Now that winter has fully set in, it’s time for all of us to come to grips with the fact that we really are going to have to deal with the cold and snow for the next few months. It’s a beautiful time in Minnesota, but it can be challenging for those who have a long commute or get cold easily. But as Minnesotans, we’ve done this before – plenty of times. These 11 reasons that Minnesotans do winter better than anyone else will remind you that you can make it through the winter again.

1. We're always prepared.
sharyn morrow/Flickr
Most of us keep at least a shovel and some jumper cables in the trunk of our car - and some even have a whole emergency kit.
2. We have lots of stuff to do in the snow.
Andy Langager/Flickr
Sledding is just the start.
3. But we have amazing indoor activities, too.
Richard Roche/Flickr
You know, for when it gets just a little too cold. Free activities like the Minneapolis Institute of Art or the conservatory at Como Park are super fun things to do inside.
4. We help each other out.
MJI Photos/Flickr
That's what Minnesota Nice is all about, right? And in winter, people are even more willing to help out a stranger. It's not uncommon to see someone stop to push a stuck car or jump a dead vehicle.
5. We have an alternate mode of transportation.
Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr
If there's enough snow - and the destination isn't too far - a snowmobile will do in a pinch. They're even better if you don't have a destination in mind. A snowmobile joyride is a must-do winter activity in Minnesota.
6. We make use of our lakes even when they're frozen.
Dave Fischer/Flickr
If sitting in a tiny makeshift house staring at a hole in the floor, you might be from Minnesota. But ice fishing is an essential winter activity here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. But that's not all we do on water. The bravest among us will even take a dip into the icy water by participating in a polar plunge.
7. We don't even have to go outside.
Meet Minneapolis/Flickr
If we go downtown, that is. The skyway systems in Minneapolis and St. Paul are a godsend when the temperature dips below zero.
8. A trip to the cabin is even better in winter.
likeaduck/Flickr
Minnesotans lucky enough to have a cabin in the woods to escape to may love winter even more. What's better than watching the snow fall from the window of a cozy cabin?
9. Every once in a while, we get a snow day.
Richard Yuan/Flickr
Honestly, what's better than a snow day? They're so rare and so unexpected that it's hard not to get excited about all that snow.
10. And when we do, we go all out to make the best snow sculpture ever.
Bartz Snow Sculptures/Facebook
At least, some of us do. But even a humble snowman makes every extra inch of snow that much more worth it.
11. We start summer at 40 degrees.
Lisa Moffatt/Flickr
You know it's spring in Minnesota when people put away their winter boots no matter what. For the first days of spring, only flip flops will do.

If you’re ready to get outside and enjoy what winter has to offer, check out these 16 unforgettable places to visit this winter.

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