If you’ve heard the expression “Minnesota Nice” and are wondering what it’s all about, you just have to go to The North Star State to experience it yourself. In a nutshell, it’s all about Minnesotans’ famous friendliness. They’ll stop what they’re doing to give directions to a stranger, they’re unbelievably polite, and they’ll always greet you with a smile.
Why are Minnesotans so nice and friendly? Let’s count the reasons.
- They have a fierce football team to root for
- It’s the hot dish
- They’re surrounded by nature
- There are plenty of places for a quick getaway
- They have their own homegrown coffee spot
- There’s always a festival or event where everyone gets together
- Minnesotanscan always find activities to do
Minnesotans love their football – and they’re passionate about the Minnesota Vikings. While the team may have only one NFL championship under their belt – the 1969 season right before the NFL merged with the AFL – they have qualified for the playoffs more than 26 times since 1970, the third-highest number of playoff appearances in the league.
During football season, there’s not a bar in Minnesota that isn’t packed with fans gathered around large screen TVs, cheering loudly for their team. They come in full Vikings regalia, complete with painted faces, Viking hats, and gold and purple jerseys.
You’re not a true Minnesotan if you don’t know what hotdish is. Hotdish is a staple in every gathering and on everyone’s dinner table. It’s basically a casserole of meat, noodles, vegetables, and condensed milk. But it’s more than just any other casserole, it’s also a beloved tradition that has become part of living in Minnesota. The locals love sharing and feasting on them – especially when tater tots are thrown on top.
Minnesota is the place to be if you love the outdoors. Named “America’s Healthiest City” and well known for its state and local parks, the state offers an array of outdoor activities amid gorgeous natural surroundings. There are miles of trails everywhere where you can go on a hike or bike ride.
Fishing in one of the many lakes or rivers here is also a favorite pastime. Other water activities like paddling, kayaking, and boating are popular, as well. Minnesota is also known as a golfing destination, with around 500 golf courses found all over the state. In fact, Minnesota is the only state to have hosted all of the USGA championships.
It’s no secret that when you’re rested and relaxed, you tend to be in a better mood – and nicer to everyone. Minnesotans have numerous places to get away from it all and spend a few hours or days in peaceful solitude. The state is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes for a reason. Around many of these gorgeous lakes are resorts or fully equipped cabins where you can have a retreat – solo or with someone close to you – and spend your days doing relaxing water activities, hiking in the surrounding forests, or meditating amid the tranquil surroundings.
Forget Starbucks. When you’re in Minnesota, the perk me up place to go is Caribou Coffee. With 295 locations around the state, you’re bound to find one near you. Founded in 1992 in the city of Edina, Caribou quickly grew to be a favorite among Minnesotans. Perhaps it’s the ambiance. Caribou’s fireplaces and cozy couches are perfect for sipping eggnogs, espressos, and hot chocolate to warm up, especially in Minnesota’s icy winters.
No matter the season, there’s always a celebration in Minnesota. The Great Minnesota Get-Together, AKA the Minnesota State Fair, is the biggest and grandest of all. Held at the end of summer every year, the fair is attended by around two million people, including everyone in the state and their guests from all over the country.
Throughout the year, there are numerous events held in every town and city, Communities gather for occasions like county fairs, sporting events, art fairs, music festivals, and ski parties.
When you live in Minnesota, you’ll never run out of activities or places to go. If sweating it out in the outdoors is not for you, you can find plenty of fun and excitement indoors, as well. Go shopping at Mall of America, the country’s largest shopping mall. In addition to hundreds of shops and dozens of restaurants, the mall is also home to Nickelodeon Universe, a 7-acre theme park that’s perfect for a family outing.
There are numerous museums, from science and nature museums to historical and art museums that showcase Minnesota’s rich culture. Try your luck at various casinos and horse racing or harness racing tracks, or have a relaxing time with the family in the state’s many destination farms and gardens.
Moving to Minnesota? Find your home with friendly local Realtors
We at Prairie Real Estate will help you feel at home in our beautiful state. Call us today at 320.589.2159 or contact us here.