12 Surprising Firsts That Minnesota Can Proudly Claim

We’ve certainly talked about some notable things invented in Minnesota, like the brilliant innovations of Scotch Tape and Post-it Notes, as well as box cake mix and even heart transplants. However, there are still some famous things from Minnesota that many people may not know about. From groundbreaking medical procedures to food innovations, Minnesota has a long history of world-changing firsts.

You might be surprised to learn that Minnesota is renowned for bringing several other notable things into the world. Many of these inventions can still be celebrated in museums and historic sites across Minnesota. Enjoy these Minnesota fun facts:

1. 3M’s Forgotten Innovation: The Birth of Plastic Magnetic Tape

3M is responsible for many important inventions, but one we now often forget is plastic magnetic recording tape. 3M’s innovation in magnetic recording tape helped revolutionize music, broadcasting, and data storage worldwide. Today, the company remains a hub for innovation in Minnesota.

2. Golden Valley’s Act II: The First Shelf-Stable Microwave Popcorn

Did you know that Golden Valley Microwave Foods had the first shelf-stable microwave popcorn, Act II? This tasty Minnesota invention changed snack time forever. When visiting the Bread and Butter State, be sure to explore Golden Valley. Here you can see where the history of popcorn really took off.

3. Totino’s Legacy: Minnesota’s First Crisp-Crust Frozen Pizza (1979)

Minnesota's Totino family made the first crisp-crust frozen pizza in 1979. But here is the fact – the Totino family not only created a new style of pizza, but they also helped pave the way for frozen food innovations nationwide. As a Pizza lover, I confidently celebrate this legacy with frozen pizza tastings when attending local Minnesota events.

4. Walter Deubener’s Handy Invention: The First Handled Grocery Bag

Minnesota grocer Walter Deubener created the first handled grocery bags. Otherwise, imagine how it'd be hard to carry all that popcorn and pizza! The truth is that before Deubener’s innovation, carrying groceries was very challenging. This simple design made shopping easier for families nationwide and laid the groundwork for modern convenience in stores.

5. The First Minnesota: Lincoln’s Earliest Volunteers and Heroes of Gettysburg

The brand new state of Minnesota was the first state to respond to President Abraham Lincoln’s request for volunteer regiments, and the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry played a pivotal role in the Battle of Gettysburg. This was a brave act by Minnesota’s soldiers during the Civil War. Are you a history enthusiast? Be sure to visit the Minnesota Historical Society to learn more about the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment and its impact on the Battle of Gettysburg.

6. Cool and Cozy: Minnesota Invented the Thermostat and Home A/C!

Minnesota was not only the home to the first furnace thermostat but also the first place to have an air-conditioned home. Thanks to his invention, indoor comfort became easier than ever before. Today, people across the North Star State still rely on these early inventions for cooling and heating their homes.

7. Minnesota Firsts: Pioneering Open-Heart Surgery and Organ Transplants

Minnesota was not only the scene of the first open-heart surgery but also the first organ transplants as well. Pioneering medical breakthroughs in Minnesota have saved countless lives. As a visitor exploring medical history, museums such as the Hennepin Healthcare History Center for detailed highlights about these milestones.

8. Minneapolis Milestone: The First Library Children’s Section (1889)

In 1889, Minneapolis became the home of the first library Children's Section. This made it easier for children across the state to read and learn about future generations. When traveling with a family, be sure to check out libraries across Minneapolis. You will be surprised to see how children’s library services in Minnesota have evolved over the decades.

9. Frank Peavey’s Innovation: Minnesota’s First Concrete Grain Elevator

Minnesota had the first concrete grain elevator, thanks to Frank Peavey's desire to prevent grain elevators from burning down frequently. Peavey’s innovation shaped Minnesota’s agricultural economy and inspired safer construction techniques all over the U.S. When visiting, be sure to check out the historic grain elevator sites across the state.

10. Northwest Airways: Twin Cities’ First Closed-Cabin Commercial Plane

Twin Cities-based Northwest Airways (which merged with Delta in 2009) had the first closed-cabin commercial airplane! Talk about an aviation milestone. This progress in the aviation industry not only made passenger flights more comfortable but also safer. As a visitor interested in aviation, you can tour Minnesota aviation museums to see where it all began.

11. James “Crash” Ryan’s Safety Breakthrough: Minnesota’s First Retractable Seat Belts

Minnesota was the home of the first automatic retractable seat belts, thanks to James “Crash” Ryan. This invention helped enhance vehicle safety globally. When visiting, don't forget to tour transportation museums for more inspiration about Minnesota’s contributions to automotive safety.

12. James “Crash” Ryan’s Black Box: Minnesota’s Lifesaving Aviation Legacy

Another James “Crash” Ryan legacy is the "black box" flight data recorder that is now standard on all commercial planes and offers investigators clues about crashes and other incidents. This incredible invention ensures air travel safety across the world. Are you an aviation enthusiast? You can explore interactive exhibits that highlight the black box’s history in Minnesota.

How many of these 12 things invented in Minnesota did you know about? Which was the most surprising? All these firsts certainly make us feel proud of our Minnesota roots! If you know any more fun facts about MN, please share them by completing this nomination form.

For more Minnesota fun, check out our list of quirky facts about Minnesota that sound made up but are actually true. And don't forget to use our itinerary planner when you're planning your Minnesota adventure.