Welcome to MINNESOTA

The "Land of 10,000 Lakes," Minnesota got its nickname because there are more than 12,000 lakes throughout the state. Its name comes from the Dakota (Sioux) word for the Minnesota River's "sky-tinted waters." The Minnesota Territory was formed in 1849 from what had been part of the Northwest Territory, and Minnesota joined the Union in 1858. The state flower is the pink and white lady's slipper, and the capital is St. Paul. ...Read more here: Minnesota - The Land of 10,000 Lakes

Capital City:

St. Paul

Nickname:

North Star State / Gopher State / Bread and Butter State

Motto:

L'Etoile du Nord (The star of the north.)

Statehood:

May 11, 1858 (32th)

Origin of State's Name:

Based on the Dakota Sioux Indian word for "sky-tinted water," referring to the Minnesota River or the state's many lakes.

Largest Cities:

Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington, Duluth, Rochester

Border States:

Iowa , North Dakota , South Dakota , Wisconsin

Land Area:

79,617 sq. mi., 14th largest

State Bird:

Common Loon

State Flower:

Pink and white lady's-slipper (cypripedium reginae)

State Tree:

Red Pine (pinus resinosa)

State Song:

Hail! Minnesota