]]
{{main|Sports in Minnesota}}
Minnesota has professional men's teams in all major sports. The [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] is home to the [[Minnesota Vikings]] of the [[National Football League]], and to the [[Minnesota Twins]] of [[Major League Baseball]], winners of the [[1987 World Series|1987]] and [[1991 World Series]]. The [[Minnesota Timberwolves]] of the [[National Basketball Association]] play in the [[Target Center]]. The [[National Hockey League|National Hockey League's]] [[Minnesota Wild]] team has sold out more than 230 consecutive games in St. Paul's [[Xcel Energy Center]].<ref>{{cite press release | title = Sports Illustrated Names Xcel Energy Center Top NHL Arena | publisher = Minnesota Wild | date = 2006-09-11 | url = http://www.wild.com/fans/Press.asp?story_id=4915 | accessdate = 2006-11-02}}</ref>
[[Minor league baseball]] is represented both by major league-sponsored teams and independent teams such as the popular [[St. Paul Saints]].
Professional women's sports include the [[Minnesota Lynx]] of the [[Women's National Basketball Association]], the [[Minnesota Vixen]] of the [[Women's Professional Football League]], and the [[Minnesota Whitecaps]] of the [[National Women's Hockey League]].
The Twin Cities campus of the [[University of Minnesota]] is a National Collegiate Athletic Association ([[NCAA]]) [[Division I]] school, with [[Minnesota Golden Gophers|sports teams]] competing in either the [[Big Ten Conference]] or the [[Western Collegiate Hockey Association]]. Four additional schools in the state compete in NCAA Division I ice hockey: the [[University of Minnesota Duluth]], [[St. Cloud State University]], [[Bemidji State University]], and [[Minnesota State University Mankato]]. There are ten NCAA [[Division II]] colleges represented by the [[North Central Conference]] and the [[Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference]] in Minnesota, and sixteen NCAA [[Division III]] colleges represented by the [[Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference]] and [[Upper Midwest Athletic Conference]].<ref>{{cite web| title = NCAA Members by State| publisher = NCAA| url = http://www.ncaa.org/conferences/schools_by_state.html| accessdate = 2006-11-28}}</ref>
[[Winter Olympic Games]] medalists from the state include eleven of the twenty members of the [[gold medal]] [[Ice hockey at the 1980 Winter Olympics|1980 ice hockey team]] (coached by Minnesota native [[Herb Brooks]]) and the bronze medalist [[Curling at the 2006 Winter Olympics#Men's|U.S. men's]] [[curling]] team in the [[2006 Winter Olympics]]. Swimmer [[Tom Malchow]] won an Olympic gold medal in the [[2000 Summer Olympics|2000 Summer games]] and a silver medal in [[1996 Summer Olympics|1996]].
[[Grandma's Marathon]] is run every summer along the scenic [[North Shore (Lake Superior)|North Shore of Lake Superior]], and the [[Twin Cities Marathon]] winds around lakes and the Mississippi River during the peak of the [[Color change in leaves|fall color season]].
<!-- This section is intended to be an overview. Please add to [[Sports in Minnesota]] if you want to detail things out. -->
===Outdoor recreation===
[[Image:Lake Calhoun MN.jpg|thumb|right|Fishing in [[Lake Calhoun]] in Minneapolis.]]
Minnesotans participate in high levels of physical activity,<ref>{{cite web | title = Statemaster Health Statistics Physical Exercise by State | publisher = Statemaster | date = 2002 | url = http://www.statemaster.com/graph/hea_phy_exe-health-physical-exercise | accessdate = 2006-08-16}}</ref> and many of these activities are outdoors. The strong interest of Minnesotans in [[environmentalism]] has been attributed to the popularity of these pursuits.<ref>{{cite web | title = Green Hunters: Minnesota DNR | publisher = Fish & Wildlife Today | url = http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fwt/back_issues/september97/message.html | accessdate = 2006-10-25 }}</ref>
In the warmer months these activities often involve water. Weekend and longer trips to family [[cottage|cabin]]s on Minnesota's numerous lakes are a way of life for many residents. Activities include [[water sports]] such as [[water skiing]], which originated in the state,<ref>{{cite web| title = Water Skiing History| work = ABC of Skiing| publisher = MaxLifestyle.net "Go Skiing like Max!" | date = 2006| url = http://www.abc-of-skiing.com/water-skiing/history.asp| accessdate = 2006-11-29}}</ref> [[boating]], [[canoeing]], and [[fishing]]. More than 36% of Minnesotans fish, second only to Alaska.<ref>{{cite web | title = Managing for Results | publisher = Minnesota DNR | url = http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/aboutdnr/budget/budgetpres0303.pdf | accessdate = 2006-06-26 }}</ref>
Fishing does not cease when the lakes freeze; [[ice fishing]] has been around since the arrival of early [[Scandinavia]]n immigrants. Minnesotans have learned to embrace their long, harsh winters in activities such as [[ice skating]], [[curling]], [[broomball]], [[cross-country skiing]], [[snowshoe]]ing, and [[Snowmobile|snowmobiling]].
State and national [[forest]]s and the [[List of Minnesota state parks|71 state parks]] are used year-round for [[hunting]], [[camping]], and [[hiking]]. There are almost 20,000 miles of snowmobile trails statewide.<ref>{{cite web| title = Snowmobiling Minnesota| publisher = Minnesota Department of Tourism | url = http://www.exploreminnesota.com/snowmobiling.html| accessdate = 2006-12-02}}</ref> Minnesota has more miles of [[bike trail]]s than any other state,<ref>{{cite web| title = Take to the Trails! Explore Minnesota Biking| publisher = Minnesota Department of Tourism | url = http://www.exploreminnesota.com/take_to_the_trails_explore_minnesota_biking.html| accessdate = 2006-12-02}}</ref> and a growing network of [[trail|hiking trails]], including the 235-mile [[Superior Hiking Trail]] in the northeast.<ref>{{cite web| title = Superior Hiking Trail| publisher = Minnesota Department of Tourism | url = http://www.exploreminnesota.com/attractions/7727.html| accessdate = 2006-12-02}}</ref> Many hiking and bike trails are used for cross-country skiing during the winter.
==State symbols==
{{main|Lists of U.S. state insignia}}
[[Image:Great_northern_diver.jpg|thumb|right|The Common Loon]]
Minnesota's state symbols represent its history, diverse landscapes, and its people's love of the outdoors. The [[Common Loon]], as state bird, is Minnesota's best-known symbol. Its distinctive cry is heard during the summer months in the northern part of the state, and on occasion the loon can be found as far south as the lakes of Minneapolis.<ref>{{cite web | title = All About Birds | publisher = Cornell Lab of Ornithology | date = [[2003]] | url = http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Common_Loon_dtl.html | accessdate = 2006-10-24 }}</ref>
State symbols:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/Symbols.asp|format=|title=Minnesota State Symbols|accessdate=2007-01-07}}</ref>
*State bird: [[Great Northern Diver|Common Loon]]
*State butterfly: [[Monarch butterfly|Monarch]]
*State drink: [[Milk]]
*State fish: [[Walleye]]
*State flower: [[Showy lady slipper|Pink and white lady slipper]]
*State fruit: [[Honeycrisp|Honeycrisp apple]], which was developed at the University of Minnesota; and was adopted as part of a school project on how a bill becomes law.
*State gemstone: [[Lake Superior agate]]
*State grain: [[Wild rice]]
*Territory Motto (actual): ''Quo sursum velo videre'' ("I cover to see what is above" is the closest translation)
*Territory Motto (intended): ''Quae sursum volo videre'' ("I wish to see what is above")
*State motto: L'Étoile du Nord ("Star of the North")
*State muffin: [[Blueberry muffin|Blueberry]],
*State mushroom: [[Morel]]
*State photograph: [[Grace (photograph)|Grace]]
*State song: "[[Hail! Minnesota]]"
*State tree: [[Norway Pine]]
*Nicknames:
**"Land of 10,000 Lakes"
**"North Star State"
**"Gopher State"
**"Land of Sky-Blue Waters"
**"Bread and Butter State"
==References==
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<references />
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==External links==
{{sisterlinks|Minnesota}}
'''Government'''
<div class="references-small">
*[http://www.state.mn.us State of Minnesota Official site]
*[http://www.leg.state.mn.us/ Minnesota State Legislature]
*[http://www.courts.state.mn.us/ Minnesota Judicial Branch]
*[http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/cco/rules/mncon/preamble.htm Hyperlinked state constitution]
*[http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/cco/rules/mncon/mncon.htm Full text of state constitution]
'''Tourism & recreation'''
*[http://www.exploreminnesota.com/ Explore Minnesota Official Tourism site]
*[http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/index.html Minnesota Department of Natural Resources]
*[http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/outdoor_activities/index.html Minnesota DNR Outdoor Activites]
*[http://www.mnzoo.com/ Minnesota Zoo]
*[http://www.smm.org/ Science Museum of Minnesota]
'''Culture & history'''
*[http://www.mnhs.org Minnesota Historical Society]
*[http://emuseum.mnsu.edu/history/mnstatehistory/timeline.html Minnesota history timeline]
*[http://events.mnhs.org/timepieces/timeline.cfm Minnesota Historical Society's online timeline]
*[http://www.mplib.org/history/ehresources.asp A History of Minneapolis: Early History: Resources]
*[http://mnplaces.mnhs.org/upham/ Minnesota Place Names]
*[http://discovery.mnhs.org/ConnectingMN Forests, Fields, and the Falls: Connecting Minnesota]
'''Maps and Demographics'''
*[http://www.demography.state.mn.us/ Minnesota State Demographic Center]
*[http://www.usgs.gov/state/state.asp?State=MN USGS real-time, geographic, and other scientific resources of Minnesota]
*[http://www.ers.usda.gov/StateFacts/MN.HTM Minnesota Demographics Facts]
*[http://www.dot.state.mn.us/statemap/ Minnesota State Highway Map]
*[http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/minnesota.html Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection]
*[http://www-map.lib.umn.edu/ John R. Borchert Map Library]
*[http://www.geo.umn.edu/mgs/ Minnesota Geological Survey]
</div>
{{Minnesota}}
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