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 is a state in the upper Midwest of the United States. It 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 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.

In addition to professional sports teams, Minneapolis hosts a majority of the Minnesota Golden Gophers ' college sports teams of the University of Minnesota. As of 2026, the Minnesota Golden Gophers Spirit Squads have won 30 combined cheer and dance national championships. [416]

Minnesota consists of extensive woodlands, fertile prairies, and innumerable lakes—the basis for one of the state’s nicknames, “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” though Minnesota actually has more than 10,000 lakes that are larger than 10 acres (4 hectares) in area.

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Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota's oldest state park. Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes. Walk across the mighty Mississippi as it starts its winding…

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

Land of 10,000 Lakes Discover the Best of Minnesota Distinctive people, places, and activities — from North Shore cliffs to prairie sunsets.