15 Reasons Why My Heart Will Always Be In Minnesota
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Jo Magliocco
Author
As a Minnesota transplant, despite their undying love for the state, many native Minnesotans still ask the same question, “Why would you ever move here?”. The truth is, there really is no place like Minnesota. I was drawn in by the beauty, but became enamored but the culture, and I couldn’t imagine life anywhere else. Even the state pride in Minnesota is something I have seen in few states. We have a wonderful sense of community and despite disagreements we wholeheartedly support, and even defend our state. Here are some of the other reasons why I choose to make Minnesota my home. Why do you?
We hear it a lot, but the lakes play a big part in making Minnesota and the lifestyle here so unique. Most people don't live in neighborhoods with randomly scattered lakes, take vacations up north every weekend, or learn how to drive a boat before they can drive a car. The lakes are the best setting for recreation, and everyone can access them.
Minnesota is full of wonderful people. People that stop to say hi to strangers, smile when they pass you on the sidewalk, and welcome you to the neighborhood with homemade goodies. It's a tight-knit community, so it can be hard to integrate at first, but once you're in, you're part of the Minnesota family forever.
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Eating a meal in Minnesota is like getting a big hug. From tater tots to juicy lucys, I am seriously questioning why restaurants in other states don't serve these regularly. And don't even get me started on hotdish.
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The craft beer scene in Minnesota is exploding, and there's something for everyone when it comes to local brews.
Minnesota has a festival for everything, and there is something going on every. single. weekend. And usually in every part of the state. This even applies to the winter when you can find us watching epic pond hockey games and socializing at ice fishing events.
And aside from all those regular festivities, the State Fair is an epic adventure every year and a great outlet for all the MN pride we're bursting with. As someone who comes from a state with a little-known, and frankly embarrassing state fair, the spectacle of the Minnesota fair is something worth marveling at.
Minnesota residents love shopping local, and most can't imagine life without their favorite MN stores, restaurants, and bars. And the coffee... of course. Especially when it has our state on the cup. Spyhouse, anyone?
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This doesn't happen in most other states. And if you think the light pollution is bad in the cities, try any other metro area. Minnesota seems crystal clear, and the stars are stunning.
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Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth and Rochester are beautiful, clean, and have plenty of wonderful scenery. They also feel like small, big cities, which means you're always seeing people you know.
From state parks to local parks, there are plenty of places to explore and recreate in Minnesota. We have waterfalls, the gorgeous North Shore, sweeping prairie, and of course, plenty of lakes and rivers.
Along with all those parks, comes an abundance of animals. Wildlife sightings are frequent, even in our backyards. And there are plenty of fishing and hunting opportunities.
The fall colors in Minnesota rival those in the prettiest of East Coast states. And we have so many stunning places to enjoy them. Nothing beats a foliage drive along the North Shore.
Minnesota has some of the best small towns in the country, and they are so much fun to explore. From mainstreets to waterfronts, there are plenty of reasons to love our charming towns.
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While many people think that Minnesota's frozen winters are our downfall, they're also a huge part of our unique culture. We are The North. And nobody else has the scenery or winter recreation opportunities that we do. The US Pond Hockey Championship and Red Bull Crashed Ice are just a few examples of epic events that only happen in Minnesota, and that we are extremely proud to host.
Minnesota's sunsets might be some of the most beautiful I've seen in my entire life. Sure, we might not have extremely tall mountains, but that just means the sunsets last even longer.
Whether you still live here or not, share with us why Minnesota holds a piece of your heart.
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