Minnesota means "land of sky-blue waters" in the tongue of the Native Americans, who hailed the beauty of their land. Immigrating Scandinavians loved it for the same reason: Its fabled 10,000 lakes looked just like home. Today, the summerlong weekend exodus "up to the lake," as local parlance has it, provides an antidote for urban stress. The scent of the pines, the sheen of crystal waters and the cry of the loon (never mind the whine of mosquitoes) are as strong a lure as ever.

Minnesotans' celebration of the great outdoors carries into winter, too, when sports like skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating draw folks into the crisp air. And those funny little shacks out on the frozen lakes are ice-fishing houses. That's how crazy the locals are about the wonders Mother Nature has thrown their way.

Whether you fish, boat or just enjoy sitting lakeside, you'll find appropriate waters somewhere in the state, from those 10,000 lakes to the big one—Lake Superior—and the mighty Mississippi River. Canoeists and kayakers may have the best conditions of all. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness—a huge wilderness that's off-limits to most motorized and mechanized vehicles—is one of the finest places to paddle in North America. A few days there—or in one of the state's other wilderness preserves or lakeside resorts—is a great escape.

For those who enjoy city lights, the vibrant Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) offer theater, shopping and top-rated restaurants. Duluth, anchoring Lake Superior, will let you enjoy the comforts of a midsize town while remaining within gazing distance of a beautiful lakeshore, and Stillwater re-creates the Victoriana of lumber-baron days beside the scenic St. Croix River.

Geography

History

Minnesota's rivers, lakes and forests were once the domain of the Ojibwa (Chippewa) people. They congregated in groups of three to 15 families along the banks of the numerous lakes and rivers in the northern part of the state. Hunting, fishing and trapping rights were agreed upon by consensus, and in some areas, wild rice was harvested. (The grain is still closely identified with the state.)

Some say the first Europeans to see Minnesota were Vikings, who supposedly arrived there as early as 1362. More conservative historians argue that French-Canadian fur traders who arrived in the 1600s were the first. What really brought settlers into the territory, though, were treaties signed by the Native American groups in the area beginning in the 1830s, in which they gave up their claims to most of the land.

Minnesota became the 32nd state in 1858, but tensions between the settlers and the Native Americans continued. They culminated in an armed conflict—the Sioux Rebellion—in 1862, just about the time Minnesota joined forces with other northern states in the Civil War. After the rebellion was put down, the Sioux and Winnebago were forced out of Minnesota.

In the years following, Minnesota saw an influx of new immigrants who would shape the state's distinct culture: Scandinavians and Germans poured into the region, looking for new opportunities in a familiar climate. The infusion of a larger labor force and the discovery of iron ore in the 1880s launched Minnesota's economy. Lumber and agriculture also became significant sources of revenue—Minneapolis was the country's milling capital in the decades surrounding the turn of the 19th century—and the state's ports on Lake Superior and the Mississippi River connected Minnesota to distant business and population centers. Those industries still contribute significantly to Minnesota's wealth—consider companies such as General Mills, Pillsbury, Cargill and Land O'Lakes—although high-technology companies have become another important part of the local economy, including 3M and Medtronic. Target, the discount-shopping giant, also has its national headquarters there. And Rochester's Mayo Clinic is world-renowned.

Snapshot

Minnesota's main attractions are scenic lakes and rivers, forests, wilderness canoeing and kayaking adventures, golfing, hunting and fishing, casino gaming, shopping and the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) culture.

Travelers who love outdoor activities (both winter and summer sports), museums and the arts will have a great time in Minnesota. Anyone who dislikes cold weather and snow should avoid visiting during winter (generally late November-March).

Potpourri

The small town of New York Mills hosts an annual philosophy contest in June, the Great American Think-Off. Finalists travel to New York Mills and present their arguments before residents, who vote to determine the winner.

Aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, is occasionally visible in northern Minnesota.

The downfall of outlaws Frank and Jesse James began in the Minnesota town of Northfield. A failed bank robbery there in 1876 resulted in the capture of the Younger brothers, important members of the James Gang, though Frank and Jesse escaped. The town re-enacts the robbery in September and hosts a rodeo.

International Falls may be known as the "Icebox of the Country," but Embarrass is often the "Nation's Cold Spot," with thermometer readings as low as -62 F/-52 C—and that doesn't even take wind chills into consideration.

Austin is the home of Spam (and other products of the Hormel Foods Corp.). There's even a Spam museum.

Frances Gumm, who later changed her name to Judy Garland, was from Grand Rapids, which celebrates her birthday with an annual festival in June, complete with Munchkins.

Fans line up to visit Bob Dylan's former home in Hibbing and pay homage during a May festival honoring the town's musical idol.

Myth? Not when you see them. Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe, stand larger-than-life beside the Brainerd water tower and also loom over the town of Bemidji. In fact, central Minnesota is rife with Bunyanabelia, including his cradle (Akeley), fishing bobber (Pequot Lakes), boat anchor (Ortonville) and even his tombstone (Kelliher).