Despite the years of suffering through losses and underwhelming performances, Minnesota sports fans are fiercely devoted to our teams, and the culture of sports camaraderie is one of our favorite parts about living in Minnesota.
Vikings, Wild, Twins, Timberwolves, Lynx—the state’s sports culture is as vibrant as it is loyal. Whether it’s cheering with 70,000 plus fans on a crisp autumn day inside U.S. Bank stadium, enjoying a mid-summer’s eve at Target Field ballpark, blowing the roof off the Xcel Energy center, or piling into the Target Center on a frigid winter night, Minnesotans will be there for their teams through thick and thin. And our optimism is unflinching—at the start of any season, you will find us shouting: “this is our year”!
#5. Thriving Arts and Music Scene
You might think we're all about the outdoors (and we absolutely are!), but the arts and music scene here is just as lively. Minnesotans can claim Prince, Bob Dylan, Judy Garland, The Replacements, The Andrew Sisters, The Suburbs, Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lizzo, and even Winona Ryder as their own.
The Twin Cities are a hub for creativity, with world-class theaters, art galleries, and live music venues aplenty. The famous First Avenue club has hosted some legendary artists, and local bands are always ready to put on a show. From the nationally renowned Walker Art Center to Minneapolis Institute of Art to the Guthrie Theater to smaller venues, Minnesota has something for the art-lover in your family.
#6. Top-Notch Education
We don’t like to brag, but education is a big deal in Minnesota. With top universities and a strong emphasis on learning, it's no wonder why families flock here to give their kids the best opportunities. We take pride in our schools, and we prioritize access to a great education from early childhood all the way through post-secondary.
#7. Love for the State Fair
It’s time. Did you really think that a Minnesotan could write a blog about the top reasons we love living in Minnesota and not include the Minnesota State Fair?!
It's the grandest get-together of them all, where folks from all corners of the state gather to eat everything on a stick—from corn dogs to snickers bars to tater tot hot dish (yes, all on a stick). And don’t forget deep-fried cheese curds, world-famous Martha’s cookies, and pickle pizza. The Great Minnesota Get-Together is a cherished tradition that brings the community closer, and the food coma is totally worth it!
#8. The Greatest of All the Great Lakes
It’s not named Lake Superior for no reason. The biggest (and best) of all the Great Lakes, Superior’s unmatched beauty makes it a top destination in the state. We Minnesotans love the North Shore with all it has to offer—from hikes along rugged cliffs to kayaking on Superior’s crisp, clear waters. Plus, here are a few fun facts about our greatest Great Lake:
#9. Beautiful Small-Town Charm
Minnesota’s small towns are numerous and unique and offer hundreds of other reasons to love living here—from the far reaches of the north on the Iron Range to the farmlands of the south, there’s nothing quite like small-town Minnesota.
Friendly faces and a strong sense of community from these little gems offer a cozy and heartwarming atmosphere. You could visit a new small town every weekend and never feel out of place. You'll feel right at home, don'tcha know!
#10. Embracing Winter Like No Other
Winter in Minnesota sure isn’t for the faint of heart, but we know how to embrace it with open arms. Ice fishing, snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and more—we turn the cold season into a winter wonderland. We even have the Winter Carnival, and an annual festival called the 'Polar Plunge,' where folks willingly (we swear) jump into icy lakes for charity. Now, that’s some true Minnesota spirit!