Have you lived in the state of Minnesota your whole life, yet you are still discovering new and interesting facts about the surrounding area? Maybe you’re not a resident; maybe you’re planning a trip to Minnesota and would like to learn more about what to expect.
Either way, it is a state that has a rich history and within it are some really neat and interesting facts. Let’s take a look at the top six that you may not be aware of when it comes to Minnesota.
Minnesota Is One of the Larger States
If you’re looking at the size of the state, Minnesota is considered one of the larger ones in the country. It is 350 miles wide at the widest part and more than 400 miles in length. That makes Minnesota the 12th largest state. It is right on the U.S.-Canada border and is classified as the Upper Midwest.
Minnesota Isn’t Overly Populous
Despite having such a large land mass, Minnesota doesn’t rank high in terms of population. With just over 5.7 million residents as of 2023, it ranks 22nd in terms of population. Its growth rate is very minimal since 2022, but since 2010 it has grown by 7.9%.
Minnesota Has More than 10,000 Lakes
If a person were to name one thing about Minnesota, often it is the lakes that come to mind. The state has been given the title of the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” and in reality, it has close to 12,000 lakes.
The lakes cover more than 10 acres, and the rivers and streams cover 69,200 miles. So, for those who enjoy water views, water sports and activities, and fishing, Minnesota is the state to visit.
Minnesota Has Attracted Some Very Big Companies
Did you also know that Minnesota is home to a wide array of some of the biggest companies in the country? Some of the companies located here include General Mills, 3M, Target, Ecolab, Best Buy, St. Jude Medical, Hormel Foods, Medtronic, and Ameriprise Financial.
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Minnesota Is an Absolute Paradise for Hunters
Anyone who enjoys hunting for sport will be in awe of the opportunities that exist in Minnesota. This is a state that has millions of acres where hunting on public land is permitted. With that said, if you do plan on hunting in Minnesota, you’ll need to be aware of its regulations regarding hunting licenses and firearms safety.
You can also check the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website for such info as what you can hunt, the specific regulations for those animals, harvest registration, and a hunting lands listing.
Minnesota is a Permit to Carry State
This brings us to the gun laws in Minnesota. You may be interested to know that people need to get a permit to carry a handgun in public. As for whether that weapon needs to be concealed, there isn’t a stipulation on it. To get a permit to carry, a person needs to fill out an application which is then sent to the sheriff’s office for processing. The office needs to be in the county where the person lives. It can take up to 30 days to process the permit and then it’s good for five years.
Once the permit has been approved, there are unlimited purchases during those five years. Bulk ammo for handguns tends to be the most cost-effective and these Federal Premium rounds can be ideal for those looking for ammo that is ideal for self-defense.
This is just a very small look at the many interesting facts about Minnesota, as there is truly plenty to discover here.
