In 2017 alone Minnesota was ranked the #1 “happiest” state in the US, and the Twin Cities were ranked #1 in terms of livability, bike friendliness, and most healthy/active. Yet for so many, Minnesota is still an expansive blank. It’s a handful of stereotypes and assumptions wrapped in a snowy mystery.
Attention on this region can be obscured, especially in a country absorbed in national affairs. However, even within Minnesota, culture isn’t entirely defined by its residents as it continues to take shape. But, that culture is emerging as the North proudly thaws from that mystery. I’m excited to share my insights regarding the broader cultural characteristics of the North Star State. Follow links for Part 1 and Part 2.
Minnesotan culture is:
3) Active
Minnesota is frequently listed as one of the healthiest and slimmest states in the US, and it’s no wonder: Minnesotans are always outside no matter the temperature or season. And there’s few limitations between enjoying activeness in the city or country.
In 2017, Minneapolis claimed the title of “healthiest city” and “most bike friendly” city in the US, as seemingly every street and sidewalk that’s replaced now includes a dedicated bike lane. The city also has the Midtown Greenway, a once railroad track, converted into a walking/biking trail that spans the length of the city. There are trails all over both cities, especially along the protected land surrounding the Mississippi River. Minnehaha Park along the river is a beautiful urban escape with its waterfalls, dog friendly trails, and shaded pathways. The City of St. Paul goes one step further and claims to be the “most livable city in America”, due to its walkability and ease of access to countless amenities. Both cities also have a network of connected skyways. In my opinion, they are one of the most impressive aspects of Minnesota’s urban architecture because the skyways allow people to travel all around their city without having to brace traffic or freezing cold temperatures. More on the skyways to come!
The level of active opportunities only increase the farther into the country you go! Minnesota has 10,000 lakes (seriously, look at our map, it’s like a Jackson Pollock with lake blue). This means there is plenty of water to go around for those looking to go swimming, boating, fishing, paddle boarding, windsurfing or kayaking. There’s also a big canoeing scene, particularly in the picturesque boundary waters between Minnesota and Canada. Minnesota’s wooded and rolling countryside also provide excellent terrain for ATVing and hunting, and the unglaciated cliffs of Lake Superior make for spectacular hiking trails. As autumn comes there’s tons of fun, accessible outdoor activities at apple orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and lakeside bonfires. Surprisingly, the winter doesn’t slow Minnesotans down. People enjoy snowshoeing, snowmobiling sledding, and both cross-country and downhill skiing. Frozen lakes are used for ice fishing, ice skating, ice surfing, and of course, hockey.