Welcome to Minnesota

Land of Sky Blue Waters

From the shores of Lake Superior to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, Minnesota boasts rivers, streams and more than 12,000 lakes. It’s no wonder that the Dakota Indians chose to call this land “minisota,” which means sky tinted water, when they settled here over three centuries ago.

Today, Minnesota is still known for its breathtaking wilderness. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound with Voyageurs National Park, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, 66 state parks, 58 state forests and two national forests. Two national monuments, Grand Portage on the Canadian border and Pipestone National Monument in southwestern Minnesota, preserve the rich American Indian and fur-trapping heritage of the state.

At the center of the state is Minneapolis/Saint Paul, an international gateway. Scores of theaters, galleries and museums, as well as two professional orchestras, make this area a notable arts haven, whose influence extends throughout the United States and the world. The cities attract sports fans with a variety of professional sports teams: the Minnesota Twins baseball, the Timberwolves basketball, the Wild hockey and the Vikings football teams.

The shopping is great too. Upscale brand names line the Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis and trendy boutiques located on Grand Avenue in Saint Paul complement the ultimate shopping paradise: Mall of America. Located just five minutes from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport in Bloomington, Mall of America features more than 500 stores, an aquarium, themed restaurants, movie theaters and even an indoor amusement park...Nickelodeon Universe! And also don’t miss the bargains at the Albertville Premium Outlets. With no tax on clothing, shoes, food and medicine, Minnesota is a bargain hunter’s dream.

Minnesota visitors delight in the diverse attractions offered throughout the state. Cruise on a riverboat, canoe in an unspoiled wilderness, attend a world-class concert or enjoy water sports or golf at a northwoods resort. Experience for yourself why Minnesota is known as a land blessed by Mother Nature.