Minnesota Travelogue
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Travelogues
By Tom Kirvan
The North Star State shines in every season
Nestled in the upper Midwest of the United States, Minnesota is a state that surprises visitors with its mix of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and storied history. With a population of approximately 5.7 million people, Minnesota is often associated with lakes, snow, and Scandinavian charm – but it offers far more than that. From its twin urban centers to its serene wilderness, Minnesota invites travelers to explore a state shaped by glaciers, immigrants, and innovation.
Minnesota is often referred to as “The North Star State” and is nicknamed the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” though in reality, it has closer to 12,000. The state is bordered by Canada to the north, Wisconsin to the east, Iowa to the south, and the Dakotas to the west. It stretches from the Mississippi River’s headwaters in the south to the rugged beauty of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in the north.
The capital city, Saint Paul, sits on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River and forms half of the famous Twin Cities with the adjacent Minneapolis. While Saint Paul is steeped in historic architecture, state government, and old-world charm, its twin, Minneapolis, bustles with modern energy, world-class museums, and a thriving arts scene.
Minnesota’s highest point is Eagle Mountain, standing at 2,301 feet above sea level. Located in the Superior National Forest near the Canadian border, Eagle Mountain offers moderate hiking trails through boreal forest to a summit with views of untouched lakes and wilderness. While not especially tall by national standards, it’s a fitting peak for a state where nature quietly dominates.
Minnesota’s human history stretches back thousands of years, with Native American peoples such as the Dakota (Sioux) and Ojibwe (Chippewa) living in the region long before European settlement. The state’s name itself comes from two Dakota words “mní sóta,” meaning “clear blue water” and “Mníssota” meaning “cloudy water.”
In the 1800s, waves of Scandinavian, German, and Irish immigrants transformed Minnesota into a farming and milling powerhouse. Minneapolis became a hub for flour production, earning it the nickname “Mill City.” Historic mills along the Mississippi River – now part of the Mill City Museum – tell the story of the state’s industrial rise.
Minnesota also played a vital role in the fight for civil rights and progressivism. It was the home of Hubert H. Humphrey, vice president under Lyndon B. Johnson and a staunch advocate for civil rights. More recently, the state became a center of national attention following the death of George Floyd in 2020, sparking global conversations on justice and equality.
The seasons shape life in Minnesota in powerful ways. Winter brings snowshoeing, ice fishing, and the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, while summer means boating, camping, and the legendary Minnesota State Fair, one of the largest in the country.
Five Must-See Destinations
Fast Facts
Capital: St. Paul
Population: 5.7 million
Economic engines: Manufacturing, life sciences, agriculture, and tourism
Highest Point: Eagle Mountain (2,301 feet)
Primerus Members:
Bernick Lifson, PBLI
(Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.)Bernick Lifson, a full-service business law firm located in Minneapolis.
O’Meara Wagner, P.A., PDI
(Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.)O’Meara Wagner P.A., a full-service business defense firm located in Minneapolis.
- Mall of America (Bloomington): The largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, Mall of America isn’t just for retail therapy. With more than 500 stores, an indoor amusement park (Nickelodeon Universe), an aquarium, mini golf course, and dozens of restaurants, it's a destination in itself – ideal for families, rainy days, or anyone curious about how far the mall experience can be taken.
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW): Spanning over 1 million acres of protected forest and lake country, the BWCAW is a paddler’s paradise. Canoe routes, portages, and campsites stretch endlessly through this peaceful wilderness, offering travelers a rare chance to disconnect completely from modern life. It's one of the most pristine natural areas in the U.S.
- North Shore Scenic Drive and Split Rock Lighthouse: The drive along Lake Superior’s northern shore from Duluth to Grand Marais is nothing short of breathtaking. Along the way, stop at Split Rock Lighthouse, perched dramatically on a cliff above the lake. Built in 1910, the lighthouse is now a state historic site and museum with incredible views and fascinating shipwreck stories.
- Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA): A cultural jewel in the heart of Minneapolis, the MIA houses a diverse and impressive art collection, from ancient artifacts to European masterpieces to contemporary installations. Admission is free, and the museum’s stately architecture and welcoming atmosphere make it a must-visit.
- Itasca State Park: This park is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, where visitors can walk across the river as it begins its 2,300-mile journey south. With more than 30,000 acres of old-growth forest, lakes, and trails, Itasca State Park is perfect for hiking, boating, or simply soaking up the tranquil surroundings.