Much of what is now Minnesota formed part of the vast French holding of Louisiana, which the United States purchased in 1803. After several territorial reorganizations, the Minnesota Territory was admitted to the Union as the 32nd state in 1858.

Minnesota, a state in the upper Midwest of the United States, borders Canada to the north, Lake Superior and Wisconsin to the northeast, Iowa to the south, and South Dakota and North Dakota to the west.

Minnesota is known for its extensive woodlands, fertile prairies, and numerous lakes, earning it the nickname “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” It also features a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers.

Minnesota, is in the north central United States. Near the geographic center of North America, it is bordered on the north by the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario, on the west by North Dakota and South Dakota, on the south by Iowa, and on the east by Wisconsin and Lake Superior.

Things to Do in Minnesota, United States: See Tripadvisor's 855,497 traveler reviews and photos of Minnesota tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in July. We have reviews of the best places to see in Minnesota. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.

Minnesota is known for its breathtaking scenery, exciting adventures and fun cities and towns.

But where do you begin? Cut through the noise with Time Out’s recommendations of the best attractions, restaurants, bars, nightlife and places to stay in Minnesota, curated by experts.

Located in the heart of the Midwest and nicknamed the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota is a diverse state that offers a unique mix of bustling cities and untouched wilderness.

The detailed map shows the US state of Minnesota with boundaries, the location of the state capital Saint Paul, major cities and populated places, rivers and lakes, interstate highways, principal highways, and railroads.

Major river systems: Mississippi, Minnesota, and Red River of the North; Minnesota water flows in three directions: north toHudson Bay, east to the Atlantic Ocean, and south to the Gulf of Mexico; no water flows into the state.