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Discover Minnesota
The Land of 10,000 Lakes – From the Twin Cities to the North Shore, explore Minnesota’s rich history, vibrant culture, and endless opportunities
46.7296° N, 94.6859° W
History of Minnesota
Minnesota became the 32nd U.S. state on May 11, 1858, with a rich history shaped by Native American heritage from the Dakota and Ojibwe tribes, European settlement, and major fur trading and logging industries. The construction of Fort Snelling in St. Paul between 1819-1825 signaled early state development.
1819
Fort Snelling established near the falls of St. Anthony Falls, marking the beginning of organized European settlement in the region.
1858
Minnesota Statehood – Minnesota becomes the 32nd state, with rapid development of lumber and milling industries.
1870s
Flour Milling Boom – Minneapolis becomes one of the world’s largest flour milling centers, earning the nickname “Mill City.”
1883
Minneapolis Grain Exchange established, becoming a major commodity trading hub for the Midwest.
Minnesota’s growth accelerated with the power from Saint Anthony Falls, spurring Minneapolis‘ flour milling industry and Duluth’s steel shipping. Major historical milestones include the Dakota War of 1862 and rapid post-Civil War urbanization that transformed the state into the economic powerhouse it is today.
Twin Cities Metropolitan Area
The Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area is the economic and cultural heart of Minnesota, home to over 3.6 million residents and serving as the region’s primary hub for business, education, and the arts.
Minneapolis
- Population: 429,954 (2020 census)
- Founded: 1854 – Incorporated as a city
- Economy: Major business and transportation hub
- Demographics: 63.8% White, 19.3% Black, 9.7% Hispanic/Latino, 5.9% Asian
- Median Income: $55,184
- Government: Mayor-council system, Mayor Jacob Frey (since 2018)
- Notable: Home to Target, U.S. Bancorp, General Mills
- Sports: Vikings (NFL), Twins (MLB), Timberwolves (NBA)
- Education: University of Minnesota main campus
St. Paul
- Population: 311,527 (2020 census)
- Founded: 1841 – Named by Father Lucien Galtier
- Role: Minnesota’s capital city
- Demographics: 50.8% White, 15.7% Black, 9.3% Asian, 9.2% Hispanic/Latino
- Median Income: $57,757
- Government: Mayor-council system, Mayor Melvin Carter (since 2018)
- Notable: Home to Ecolab, 3M, Land O’Lakes
- Sports: Wild (NHL), St. Paul Saints (independent baseball)
- Landmarks: Cathedral of Saint Paul, State Capitol
Demographics & Statistics
5.76M
Population (2025)
$336,954
Average Home Value
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
94.7%
Insurance Coverage
$243B
Metro GDP Annual
200,000+
College Students
Minnesota’s population composition includes 78% White, 7% Black, 5% Asian, and 6% Hispanic residents. The state has experienced significant growth driven by migration and a rising elderly demographic, while violent crime dropped by 6.9% in 2023, making it one of the safest states in the nation.
Government Agencies & Public Services
Department of Agriculture
Department of Education
Department of Health
Department of Human Services
Department of Public Safety
Department of Transportation
For a complete list of Minnesota state agencies, visit the Minnesota Attorney General’s website.
Major Companies & Economy
Target Corporation
Minneapolis – Fortune 500 retail giant
Major employer and retail innovator with headquarters in Minneapolis.
Mayo Clinic
200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905
World-renowned healthcare institution and medical research center.
3M Company
St. Paul – Operating since 1910
Multinational conglomerate known for innovation and manufacturing.
Cargill
15407 McGinty Rd W, Wayzata, MN 55391
Global food corporation and agricultural commodity trading company.
U.S. Bancorp
Minneapolis – Banking and financial services
Major banking institution with headquarters in Minneapolis.
General Mills
Minneapolis – Global food manufacturer
Major food manufacturer and marketer of consumer products.
Xcel Energy
Minneapolis – Electric and gas utility
Major utility company serving multiple states from Minneapolis.
Ecolab
St. Paul – Global hygiene technologies
Leading provider of hygiene and energy technologies worldwide.
Land O’Lakes
St. Paul – Fortune 500 dairy cooperative
Major dairy cooperative and food company based in St. Paul.
These organizations anchor Minnesota’s robust health, manufacturing, financial, and agricultural sectors, contributing significantly to the state’s $243 billion annual GDP and economic stability.
Colleges & Universities
University of Minnesota
231 Pillsbury Dr SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Leading public research university with over 52,000 students across 5 campuses. Main campus established in Minneapolis in 1892.
University of St. Thomas
St. Paul – Private Catholic university
Private Catholic university with over 10,000 students offering comprehensive programs.
Augsburg University
2211 Riverside Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55454
Private liberal arts college founded in 1869, enrolling around 3,000 students.
Concordia University
St. Paul – Private Lutheran college
Private Lutheran liberal arts college focusing on experiential learning.
St. Olaf College
1520 St Olaf Ave, Northfield, MN 55057
Private liberal arts college known for academic excellence and music programs.
Minneapolis College
Minneapolis – Public two-year community college
Part of the Minnesota State system, providing accessible higher education.
St. Paul College
St. Paul – Public community and technical college
Public two-year institution offering career-focused programs.
Dunwoody College of Technology
Minneapolis – Private applied technical college
Specialized technical college offering certificates and associate’s degrees.
Over 15 colleges and universities are located in the Twin Cities metro area, providing education opportunities to over 200,000 students. See the complete list of colleges and universities in Minnesota for more educational opportunities.
Transportation & Public Transit
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
Major airport and Delta Air Lines hub
Primary airport serving both Minneapolis and St. Paul metropolitan areas. mspairport.com
Metro Transit
560 Sixth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Extensive network of light rail, buses, and commuter trains serving the Twin Cities area. metrotransit.org
Union Depot
St. Paul – Amtrak passenger train services
Historic transportation hub providing Amtrak services and regional transit connections.
Nice Ride Minnesota
Bike sharing system
Bike rental system with over 200 stations in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. niceridemn.com
The Metro area serves as a major transportation hub with rail lines, highways, and the Mississippi River facilitating movement throughout the region and beyond.
Sports Teams & Venues
The Twin Cities area boasts 7 major professional teams across 5 major leagues, making it one of the premier sports destinations in the Midwest.
St. Paul Saints
CHS Field, St. Paul
Independent league baseball
Minneapolis also hosts marquee sporting events like the Super Bowl, Final Four, X Games, and features numerous NCAA Division I teams competing in hockey, football, basketball, and more.
Arts & Culture
Guthrie Theater
818 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Leading regional playhouse hosting over 700,000 visitors annually. guthrietheater.org
Walker Art Center
725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Renowned contemporary art center founded in 1927. walkerart.org
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Minneapolis – World-class art museum
Houses over 90,000 works of art spanning various cultures and time periods. artsmia.org
First Avenue
Minneapolis – Iconic music venue
Famous nightclub that helped launch Prince’s career. first-avenue.com
Ordway Center for Performing Arts
St. Paul – Theater, dance, and music venue
Premier performing arts center hosting world-class productions. ordway.org
Science Museum of Minnesota
St. Paul – Natural history and technology
Massive science museum with interactive exhibits and IMAX theater. smm.org
Cathedral of Saint Paul
St. Paul – Iconic cathedral
Stunning architectural landmark overlooking downtown St. Paul.
Northrup King Building
1500 Jackson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Vibrant arts community with galleries, studios, and event venues. northrupkingbuilding.com
The Twin Cities area is regarded as one of the most vibrant Midwest arts scenes, featuring the Minnesota Orchestra, Children’s Theatre Company, and numerous galleries and performance venues.
Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Chain of Lakes
Minneapolis – Connected by parkways
Popular venue for biking, running, paddling, and recreation in the heart of the city.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Minneapolis – 11-acre urban oasis
Features the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture. walkerart.org/garden
Minnehaha Regional Park
4801 S Minnehaha Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Features the spectacular 53-foot Minnehaha Falls, limestone bluffs, and biking trails.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
St. Paul – Free zoo and gardens
Free zoo featuring gorillas, polar bears, seals, and beautiful conservatory. comozooconservatory.org
Itasca State Park
36750 Main Park Dr, Park Rapids, MN 56470
Historic park featuring the headwaters of the Mississippi River.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd, Two Harbors, MN 55616
Iconic lighthouse and scenic Lake Superior shoreline.
Indian Mounds Park
St. Paul – Historic burial mounds
Features 6 prehistoric Native American burial mounds with scenic river views.
Voyageurs National Park
360 Hwy 11 East, International Falls, MN 56649
Water-based national park perfect for canoeing, fishing, and camping.
The “City of Lakes” lives up to its nickname with 22 lakes in Minneapolis alone, plus wetlands, creeks, and the Mississippi River. The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway connects major parks and green spaces throughout the metro area.
Famous Landmarks
Mall of America
60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
One of the largest shopping centers in the United States, featuring an indoor amusement park.
Stone Arch Bridge
100 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Historic limestone bridge over the Mississippi River and iconic Minneapolis landmark.
Split Rock Lighthouse
3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd, Two Harbors, MN 55616
Historic lighthouse and Minnesota’s most photographed landmark on Lake Superior.
Spoonbridge and Cherry
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Famous sculpture by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen in the Sculpture Garden.
Foshay Tower
Minneapolis – Art deco skyscraper
Distinctive art deco building built in 1929, once the tallest building west of the Mississippi.
U.S. Bank Stadium
Minneapolis – Vikings home stadium
Futuristic stadium with transparent roof, home to the Minnesota Vikings.
Minnesota State Capitol
St. Paul – Granite dome capitol
Beautiful state capitol building completed in 1917, featuring stunning architecture.
Mary Tyler Moore Statue
Minneapolis – Nicollet Mall
Honors the 1970s sitcom that was set in Minneapolis, celebrating the city’s television heritage.
Education Systems
Minneapolis Public Schools
Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) oversees public education for over 29,000 K-12 students across nearly 40 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, 7 high schools, and numerous alternative schools. The district operates with an elected school board and superintendent. Top-performing schools include Anthony Middle School, Burroughs Elementary, and Southwest High School. MPS also offers magnet school programs with focuses like language immersion and International Baccalaureate. Minneapolis hosts over 35 charter schools throughout the city, with graduation rates averaging around 80%.
St. Paul Public Schools
The St. Paul Public School District oversees education for around 34,000 K-12 students across more than 60 schools. The district features an elected school board and superintendent system. Top-rated schools include Capitol Hill Gifted and Talented Magnet, St. Paul Music Academy, and Como Park Senior High. St. Paul graduation rates average around 80%, and the district participates in integration programs with Minneapolis Public Schools. There are over 35 charter schools in St. Paul as alternatives to district schools.
Major Minnesota Cities
Minnesota is home to diverse communities ranging from major metropolitan areas to charming small towns. Here are the significant cities across the state:
St. Paul
Rochester
Duluth
Bloomington
Brooklyn Park
Plymouth
St. Cloud
Eagan
Woodbury
Maple Grove
Lakeville
Coon Rapids
Eden Prairie
Burnsville
Apple Valley
Minnetonka
Edina
St. Louis Park
Shakopee
Blaine
Savage
Inver Grove Heights
Roseville
Fridley
Crystal
New Hope
Golden Valley
Richfield
Hopkins
Columbia Heights
Robbinsdale
Moorhead
Mankato
Cottage Grove
Brooklyn Center
Winona
Prior Lake
Austin
Faribault
New Brighton
Northfield
Willmar
Albert Lea
Red Wing
Otsego
Hutchinson
Alexandria
New Ulm
Rogers
East Bethel
Grand Rapids
North Branch
Waseca
Lake Elmo
Cambridge
Baxter
Shorewood
Albertville
Saint Joseph
Stewartville
Minnetonka Mills
Shoreview
Owatonna
Elk River
South Saint Paul
Forest Lake
Anoka
Ham Lake
Bemidji
Marshall
Monticello
Vadnais Heights
North Saint Paul
Saint Peter
Big Lake
Fairmont
Detroit Lakes
Thief River Falls
Virginia
Orono
New Prague
Minnetrista
Litchfield
Medina
Chaska
Chanhassen
Rosemount
Hastings
Sartell
Buffalo
North Mankato
Brainerd
Mounds View
Waconia
Mendota Heights
Arden Hills
Mound
Victoria
Little Falls
Mahtomedi
Crookston
Saint Francis
Belle Plaine
Kasson
Jordan
White Bear Lake
Champlin
Farmington
Lino Lakes
West Saint Paul
Stillwater
Saint Michael
Hibbing
Hugo
Sauk Rapids
Fergus Falls
Worthington
Cloquet
White Bear
Little Canada
Hermantown
Saint Anthony
East Grand Forks
Oak Grove
Wyoming
Waite Park
Baldwin
Spring Lake Park
International Falls
Maplewood
Oakdale
Ramsey
This comprehensive list represents Minnesota’s diverse urban and suburban communities, from the bustling Twin Cities metropolitan area to charming outstate communities that each contribute to the state’s rich cultural fabric.
Additional Local Resources
Minneapolis Convention & Visitors Association
Promoting tourism and business travel to Minneapolis.
Visit St. Paul
Official tourism promotion for Minnesota’s capital city.
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Managing the nation’s best urban park system.
St. Paul Parks & Recreation
Maintaining St. Paul’s extensive park system and recreation programs.
Minnesota Historical Society
345 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102
Premier resource for Minnesota history and research.
The Fallout Arts Co-Op
2601 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Phone: (612) 822-5200
Creative space supporting local artists and arts organizations.
Mpls Downtown Council
Promoting economic development and quality of life in downtown Minneapolis.
St. Paul Chamber
Supporting business growth and economic development in St. Paul.
From sports stadiums to parks, world-class museums to theater productions, Minnesota offers an incredible array of attractions and amenities. Though cold in the winter, the state’s lush summers, friendly residents, and diverse opportunities make it a vibrant hub of the Upper Midwest.