10 Remarkable Things You Probably Didn't Know About Minnesota | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

10 Remarkable Things You Probably Didn't Know About Minnesota

Betcha didn't know this about the land of 10,000 lakes.

182
10 Remarkable Things You Probably Didn't Know About Minnesota
Rodrigo de Mendoza - Unsplash

Ask an out-of-stater about Minnesota, and they'll say something about 10,000 lakes and an unceasing winter. Sure, these facts are true; however, there is much more to the state of Paul Bunyan than a chilly climate and ample opportunities to fall into a body of water.

1. Minnesota has one of the highest life expectancies.

According to a recent study, Minnesota has the 4th highest life expectancy in the nation, with the average Minnesotan living up to 81 years.

2. It was recently ranked the number one state for women.

Minnesota has recently been named the best place for women to live in the U.S., especially in the sector of economic and social well-being.

3. MSP has been ranked the best airport in America.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) airport has been ranked as America's best by the Airports Council International. I'm not surprised, given the incredible cleanliness, navigability and modern atmosphere of MSP.

4. The Juicy Lucy was born in Minnesota.

The delicious combination of meat infused with a core of melted cheese was born in Minnesota some 70 years ago. The two most famed Juicy Lucy makers of Minnesota are Matt's Bar and the 5-8 Club. Both restaurants have been in a fierce battle since the 1950s over who invented the burger first.

5. Minneapolis is the third most expensive city in America.

According to data supplied by the Economist magazine, Minneapolis has been named the third most expensive city in America. The first two spots have been reserved for New York and Los Angeles.

6. Ham Lake is actually shaped like a ham.

Anoka County is home to Hame Lake, which receives its name from the fact that it literally looks like a piece of ham.

7. Water skiing was invented in Minnesota.

The first recorded water skiing event occurred in the summer of 1922 when an 18-year-old by the name of Ralph Samuelson skidded across Lake Pepin on a couple of wooden boards holding a makeshift towrope.

8. Minnesota is to thank for rice cakes.

Rice cakes were invented by a Minnesota native, Alexander Anderson.

9. The Twin Cities has one of the highest numbers of Fortune 500 companies in the United States.

There are 17 Fortune 500s to be exact, including General Mills, Target, Best Buy and many more.

10. St. Paul is home to America's longest-preserved avenue of Victorian houses and buildings.

Take a stroll down Summit Avenue and see for yourself! It's like a promenade that takes you back in time.

So, yeah, our winters suck, and we might spend a disproportionate amount of time on or in freshwater. We don't all say, "You betcha" and make hot dishes with our extended family. Minnesota has a lot more to offer than overly apologetic people. See you soon in the Twin Cities.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
university
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Creating your schedule for the upcoming semester can be an exciting process. You have the control to decide if you want to have class two-days a week or five-days a week. You get to check things off of your requirement checklist. It's an opportunity for a fresh start with new classes (which you tell yourself you'll never skip.) This process, which always starts out so optimistic, can get frustrating really quickly. Here are 25 thoughts you have when registering for classes.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

10 Thoughts Of A 5th Year Senior

What about those of us who don't do it all in four years?

778
college shirt
pointsincase.com

"College will be the best four years of your life" is a phrase that we have all heard growing up. College is painted as a magical place to us while we are in high school. A place you go to learn, meet your best friends and probably have the time of your life while all of this is going down. Four whirlwind years, where everything that you've known changes and you start to learn what it means to live on your own, have a job, etc. But what about those of us who don't do this all in four years? Major changes, hard courses, switching schools, career paths changing, these are just a handful of factors that could extend your four years to five, six or seven. There is nothing wrong with taking extra time to graduate, but returning as a fifth-year is a little different. Most of your best friends have most likely graduated and moved and while you may be one of the oldest undergraduates on campus, you might feel as awkward as a freshmen. A world that became home and comfortable to you is still there but it's slightly different than you've known it to be and you have to find a groove to fall into. These are thoughts you'll have as you look ahead to returning to your college campus, with a victory lap planned.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

17 Times "Friends" Accurately Described Life

You can't say that no one told you life was gonna be this way.

97
friends

In the 12 years since it went off the air, "Friends" continues to be adored by millions. The show that gave generations unrealistic expectations about love (or should I say lobsters?) and New York City apartments had a charming cast of characters that everyone could relate to at some point or another. Here are 17 times Ross, Monica, Joey, Chandler, Phoebe and Rachel accurately described life.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Times Aubrey Plaza Described Sophomore Year

"I don't want to do things. I want to do not things."

469
Aubrey Plaza
Flickr Creative Commons

Aubrey Plaza is one of my favorite humans in Hollywood. She's honest, blunt, unapologetic, and hilarious. I just started my sophomore year of college, and found that some of her best moments can accurately describe the start of the school year.

1. When your advisor tells you that you should declare a major soon.

2. Seeing the lost and confused freshmen and remembering that was you a short year ago, and now being grateful you know the ins and outs of the campus.

3. Going to the involvement fair to sign up for more clubs knowing that you are already too involved.

4. When you actually do the reading required for the first class.

5. Seeing your friends for the first time since last semester.

6. When you're already drowning in homework during syllabus week.

7. Realizing you don't have the same excitement for classes as you did as a freshman.

8. Going home and seeing people from high school gets weirder the older you get.

Keep Reading...Show less
graduation

Things you may not realize are different between high school and college:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments