Recently, my Minnesota pride has been blossoming. Though it has always been immense, it's grown to a point that I'm forced to bite my tongue whenever someone speaks a single ill word against my state or even suggests that another may be superior. I don't know what's caused this sudden change: it could be the fact that winter is finally over, or maybe the overwhelming sense of community felt in the city of Minneapolis since the death of the iconic Prince; whatever it is, I love my state like no other, and below are just nine of the countless reasons why.
1. Life is better at the lake
With more shoreline than California, it's hard to not know and love one of the 11,842 lakes in Minnesota. My summers would not be complete without the lakes and the fishing, boating, hiking, and other activities that come with them.
2. The Twin Cities arts scene is better than you'd expect.
I've grown up with an appreciation for the arts, and I truly believe I can credit that to the fact that I live in the Twin Cities area. With world-class museums, ballets, and more theater seats per capita in Minneapolis than any other city aside from New York, there's something for everyone. And let's not forget the music. Countless careers have been launched in the Twin Cities, including Bob Dylan and Prince, among others.
3. A team for every sport.
No matter what you like, Minnesota has got a team for you to root for. Hockey, football, soccer, baseball, and basketball are all celebrated here (we also had a box lacrosse team for awhile, and I'm still bitter about them leaving). For 5 months a year, I bleed purple for the Vikes, but that will never trump my love for the Wild. Which brings me to...
4. Hockey!
When it comes to hockey, Minnesota takes the cake. I grew up going to my brothers' youth hockey games, so I can handle pretty much any crazy life throws my way. Those raised in hockey families are a special breed. Whether it's a pickup game on a backyard rink or roaring crowds at the Xcel, you can bet I'm there and loving every minute of it.
5. The Mall of America is both a blessing and a curse, but I love it anyways.
Minnesota is home to both the first indoor mall and the largest mall in the country. While people come from far and wide to see MOA, which is large enough to house a theme park and an aquarium, to me it's just "the mall." While steering around lost tourists as I navigate it like a pro can be a pain, having every store I could ever need in one place is pretty amazing.
6. All of your favorites come from Minnesota.
Not really, but the world has us to thank for some amazing things, including (but not limited to) Lucky Charms, Target stores, Post-It Notes, The Great Gatsby, and Honeycrisp apples. You're welcome.
7. The Minnesota State Fair is killer.
The fact that Minnesota is ranked 21st in overall population makes the fact that our state fair has the highest average daily attendance in the nation all the more impressive. With baby animals, carnival games, butter sculptures, concerts, and some of the greatest food around, there is something for absolutely everyone.
8. Close proximity between just about everything
Where I live, it's totally normal and quite easy to start your day paddleboarding then go on to buy a new outfit, check out some sharks, catch a play, then hit the town. In fact, you would probably have time to spare.
9. Minnesota Nice
It's so real. No matter how amazing it is to be away, especially during the winter, coming home is always such a breath of fresh air. There's just something about the people here.
As much as I complain about how cold it might get or the fact that the road situation is less than stellar, I'm a Minnesota girl through and through. I love this state with my entire being, and I am unbelievably proud to say it's where I'm from and where I hope to stay.
