March 1 is National Minnesota Day. While the other 49 states may think of this day as irrelevant, it is safe to assume that this day fills the hearts of Minnesotans with pride (even if they don’t know it exists). Because Minnesota was the 32nd state in the union, here are 32 reasons why Minnesota is the best.
1. Betty’s Pies has THE best pies, like honestly! If you’re ever in the Two Harbors area (about an hour north of Duluth), you MUST visit Betty.
2. Going to the cabin is a normal thing: either you have one, or you know someone who has one.
3. Land of 10,000 Lakes? More like Land of 11,842 Lakes.
4. The State Fair is the greatest end-of-summer “bash” (2nd best in the country; Texas is #1).
5. We like hotdish. You call it casserole, but you’re wrong.
6. The University of Minnesota completed the first open heart surgery.
7. MN is home of the Juicy Lucy. Some people like Matt’s and some people like the 5-8 Club.
8. The Dalai Lama visits Mayo Clinic for his annual medical check-up.
9. We invented scotch tape…
10. …and Post-it notes, so like, you’re welcome.
11. Judy Garland, Jessica Lange and T.R. Knight (Dr. George O’Malley on Grey’s) are all from Minnesota.
12. It’s Duck Duck Gray Duck, not Duck Duck Goose.
13. The boundary waters are beautiful…
14. …and so is the rest of the state.
15. We laugh at those who think 10-degree weather is cold.
16. Did I mention we have a lot of lakes?
17. Minnesota ranks #3 among best states.
18. The headwaters of the Mississippi River start in northern Lake Itasca.
19. Honey Crisp and Sweet Tango apples were developed at the U of M. How do you like them apples?
20. We gave you the first Target store.
21. We have all four seasons, whether we like it or not.
22. Southdale Center was the nation’s first indoor shopping mall.
23. The hiking and biking trails in Minnesota are sublime.
24. We also gave the world Prince.
25. Lake City, MN is the home of water skiing.
26. Our state flower is The Lady Slipper…but has anyone ever seen one in person?
27. There are so many cows.
28. Twin Cities-based Northwest Airlines was the first major airline to ban smoking on international flights.
29. Weighing in at 17,400 pounds, the world’s largest twine ball resides in Darwin, MN.
30. We like deep fried food.
31. Minnesota is ranked third among the happiest states. Which leads into my last point…
32. …Minnesota nice IS a thing.
If this doesn’t give you more reason to love Minnesota, you should come visit and check us out for yourself. :)