In 2017, National Day Calendar ® began celebrating each state in the order they entered the union starting the week of Independence Day and ending with Hawaii. We highlight a small part of each states’ history, foods and the people who make up the state. Many states have their own state celebrations, and National Day Calendar’s observances in no way replace them. There’s so much more to explore, we can’t help but celebrate our beautiful country even more!

NATIONAL MINNESOTA DAY

On March 1st, the Land of 10,000 Lakes is recognized on National Minnesota Day.

The 32nd state to join the union shares its northern border with Canada. Angle Township on the north edge of Lake of the Woods makes Minnesota the northernmost state of the continental forty-eight. Also known as the Gopher State, it extends along the northern shore of Lake Superior.

Dakota Sioux and Ojibwa, Menominee, and other tribes populated the area when the first Europeans began to explore and later settle the area. Fur trading in the densely wooded territory led to French treaties in the late 17th century.

The Mississippi River divides a portion of the state; its source is Lake Itasca. This natural boundary also divided the region when the Treaty of Paris determined United States’ western border after the Revolutionary War. Minnesota would not become whole until 1836 when it became part of the Wisconsin Territory, 33 years following the Louisana Purchase.

The state capital of St. Paul, once called Pig’s Eye Landing, was founded in 1838 along the Mississippi River and was named the territorial capital in 1849. Minnesota became the 32nd state in 1858.

Just upriver from St. Paul, Minneapolis formed from Ft. Snelling, built in 1819. Today, the metropolis spans both sides of the river for nearly 60 square miles. Downtown Minneapolis includes the world’s most extensive uninterrupted network of indoor pedestrian pathways. The skyway system boasts eight miles connecting restaurants, shopping, businesses, hotels and apartment complexes.

Head north along Lake Superior into the Arrowhead Region where the air stays cooler longer and lake effect will have real meaning. Duluth and points north with an industrial history benefit from mild summers, access to clear summer nights, Aurora Borealis and unspoiled views.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMinnesotaDay

From the founders of the Mayo clinic to the creators of inline skates and cheerleading, Minnesotans find time to create, explore and celebrate. Tour the cities or 10,000 lakes and all the history in between! Use #NationalMinnesotaDay to share on social media.