Known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota is defined by four primary sub regions that together serve to create one of the most diverse and naturally beautiful states in the country. The sub regions of note are the Northeastern, North Central/Western, Southern and Twin Cities/Metro. Whether one prefers urban or rural living, Minnesota’s varying terrains and city settings provide for a wide variety of lifestyles from which to choose. Minnesota is located in the Midwestern part of the country and is ranked as the 12th largest state in the U.S. Additionally, the state consistently ranks among the healthiest states by a number of measures, and has one of the most highly-educated and literate populations.
      With a population of over 5 million, nearly 60 percent of residents live in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, the center of transport, business and industry, and home to an internationally-known arts community. The remainder of the state, often referred to as Greater Minnesota, consists of prairies, farmlands, forests, lakes and waterways which offer residents and tourists a vigorous outdoor lifestyle.

Did You Know...

State Nickname: The North Star State State Capital: Saint Paul State Flower: Pink and White Lady's Slipper State Bird: Common Loon

      Notably, three of the great biomes of North America converge in Minnesota: The Great Plains of the west, the Eastern Deciduous Forest and the Northern Boreal Forest of the Canadian Shield. Although most of the state is relatively flat, the Canadian Shield is covered by rugged ranges of hills that include the Mesabi Range, the Sawtooth Mountains, the Misquah Hills and the Laurentian Highland.
     The capital city of Minnesota, Saint Paul, is neighbored by the state’s largest and most populated city, Minneapolis.

The capital city of Minnesota, Saint Paul, is neighbored by the state’s largest and most populated city, Minneapolis. The vibrant Minneapolis-St. Paul area is the entertainment and cultural center of the upper Midwest. The Twin Cities is noted for its array of intriguing theater, fine orchestras, art museums and a sculpture garden. Interesting museums, professional sports, riverboats and a variety of nightspots further add to the appeal of the Twin Cities. Additionally, with the Mall of America in Bloomington, the Twin Cities has become an international shopping destination as well.       Within the Twin Cities/Metro Region there are several attractions along the southern rim. Shakopee features the Valleyfair Amusement Park, Canterbury Park Racetrack, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Historic Murphy’s Landing, a pioneer village. To the east of the Twin Cities area is the beautiful St. Croix River Valley where boat and train excursions, antique shopping, canoeing, hiking and downhill skiing are favorite activities for the area residents. The area sits at the crossroads of two major interstate highways and is the home to the state’s international airport.
      The Northeastern Minnesota Region is defined by its striking beauty. The enticing shoreline of Lake Superior, the serene wilderness lakes of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the expansive waters of Voyageurs National Park, and the scenic St. Croix River rushing through tall, rocky cliffs highlight this region’s appeal. Combine the more than 1,600 lakes with rolling hills covered in the pines and hardwoods of the Chippewa and Superior National Forests and it is easy to imagine how beautiful this region of the state really is.

North Central/Western Minnesota is comprised of deep pine forests and wilderness lakes, gradually giving way to a tapestry of rich farmland to the west and rolling woods in the vacation lakes area to the south. Filled with several thriving cities and hundreds of resorts ranging from featured hotels to quaint bed and breakfast inns, the North Central/Western Region is a popular summer destination for people living throughout the state.
      Similarly, the state’s Southern Region is a marriage between towering wooded bluffs and patches of virgin prairie land. Here, the Mississippi River Valley and River Country subsections are home to several charming river towns such as Winona, Wabasha, Lake City, and Red Wing. Most of the towns in the Southern Region are steeped in history and feature rich architectural design, antique shops, inns, and ethnic festivals. In the countryside, there are a plethora of bike trails, canoeing rivers and fishing lakes and streams.