7 Strong Beliefs Minnesota Natives Stand By

Every state has its dealbreakers — those small truths people are willing to defend no matter what. In Minnesota, these beliefs are part of everyday life, shaping how navigate the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Here are seven strong opinions Minnesota natives are proud to stand by.

1. Hockey Is the Greatest Sport Ever

You can't overstate how much hockey is a part of life in Minnesota. We're home to the United States Hockey Hall of Fame (Eveleth) and Hockeytown, USA (Warroad). We send more hockey players to the NHL than any other state, our high school tournaments draw as many fans as the Stanley Cup, and our men's and women's college teams have more hardware than a Home Depot. Our nickname may be be the North Star State, but we are definitely the Hockey State.

2. After Hockey, Comes Football

Speaking of sports, as far as Minnesotans are concerned, there are only two pro football teams that matter: the Vikings and the Packers. The rivalry is storied and intense, for good reason. Packers fans may worry about winning championships, but we Vikings fans are just happy to beat our cheesehead neighbors.

3. Despite Many Imitators, There Are Only 2 Real Juicy Lucy's

You can only get them from Matt's Bar or the 5-8 Club in Minneapolis. Both of these dives are located on Cedar Ave. in Minneapolis, and both claim to have invented the infamous burger stuffed with molten cheese. In Minnesota, you're either a Matt's person or a 5-8 fan.

4. Every Minnesotan Has a Personal Geographic Hill to Die On

Anyone from St. Paul will tell you they hate to “cross the river,” and Minneapolitans often act as if they’re not quite sure where St. Paul is. In the Bold North, there are only three acceptable answers to the question, “Where are you going this weekend?”: the Cities, up north or nowhere. Anything else sounds like showing off. And for the record, people from greater Minnesota can’t stand the term “outstate Minnesota,” so it’s best to avoid using it.

5. It’s Pronounced “Hotdish”

No, that's not a casserole. It's a hotdish, and it'd better have tater tots and cream of mushroom soup in it, or we'll tell your mom. Hotdish isn’t just food; it’s a cherished part of Minnesota culture, served at potlucks and gatherings across the state.

6. We ARE Nice, Darn It!

Minnesotans are famously nice, don’tcha know. We weaponize our niceness. We’ll always ask how you’re doing, smile politely while you respond and even invite you to lunch — just don’t ever accept. It’s all part of our culture: being polite, friendly and a little understated, even if it sometimes confuses outsiders.

7. There Are No Geese, Only Gray Ducks

It's not "Duck, Duck, Goose." It's Duck, Duck, Gray Duck." Among the hills that Minnesotans are willing to die on, this may be foremost.

Planning a trip to the North Star State? Be sure to check out our Only in Your State Itinerary Planner so you don’t miss thing.