This summer I was presented with many opportunities to travel around the country. For example, I went to a camp in Michigan with kids from all around the nation and played on a lacrosse team with girls from Florida and New Jersey. I repeatedly found myself trying to explain what Minnesota, my home state, was like. I would always hear, "Minnesota? Way too cold for me." or "Is there a big city?" After many conversations of trying to explain how great my home is, I came up with the following examples, which clearly shows how underrated this beautiful state is.

1. All four seasons. Unlike a lot of states in the South, Minnesota has all four seasons and each one is special. Colorful falls, snowy winters, rainy springs, and moderate to warm summers. What more could one ask for?

2. No natural disasters. We are cuddled in between America and Canada, and, as such, there are no concerns about hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, etc. Safe and sound.

3. The lakes. There are so many! Swimming, fishing, water sports, boating, canoeing, sailing, the list goes on and on. The lakes offer something for everyone and there are plenty of them.

4. Minneapolis AND St. Paul. Two awesome cities are so close to each other. Minneapolis is fun and modern while St. Paul is historic and classic.

5. Minneapolis is the #1 healthiest city in America. (Forbes) The first city to ban public smoking and to add bike trails. The Minneapolis Parks and Recreation department is one of the best and is often put on a pedestal as an example for other cities..

6. Up North. Want to escape from the city life? Drive just an hour or two north and marvel at the deep, green woods, pine trees, rivers, and animals.

7. The Mall of America. Minnesota has the nation's largest indoor mall for anyone who is uninterested in the nature activities or who just needs a break

8. Education. Minnesota public schools are nationally renowned for their academic excellence and the colleges and universities are no less impressive.

9. Job opportunities. With huge companies like General Mills, Target, Best Buy, etc, based in Minnesota, the job opportunities are greater than those in many other cities.

10. Sports. Just kidding. Our professional sports teams are not at all underrated, given their performance as of late, but the facilities are. Visiting the state of art U.S. Bank Stadium and Target Field are worth watching the Vikings or Twins lose.

Book a trip now! Or enjoy all of what MN has to offer, Minnesotans!