"Land of Ten Thousand Lakes"- this is how American residents often call the state of Minnesota because there are about twelve thousand lakes on its territory. And the most extensive and deepest is Lake Superior, which is part of the Great Lakes North America.

There are also almost 6,500 rivers in this state, and it is here that the largest river in America originates. Mississippi. Most of the reservoirs in this state are under state protection, thanks to which the amazingly beautiful area has been preserved untouched.

Geographical features

The state of Minnesota is located in the Midwest, it is the northernmost state in the continental territory of the state, to the north -.

Minnesota's neighbors are:

• on the north side - Canada;
• in the northeast there is a water border with Michigan;
• from the east - ;
• on the south side – borders with;
• on the western side - with South and North Dakota.

The total area of ​​the state is 225,181 km 2, where 5.5 million people live.

Saint Paul is the administrative capital located on the left bank of the Mississippi, and Minneapolis, standing on the right bank, is the largest city with a population of 3.5 million people.

Saint Paul

Climatic conditions

The state of Minnesota is characterized by continental climate conditions: winters are frosty and snowy, and summers are hot. Milder weather conditions are observed in the area adjacent to Lake Superior.

The coldest time of year in Minneapolis is January, when temperatures range from -14°C to -5°C. The warmest time is July, when it is usually observed from +16°C to +27°C.

In northern Minnesota, International Falls is known as the coldest city in continental America. The January temperature in this city ranges from -9°C to -23°C, and in summer it varies from +13°C to +25°C.

The state's southern lands belong to "tornado alley." In southern Minnesota, hurricanes occur very often, especially in the summer (more than 20 times a year).

Historical events

The original inhabitants of these lands are various tribes of Indians. According to the Kensington Runestone, the first representatives of Europe to enter this territory were Scandinavian sailors who sailed here in the 14th century. But these data are disputed.

It is believed that among the first immigrants from Europe in Minnesota were citizens of France - in the first half of the 17th century. In 1679, Minnesota was declared a territory of the French Kingdom, but already in 1763 it became the possession of the English Empire. This happened in accordance with the Treaty of Paris, signed at the end of the Seven Years' War.

The lands of Minnesota east of the Mississippi began to belong to America after the Revolutionary War. And thanks to the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, America also received another part - the western one.

Minnesota, which previously included much of what is now North and South Dakota, seceded from Iowa in March 1849.

How the state of Minnesota came into existence in 1858. In the same year, its Constitution was approved.

Population

More than 60% (almost 3,300,000 people) of all citizens of this northern state live in St. Paul and Minneapolis.

The majority of the total population (88%) are Europeans. Also living on state lands are:

• representatives of African Americans – 4.4%;
• Hispanic representatives – 4%;
• representatives of the Mongoloid race – 3.5%;
• American Indians – 1%.

Of the largest ethnic groups in terms of size, the following can be distinguished:

• Germans – 37.3%;
• Norwegians – 17%;
• Irish - 12.2%;
• Swedes – 10%.

In addition, there are also immigrants from Holland, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Denmark.

Among local residents There are people who profess different religions and there are people who are atheists. Residents of this northern state include:

• Protestants – 32%;
• Catholics - 28%;
• evangelical Christians – 21%;
• Jews – 1%;
• adherents of other religions – 5%;
• atheists – 13%.

Features of the economy

The headquarters of some large-scale concerns have long been located in Minnesota, including UnitedHealth Group, the largest health insurance organization in America.

The port of Duluth operates on Lake Superior, the most powerful inland port in the United States, through which billions of tons of a wide variety of products pass.

The Mesabi region is famous for producing half of all iron ore in America.

Agriculture is involved in 2% of the total population of Minnesota. Agriculture here includes raising turkeys, cattle, and dairy production. Corn, soybeans, and wheat are the most important agricultural crops for the state.

Minnesota is also known for its forestry industry, which includes timber harvesting, lumber and paper production, and pulp processing.

Minnesota is one of the leaders in the development and use of alternative, environmentally friendly and safe energy sources.

Separately, it should be said about tourism - over the past decades it has become one of the most important sectors of the economy.

What is worthy of tourists' attention

The opportunity for excellent hunting and fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and the best skiing and biking trails in the country attract millions of tourists every year, not only from America, but also from other countries. The state of Minnesota will also bring a lot of impressions to fans of active, educational recreation.

Particularly noteworthy are cultural attractions such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the Walker Art Center, one of the five most interesting American museums and home to many of Pablo Picasso’s works. In Saint Paul there is a uniquely beautiful white Capitol building.

Capitol, Saint Paul

Every year from May to October, tourists have the opportunity to visit the military-historical Fort Snelling, located between the administrative center of Minnesota and the metropolis of Minneapolis.

These cities have the longest closed bridges for pedestrians - skyways. Skyways are mostly made of glass and are located above the ground at one floor level.

The research University of Minnesota will also be interesting - it is the oldest and largest component of the Minnesota university system. This science center has the fourth largest campus in America, with 51,721 students studying as of 2010-2011.

In Bloomington, many tourists are attracted by the large-scale shopping and entertainment center Mall of America. In this center, in addition to 520 shops, guests are greeted by an amusement park and a huge cinema, as well as 20 restaurants with a wide variety of cuisines. Every year 40 million people visit this center.

The state of Minnesota also attracts the St. Paul Winter Carnival, which has been organized in St. Paul every year since the end of the 19th century. Of particular interest are the ice statues - an incredibly fantastic sight!

No less popular is the theatrical fringe festival held every year, during which drama, dance, puppet shows, as well as musicals and shows for children.

Watch a video about the state of Minnesota:

Top Minnesota Attractions:

On May 11, 1858, Minnesota became the 32nd state of the union. The peculiar salient in the north is the result of a border agreement with Great Britain before the area was thoroughly explored.

Geography of the state

Minnesota's landscape stretches from the edge of the subarctic forest to the heart of the Corn Belt. Much of the earth has been covered by glaciers several times, and its surface has been shaped by constant freezing, thawing, and movement of ice. Outstanding geomorphological reminders of that time - continuous farmland, thousands of lakes, steep slopes, glacial lakes and the rolling plains that make up Minnesota's modern landscape. The state's rich soils developed on crushed mineral rocks left behind by retreating glaciers. Average height The landscape ranges from 184 m above sea level (Lake Superior) to 701 m at Mount Eagle.

Thousands of Minnesota rivers flow north, east and south before emptying into Hudson Bay. Atlantic Ocean And Gulf of Mexico respectively. The state received its name from the word Dakota (Sioux), the main tributary of Minnesota.

Interesting fact! Dakota literally means "Dyed in sky color water".

America's northernmost and largest state consists of vast forests, fertile prairies and countless bodies of water. The latter served as the basis for one of Minnesota's countless nicknames - "The Land of 10,000 Lakes." In fact, there are slightly more of them (about 12,000). Together the lakes cover an area of ​​over 10 acres (4 ha). Main feature The state has nearly 13,000 square kilometers (5,000 sq mi) of inland fresh water.

Minnesota on the world map

This is one of largest states USA. On the northern side it is surrounded by the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario, as well as Lake Superior. To the east it neighbors the state of Wisconsin.

The southern and western sides were surrounded by the states of Iowa, South and North Dakota.

Climate and weather

Temperature changes in Minnesota not only occur seasonally, but also from one part of the state to another. It is hot here in summer, and in the northern regions frost is possible in any month.

In July, the average daily maximum reaches 29 °C in southern Minnesota and 21 °C along the Lake Superior shoreline. The average daily maximum in January varies from -4 °C in the south to -9 °C in the north. The minimum ranges from -15 °C to -21 °C. The frost-free period lasts less than 90 days in the northern parts of the country and more than 160 days in the southern parts.

Average annual precipitation ranges from 500 mm in the northwest to more than 750 mm in the southeast. Seasonal snowfall varies from 1000 mm in the western part of the state to more than 1800 mm in the northeast.

From about mid-December to mid-March, almost all of Minnesota is covered with solid snow.

Nature of the state

The original vegetation falls into three main categories: coniferous, deciduous forest and prairie. Coniferous vegetation occupies the northeastern part of the state. This includes pine, spruce, fir, as well as tamarack, which grows in swampy areas. Belt from hardwood extends from southeast to northeast to the Canadian border, bypassing Minneapolis/St. Paul and located on the south and west sides coniferous forest. The width of deciduous forests ranges from 65 to 130 km. Mainly composed of oak, maple, linden, ash, elm, poplar and elderberry. To the south and west of the deciduous forests is the prairie. Most of it is agricultural land, but one-third of Minnesota is still forested.

Mammals that can be found in every corner of the state include: deer, foxes, raccoons, porcupines, mink, weasels, skunks, muskrats, marmots and squirrels. In the north, black bears, moose, wolves, coyotes, bobcats, otters and beavers are found. Common year-round birds include chickadees, woodpeckers, grosbeaks, cardinals, sparrows and jays. Migratory birds include ducks, geese, gulls, coots, thrushes and herons.

Interesting fact! The state symbol is the Arctic loon.

Other common game species include grouse, quail, partridge, wild turkey and pheasant. Main predators include hawks, eagles, owls and eagles. The timber rattlesnake is found in several southeastern counties.

Walleye are the most popular fish in the state. Among fishermen it takes an honorable first place. Other game fish include northern pike, muskie, bass, lake trout, crappie, sunfish and eel. Many streams are home to brown and rainbow trout. In the deep, cold waters of Lake Superior you can find cod, coho salmon, king salmon, salmon, herring and whitefish.

Minnesota Population

Canadians, as well as people of English, Scottish, and Scots-Irish descent, first settled in Minnesota in the early 19th century. Most were entrepreneurs who helped build institutions and participated in town meetings to discuss legislative issues. Several communities held them even before Minnesota became a state in 1858.

The first major immigrant groups in the second half of the 19th century were Germans, Swedes and Norwegians, who cleared forests, built railways, cultivated the soil and sold it. At that time, German settlers dominated numerically. They occupied central and south-central Minnesota. Norwegian settlers moved west, forming the main ethnic group in the west-central region of the state and the Red River Valley. The Swedish settlement was located north of the Twin Cities in west-central and northwestern Minnesota. A significant number of Finns settled in the northeast; Poles - in the southeastern and central parts of the state; gypsies - south of Twin City; Irish - in the south; French and French-Canadians in northwestern Minnesota; Dutch and Flemings - in the southwestern part; Icelanders in northwestern Minnesota; Danes, Welsh and Swiss - throughout the state.

Interesting fact! The Indian population is represented by the Ojibwa people (also Chippewa or Anishinaabe), half of which are located in the Twin City area. The rest live on reservations in rural Minnesota.

Each ethnic group brought its own religious traditions. Residents of central and south-central Minnesota (mostly of German, Polish, and Romani descent) are Roman Catholic. Germans and people from Scandinavian countries are Lutherans. The cities contain Muslim and Buddhist communities, while the Twin Cities area is predominantly Jewish.

10 cities in Minnesota

Minnesota is a huge state, ranking 12th in area. Minnesota ranks 21st out of 50 in population, according to 2009 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, so it has more land than people.

Minneapolis: 413,651 people

Minneapolis is the most recognizable city in the state. Three of the four major sports teams are located here. In 2008, the city hosted the Republican National Convention.

This is the most underrated place in the northern United States. Amazing views of the skyline from the embankment, three professional sports stadiums, many art centers and theaters. In-depth brewing technology, the best park system in the country and a gourmet paradise where you can sample Scandinavian cuisine for breakfast, Ethiopian cuisine for lunch, hot dishes for dinner, and drink cocktails on the Ferris wheel.

St. Paul: 302,398 people

St. Paul is the state capital and home to the Minnesota Wild hockey team.

Rochester: 208,880 people

Rochester is home to the world-famous Mayo Clinic, which employs 33,179 people.

Duluth: 86,293 people

Duluth is located in the northeastern corner of the state and borders Wisconsin and Lake Superior, which is the largest freshwater lake in the world. The city is also close to National Nature Reserve Superior and is famous for its four-season climate.

Bloomington: 84,465 people

Bloomington is home to the Mall of America, the largest shopping complex in the United States. According to bloomingtonmn.org, the center is so large it can accommodate 32 Boeing 747 aircraft. To the south, Bloomington is bordered by Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.

Brooklyn Park: 79,707 people

Brooklyn Park is located in Hennepin County and is bordered to the east by the Mississippi River. The park area occupies more than 8 million square meters.

Plymouth: 73,987 people

According to the city's website, Plymouth was ranked #1 in Money Magazine's "Best Places to Live" in 2008. Cities with a population of 50,000 to 300,000 people were taken into account. In 2010 he made it to the top 12.

Woodbury: 65,659 people

Much of the City of Woodbury is located off highways. In 2014, it was ranked 12th on Money Magazine's "Best Places to Live" list.

Egan: 65,453 people

At one time, Eagan was called the “Onion Capital of the United States” due to the abundance of arable land.

Maple Grove: 65,406 people

Maple Grove is home to seven lakes, many parks and 48 playgrounds.

Transport

Minnesota's transportation infrastructure is concentrated in the Twin Cities area. Regional and transcontinental rail and highway systems originate from the Twin Cities' core. Trains in northeastern Minnesota carry iron ore and taconite products, which are then shipped by ship to Wisconsin.

Since the opening of the Great Lakes waterway in 1959, Midwestern products have spread throughout the world. In many parts of the state, river transport has become the main mode of movement of passengers and goods. Mississippi River barges transport bulk products to the major inland ports of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Coal, oil and salt are delivered upstream. Grain, sand and gravel are transported in the opposite direction.

Served by several commercial airlines, the Twin Cities area is also an air hub for the Upper Midwest. The Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport has a well-established satellite connection.

Grove Cottage

Airplanes cannot land in city parks.
Plants should not be watered on odd days. The exception is the thirty-first day.

Hibbing

The duties of the police include the extermination of cats seen in any public place.

Minneapolis

People are prohibited from going up or down the narrow alleys.
Red cars cannot drive on Lake Street.

Minnetonka

You should not drive a truck with dirty tires or place decals on the sidewalk.
It is prohibited to convince another person to go to a massage therapist after 23:00.

St. Cloud

You can't eat hamburgers on Sundays.

Main attractions of Minnesota

In addition to the Bloomington Mall and the Minnesota Zoo, the state boasts a variety of attractions and cultural sites. The traveler will learn about the rich history of the Midwest, explore nature and enjoy the Minnesota lifestyle.

Split Rock Lighthouse

Split Rock Lighthouse is a historic site located in Two Harbors. It is one of the state's most famous landmarks and was built in 1910, according to the Minnesota Historical Society. Those who come here to relax often climb the hills, walk along the base of the lighthouse, and also enjoy the picturesque view of the lake. Split Rock can be visited from May 15 to October 15. As of January 2018, the ticket price is 10 USD for adults; 8 USD for pensioners and students; 6 USD for children aged 6 to 17 years. Children aged 5 years and under are admitted free of charge.

Walker Arts Center

The Walker Art Center is an important cultural attraction in the Twin Cities, featuring a large collection of sculptures, paintings, photographs, art, digital works and other artifacts. The center displays more than 11,000 works and 1,200 art books. There is also a sculpture garden where visitors can take a self-guided tour and admire the strange works. Among them you can see the “Spoon Bridge”, as well as a magnificent greenhouse. As of January 2018, gallery admission costs $15 for adults and $13 for seniors ages 65 and older. The cost for students and teenagers with ID is 10 USD. Entry to the sculpture garden is free for all visitors.

Valleyfair

ValleyFair is a 90-acre amusement park located in Shakopee. It can have fun for both small children and teenagers, as well as adults of all ages. Valleyfair features Soak City Water Park, roller coasters, extreme rides, and Challenge Park, which features go-kart tracks, an arcade, and an 18-hole mini golf course. Visitors can experience classic carnival rides including the traditional carousel, Ferris wheel, inflatable boats and attractions on hot air balloon. A one-day package for visitors aged 3 to 61 years is 45 USD (as of January 2018). Children under 2 years old are admitted free of charge.

Minneapolis waterfront district

The waterfront (the oldest area of ​​the city) is home to several local cafes, trendy bistros, the historic Théâtre de la Junene Lune, a soap factory and new theater Guthrie. Visitors can enjoy fresh air in Boom Island Park or walk along the Great River Birding Trail, relax at the Tuggs River Saloon or Vic's Restaurant. In the center " Open book» you can follow the publishing process. The Minneapolis River District is managed by the Minnesota Historical Society, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the Minneapolis Department of Planning and Economic Development, and other community organizations.

Paul Bunyan Waterpark

Paul Bunyan Waterpark is located at The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes. This family-friendly resort offers cabins and spacious suites with a Midwestern theme. The water park is located on site and has an area of ​​2800 square meters. It features a holographic water slide, a 222 square meter play center, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and an indoor ring pool. As of January 2018, daily admission from Friday to Sunday costs 17.95 USD, and from Monday to Thursday it costs 11.95 USD.

Conclusion

The state of Minnesota covers an area of ​​225,181 square kilometers. It is the northernmost state of the United States, since only Alaska is further north. It prevails here cold climate, home to many mammals and migratory birds, and the entire territory of Minnesota is covered with forests and parks. A quarter of the state's population comes from Scandinavian countries, but most residents have German origin, as it is the largest ethnic group. By the end of the 20th century, Minnesota's economy began to be dominated by the service sector. It surpassed agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, which were the state's main sources of income after settlement.

St. Paul is the capital of Minnesota, and the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul) area is the state's main administrative, economic, and cultural center.

Infrastructure and transport are developed at the proper level. Like any state, Minneapolis has its own laws, and sometimes very strange ones. Attractions such as the Split Rock Lighthouse, the Minneapolis Riverfront District, and the Walker Arts Center will leave no stone unturned.

Minnesota is located in the central west of the country. Included in the states called the “Northwest Central States.”

The state's nickname is "North Star State", "Gopher State".

The capital of Minnesota is the city of Minneapolis, which is located on the banks of the Mississippi. Together with the city it is a “twin city”.

In terms of population (2011 data: 5,344,861 people), Minnesota ranks 21st in the United States. In terms of area occupied (225,181 km2) it is 12th in the country.

Before the arrival of Europeans here, Indians of the Ojibwe, Winnebago, Sioux and Cheyenne tribes lived for a long time in the territory of what is now Minnesota.

The first Europeans (namely the Scandinavians) arrived in Minnesota already in the 14th century. Although this information is not yet considered completely reliable. At the end of the 17th century, the French expeditions of Duluth, Champlain and Lasalle arrived here. It was Duluth who spoke out that this territory would henceforth belong to the possessions of France. But as a result of the Seven Years' War, Minnesota became part of Great Britain.

It was only at the beginning of the 19th century that all lands came into the possession of the United States, but it was not until 1858 (May 11th) that Minnesota was declared part of the Union. Thus it was the 32nd state in the country.

The state's economic growth was particularly noticeable in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This was due to the emergence of new steel plants of the huge United States Steel corporation and the development of maritime shipping across the St. Lawrence River.

I consider Minnesota an industrial state. Here the branches of mechanical engineering, food industry, printing, and computer equipment production are distinguished by their greatest development. Agriculture is also developing well with the cultivation of corn, wheat, soybeans, sugar beets, and green peas. In livestock farming, dairy production is the most in demand.

The mining industry (iron ore, sand, crushed stone) is developing at a fairly high level.

As for the climate, the state is characterized by very cold winter, and summer, on the contrary, is too hot. The southern part of the state is nicknamed "Tornado Alley" because... There are hurricanes here quite a few times a year.

Minnesota is also known by its unofficial name "The State of Ten Thousand Lakes" because... there are more than twelve thousand lakes here. The deepest and largest is Lake Superior. It is in the state where the famous Mississippi River originates.

Currently, the majority of Minnesota's population is Caucasian (88%), with Black and Hispanic races averaging 4%.

Major cities in Minnesota

Minneapolis: 387,753 people
: 277,000 people
: 101,659 people
Duluth: 85,600 people
Bloomington: 80,869 people
Brooklyn Park: 71,308 people
Plymouth: 70,102 people
Eagan: 63,751 people
Coon Rapids: 62,700 people
Eden Prairie: 62,407 people
Blaine: 61,942 people
St. Cloud: 61,198 people
Burnsville: 59,118 people
Woodbury: 54,635 people
Lakeville: 51,722 people
Minnetonka: 51,451 people
Maple Grove: 50,365 people
Idaina: 46,100 people
Apple Valley: 45,527 people
St. Louis Park: 43,600 people
Mankato: 36,500 people
Maplewood: 35,500 people
Richfield: 33,900 people
Moorhead: 33,400 people
Cottage Grove: 33,081 people
Roseville: 32,700 people
Inver Grove Heights: 32,300 people

Minnesota is a state located in the Midwestern United States. The population is 5,314,879 people (2010). Area 225,181 km². The capital is Saint Paul. Large cities: Minneapolis, Bloomington, Rochester, Duluth, Brooklyn Park. In the south, Minnesota borders with the state of Iowa, in the east with Wisconsin, in the north and northeast with the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Manitoba, and on the western border with North Dakota and South Dakota. In 1858 it became the 32nd US state.

State attractions

Among the cultural attractions of Minnesota are the Walker Art Center, which is one of the top five museums in the United States, as well as the Guthrie Theater and the Museum of Fine Arts. Located between the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the military historical Fort Snelling is open to visitors from May to October. Cities also have huge enclosed pedestrian bridges called skyways. They are usually made of glass and located at ground floor height above the ground. The total length of the skyways in Minneapolis and St. Paul is the longest in the world. The state capital is home to the unusually beautiful white Capitol building, as well as the Science Museum, the Cathedral and Como Park, St. Paul's Winter Carnival with its ice sculptures. In the suburb of Bloomington, you can visit one of the largest shopping centers - Mall of America, which has about 520 stores, a theme park, 20 restaurants, a cinema with 14 halls and much more. Every year 40 million people visit this center.

Geography and climate

About 8.4% of the state's area is covered by water. Minnesota has about 15 thousand lakes and highlands in the northeast (Laurentine Shield). The highest point is Eagle Mountain, whose height reaches 701 meters above sea level. The northwestern and western parts of the state are home to prairies. The southern and central parts of the state lie on a flat plain. About 30% of the territory is occupied by forests. The climate is temperate continental, increased level humidity. Minnesota is home to International Falls, the coldest city in the continental part of the country. Winters are usually cold and very snowy. About 30 days a year the temperature is -18°C or lower. Summer is hot and humid. Temperatures rise above 32°C on about 15 days a year. The state is prone to natural disasters such as floods, tornadoes and tornadoes.

Economy

In 2003, Minnesota's GDP was $211 billion and is home to several large corporations. More than 50% of the United States' iron ore is mined in the Mesabi region. In addition, sand, stone and gravel are mined here. Developed food industry, woodworking, mechanical engineering, printing, computer equipment production. In the area agriculture 2% of the state's population is involved. The main crops are soybeans, corn, wheat and grasses. They raise cattle and turkeys and produce dairy products. The state ranks 4th in the amount of electricity generated by wind. They are engaged in the production of alternative environmentally friendly energy sources (fuel ethanol, biodiesel). Tourism is an important sector of the economy; millions of people come here every year to hunt and fish.

Population and religion

The population density is 23.74 people per km². About 60% of Minnesota's population lives in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Racial composition: Europeans - 88%, African Americans - 4.4%, Hispanics - 4%, Mongoloid race - 3.5%, American Indians - 1%. Among the largest ethnic groups, 37.3% of the population are of German origin, 17% are Norwegian, 12.2% are Irish, and 10% are Swedish. The state is also home to Italians, Czechs, Danes and Dutch. Religious composition: Protestants - 32%, Catholics - 28%, Evangelical Christians - 21%, Jews - 1%, other religions - 5%, atheists - 13%.

The state of Minnesota is located in western North America. The region is headed by the city of Saint Paul - it is a large industrial and economic center. The nearest town is Minneapolis. Its mirrored skyscrapers contrast with the colonial buildings of the capital.

The area of ​​the district exceeds 220,000 square kilometers. Minnesota shares borders with Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Dakotas. Its northern borders lie along the national border of Canada. The province's transport accessibility is provided by the Minneapolis International Air Gateway and the local St. Paul Airport.

Geographical location

The state of Minnesota is the twelfth largest district in the United States. Ten percent of its territory is occupied by waters. No wonder it bears the nickname Land of a Thousand Lakes. There are really a lot of reservoirs with the purest fresh water here. All of them are surrounded by centuries-old forest thickets that grow on the Laurentian Upland.

From a geological point of view, this area is considered one of the oldest. Its age is almost three billion years. The soil layer in these areas is thin. Under its layer are hidden rocks that every now and then come to the surface. The district's lands are covered with pine, birch, rowan and maple tracts. They are inhabited by bears and deer, moose and wolves.

Weather conditions

The climate of Minnesota is continental. Winters in the northwestern United States are frosty and windy, and summers are hot and dry. The meteorological characteristics of the region are directly influenced by the largest local body of water - Lake Superior.

The coldest month is January. The thermometer in early February only sometimes exceeds -6 °C and stays at -15 °C. The hottest period occurs in mid-July. At this time, the air warms up to 30 °C.

The southern lands of Minnesota are famous for the abundance of tornadoes that visit the state at least twenty times a year. Hurricane winds usually occur during summer season. The coldest point in the region is a city called International Falls. In this locality, the thermometer regularly exceeds -40 °C.

Population and economy

According to the census, the county's population is more than 200 million. For comparison, in mid-19th centuries, the number of inhabitants was exactly one hundred times less. National composition represented mostly by Germans, of whom there are 40% in this district. Minnesota has also become home to Norwegians, Irish, Swedes, Finns, English, Poles and French. Italians, Czechs and Dutch are in the minority.

The lion's share of residents preach Protestantism. One in three people in the state is Catholic. Almost 90% of the population is Caucasian. Native Indians account for only one percent.

Industrial enterprises provide the basis for the economic well-being of the region. Active mining is underway. There are woodworking, printing and food industries.

The first people to occupy the vast expanses of Minnesota in the United States were the Winnebago and Sioux Indians. There are also Ojibwe and Cheyenne people recorded in the state. The colonists who arrived in these lands were by no means of British blood. Scandinavian sailors had to explore the northern latitudes. Although the official version says that the French were the discoverers of the region.

Minnesota's official nickname is the North Star State. And the district was named after the river, which runs through its entire territory with a blue artery. The local metropolises of St. Paul and Minneapolis are famous for the record number of suspension bridges that span from one high-rise building to another. The distance between the cities is 14 kilometers. Therefore, people called these settlements twins.

Attractions

One of the most important sources of income for the state of Minnesota is tourism. Every year hundreds of thousands of travelers flock here to see with their own eyes the picturesque landscapes and amazingly beautiful nature of this Nordic region. The entertainment options in Minnesota are endless. This includes exciting fishing, hunting in protected forests, and kayak trips. There are enough impressions for everyone!

Fans of excursion holidays are recommended to visit the largest bodies of water in the region. There are hiking and cycling routes along the shores of Lake Superior. In winter, the surrounding area offers skiing and dog sledding. In summer they go rock climbing and horse riding.

National Park

The protected lands of the Voyageurs National Park reserve lie in the north and border the possessions of Canadian Ontario. The official founding date of the park is 1971. The area of ​​the reserve is huge. A third of it is occupied by the lakes of Minnesota, the water surface of which hides about 26 islands. It was here, among the bare ledges of rocks buried in the icy rock, that ancient trade routes ran.

Despite the distance from major settlements, the reserve has everything you need for an active and safe pastime. Those who wish can pitch a tent or use the cozy hunting lodges. Rental available motor boats and catamarans. There is the opportunity to take a ride on a seaplane or even get your own cabin on a barge, imposingly floating along the Rainy Current.

Capital life

Saint Paul occupies the left bank of the deep Mississippi River, which originates near the municipality. From afar, travelers are greeted by the lingering horns of cargo ships leaving one of the busiest ports in the northern United States.

The historical quarters of the capital are a striking example of Victorian urban planning. Despite their venerable age, ancient mansions, estates and shopping galleries are perfectly preserved. Life in Downtown moves slowly. All of its public and business buildings are involved in a single network of skyways, covered glass passages.

The most famous resident is the talented North American writer Francis Scott Fitzgerald.

Welcome to Minneapolis!

Fifteen minutes by car from St. Paul and you're in Minneapolis. The metropolis is strikingly different from its twin brother. It proudly flaunts the mirrored towers of skyscrapers. Representative offices of the most famous national corporations are located in the city's offices.

You can begin your acquaintance with Minneapolis in numerous parks and squares, which are lavishly decorated with sculptural groups of modern creators. Walking around the city is no less pleasant. Its sidewalks are clean and tidy. There are cafes and restaurants everywhere, enticing with the aromas of coffee and fresh baked goods. You can take a bird's eye view of the city panorama by taking the elevator to the top floor of the ADS Center building.

Indian reservations

Visiting local Indian settlements is a full-fledged tourist attraction, which is always very popular among foreigners. Contrary to popular belief, indigenous tribes are not poor. They have everything they need for a comfortable life at their disposal.

The Mdevacantons are considered the wealthiest Americans. There is a casino on the territory of their settlement, and the monthly income of the average resident is tens of thousands of dollars! The Indians spend part of their fabulous income on gambling. They spend a lot of money on charity and helping those in need.