Few People Know The Real Reason Minnesotans Play Duck, Duck, Gray Duck

Whether you believe it exists or not, the Land of 10,000 Lakes is famous for its Minnesota Nice. But there are a few things that make Minnesotans lean not-so-nice: snowless winters, lost Vikings games, and the entire state of Wisconsin - to name a few. And here's one more to add to the list: people who simply won't accept that the beloved childhood game Duck, Duck, Goose is actually called Duck, Duck, Gray Duck. We're the only state in the nation that plays it differently. But there must be a reason, right? Read on below to learn what it is!

Most kids across the United States have played a game of Duck, Duck, Goose. But not Minnesotans. In our state, we play Duck, Duck, Gray Duck. We're the only state in the nation to do so! But where does this difference come from?

The presiding theory is that it is the result of Minnesotans' Scandinavian heritage. Many residents come from Sweden and Norway.

There are two versions of the game in Sweden. One is Anka Anka Gås. This translates to "Duck, Duck, Goose." The other is Anka Anka Grå Anka. As you might guess, this translates to "Duck, Duck, Gray Duck."

It may be that Swedes who played the Gray Duck version are those who moved to Minnesota. That would explain why generations of Minnesotans grew up playing that version of the game - and still do!

Of course, this theory is just an educated guess. But it does seem a likely explanation to the strange difference between Minnesota and the 49 other states. What do you think?

It's true that Duck, Duck, Goose in Minnesota may be called something different from what the rest of the country expects, but it's a beloved childhood game all the same!

What do you think? Do you believe this theory to be true? And for other uniquely Minnesotan things, check out our list of Minnesota traditions and stereotypes that we always have to explain to out-of-towners. And feel free to let us know what else you'd add in the comments!

Speaking of geese (or gray ducks, if you prefer), Minnesota's iconic Gooseberry Falls is just one of the state's easy-access waterfalls that are worth visiting this season on a long weekend.