15 Things People From Minnesota Always Have To Explain To Out Of Towners
By Betsy Rathburn|Updated on December 08, 2022(Originally published December 05, 2022)
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
Many out-of-towners forget about Minnesota altogether, so when we’ve grabbed their attention enough to warrant a visit, there are more than a few things we feel the need to explain. Believe it or not, there are a number of Minnesota stereotypes… and they’re things we have to deal with both inside our own borders and when we travel throughout the nation. Here are just a few of them.
1. First things first, Minneapolis is not the state capital.
It may not be the biggest or busiest city in Minnesota, but St. Paul still holds its own. The history alone makes St. Paul a fantastic place to visit. Of course, the proximity to Minneapolis doesn't hurt.
The accent is far more prevalent in northern Minnesota, though some hold on to the long O in the south as well. Regardless, the famous Minnesota accent is not as prevalent as you might think... But every single Minnesotan can do a spot-on imitation of it.
By the way, we'll be able to identify you as an out-of-towner as soon as you try your hand at the accent.
Shocking, we know. But the town made famous by the Coen brothers is actually just over the border in North Dakota. They probably thought Fargo sounded a bit better than Brainerd. (We can see the conundrum... so we'll let this misconception slide.)
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4. Yes, you very well might need a winter coat in August.
It's not uncommon for a giant snowstorm to strike right as we're trying to ease into spring. More often than not, this will happen at the very end of April. Best bring a coat. Or, if you really want to feel like a local, you can spitefully refuse to wear any outerwear because there comes a point when enough is enough. Be warned, however, that our winter landscape is as unforgiving as you've heard.
They're a must in the winter, as it can just as easily get warm enough to open toes in the cooler months as well as the summer. Our weather is unpredictable, so if you come during a transition period, you have to be prepared for anything. (Locals always joke, "Don't like the weather? Wait five minutes.")
6. The whole state isn’t going to shut down just because it snows.
To the disappointment of schoolchildren everywhere, snow is usually not a big deal here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Sure, there may be a snow day here and there, but Minnesota doesn't typically shut down for a little bit of snow. We're a hardy people that have embraced the misery of winter... and we're cheerful through it all.
We'll take you there with a smile, but most of us would rather be anywhere else. There are plenty of other malls. Why does it have to be MOA? We have thrift stores and mom and pop shops galore that are infinitely more interesting.
This Minnesota company is a point of pride. We know they exist practically everywhere else, but we're still convinced ours are the best. (And after you pay a local Target a visit, you'll probably come to agree with us.)
Caribou is about as common here as Starbucks is everywhere else, and Minnesotans like it that way. To get the full Minnesota experience, we're going to recommend it without a doubt. As you may have guessed, their coffee is particularly inviting when snow is battering our landscape.
Any lucky visitor who hears this expression will probably be treated to all of the ins and outs of using it properly. It's so uniquely Minnesotan that many out-of-towners don't know, but it's so simple that they can pick it up right away.
Note: For the uninitiated, it's a sound of surprise.
11. Minnesota nice is more complex than you think.
For some, Minnesota nice is another word for passive aggressive. They say locals are nice on the surface but deep down, ultimately disinterested. Whether or not you agree, it's a cultural quirk that out-of-towners should be aware of as they interact with locals.
Really. If the cold doesn't get to you in the winter, the bugs will get to you in the summer. All those lovely lakes have their price, but it's nothing a little -- or a lot -- of bug spray can't fix.
13. Speaking of lakes, we aren't kidding when we say we have 10,000 of them.
That's actually an understatement. We have more than 11,000 lakes, and we definitely want to show them to you. All you have to do is ask, and a Minnesotan will tell you all about their favorite lakes. There's also a certain sort of magic that comes with taking a lazy drive around country roads and seeking them out on your own. We're sure our 86,950 square mile expanse will leave you enchanted.
We're incredibly proud of Minnesota culture. We have a fantastic music scene, the most theater seats per capita outside of New York, and many world-class museums. Should this be such a surprise? We did give the world some of the most iconic artists of all time.
15. Minnesota is like several different states in one.
The Twin Cities are the pinnacle of urban life in the midwest, while Duluth is the main stronghold of the north. In the far north, we have pristine forests and lakes dotted with small towns. In the south, gently rolling hills offer up a much different landscape than the rest of the state. There are many regions in Minnesota, each with people as diverse as the landscape. We're a melting pot, and that's just one of many things that makes this such a magical place to live.
What else have you had to explain to an out-of-towner? Are there any misconceptions you’ve had to clear up? Let us know in the comments!
If you enjoyed this analysis of stereotypes about Minnesota, you might be wondering where the rumors of our renowned friendliness first started. To find out, you’ll have to get to know our people!
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Minnesota stereotypes
Nikki Rhoades|January 19, 2020
What are some interesting things about Minnesota?
There are so many interesting things about Minnesota. We were originally part of the French territory before we were admitted to the Union in 1858. Though nicknamed The Gopher State, we have the largest U.S. population of timber wolves outside of Alaska. As you settle into our culture, you’ll find that Minnesota traits differ from those of other states.
What are Minnesotans known for?
Minnesotans are known for, perhaps most famously, our accent. Living in Minnesota, however, locals know that the accent isn’t prevalent throughout the entirety of the state.
What is the most popular Minnesota stereotype?
The most popular Minnesota stereotype is of our famous friendliness – depending on who you ask, some would say this trait is exaggerated.
