Minnesota is my home, which may make this article a bit biased, but bear with me. The North Star state is a place I believe is extremely underrated. Yes, there are no mountains or endless warm weather but MN is something special. Those who live here are happy and those who move wonder why they ever left. So what makes Minnesota so great?
1. Healthiest Cities
Minneapolis and St. Paul have been voted the healthiest cities in the United States for years now. Because it was one of the first cities to implement bike trails, citizens can enjoy the big city feel while also being able to remain active.
2. The Lakes
If you live in Minnesota, you already know the importance of our lakes. The lake life is a huge part of the daily routine in the summer and there is always a body of water to go to. Minnesota boasts more than 10,000 lakes, hence the name “Land of 10,000 lakes."
3. Food
Minnesota is known for its delicious food and specifically its State Fair food. The State Fair (located in St. Paul) has the highest daily attendance of any state fair in the United States. If you have yet to try Sweet Martha’s cookies, I highly recommend it.
4. Friendly People
It is known the state of Minnesota is typically nicer than your average American. Regarded as “Minnesota nice” you can expect to experience a very polite parade of people. Now, for anyone living here, you may think of the phrase as “Minnesota passive Aggressive”, but that’s just a rumor, right?
5. Education
Aside from having an amazing primary education system, Minnesota is home to many amazing colleges and universities. Looking to study law? William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul is your school. Wanting to go into business or the medical field? The University of Minnesota located in both Minneapolis and St. Paul has an amazing business school and med school.
6. Four Seasons
Yes, Minnesota is known for its insanely cold winters. But aside from that, Minnesotans get to enjoy all four seasons, which call for some amazing scenery. While MN may not have sandy white beaches and palm trees, the four seasons create an appreciation for the changing leaves, first snow fall and first cruise around the lake.
7. Biggest Mall in America
The Mall of America is located south of the Twin Cities and is nothing short of disappointing. Not only can seven Yankee stadiums fit in the mall, but it would take you 86 hours to complete your visit at the mall if you spent just 10 minutes in every store. Another bonus of shopping in Minnesota is that there is no sales tax on clothes!
8. Hockey
Minnesota is regarded as as the “state of hockey” so if you’re looking for the sport on ice, look no further! Catch the Wild at the Excel Energy center, the Golden Gophers at Mariucci Arena or even a high school game at the nearest rink. Hockey in Minnesota is not just a game, but a lifestyle.
So whether or not you're convinced that Minnesota is as great as I view it, you can agree that the state offers many amazing opportunities for recreation, education and ultimately happiness. Ask almost any Minnesotan how they feel about living where they do and they will tell you everything I said and then some.
