This Is The Most Minnesota Sound You’ll Ever Hear, And We Can’t Stop Listening To It

The call of Gavia immer, the common loon, is one of the most hauntingly thrilling sounds you'll hear in nature. And as just about anyone who has spent time in the Land of 10,000 Lakes during late spring or summer will attest, it's probably the most iconic Minnesota sound there is - it's definitely my pick.

The common loon is Minnesota's official state bird, and you'll find its presence in many facets of everyday life in The Bold North.

When the United States Mint issued the Minnesota state quarter, it included an image of a loon.

The new official state seal prominently features a loon, as well.

When the state solicited concepts for a new design for the Minnesota state flag, many included loon images.

Many folks were disappointed when the selected design failed to include a loon. Fortunately, in December 2023, the Saint Paul Public Library resurrected one of the most popular designs - the Laser Loon - on a limited edition library card.

The National Loon Center makes its home right here in Crosslake, Minnesota.

So, we are a hub for loon research and conservation efforts.

You'll also find plenty of loon iconography in less formal places.

For example, the small town of Vergas, in Otter Tail County, has been home to the world's largest loon statue for more than half a century.

The Iron Range city of Virginia, which hosts the annual Land of the Loon Festival, also has some feathers in the game.

It's home to the world's largest floating loon, which was constructed in the early 1980s.

And, of course, the state's professional soccer team, Minnesota United FC, proudly sports its Loons nickname.

Its logo is a loon, and PK the Loon is the team's beloved mascot.

Loons games are some of the hottest sports tickets in Minnesota.

In December 2023, the team announced that it would erect a massive loon sculpture outside its home pitch, Allianz Field - another likely entrant in Minnesota's pantheon of world's largest loons.

Thus, the loon and its haunting, seasonal vocalizations are woven into the fabric of Minnesota. And I think that's what makes the call of the common loon the most iconic of Minnesota sounds.

This YouTube video from Sunshine and Beaches Traveler offers some great examples for you to enjoy... or to learn from, if you're not sure what the call of a common loon sounds like (volume up!):

So, what do you think - are loon calls the most iconic Minnesota sound? Or is it something else, like the long "o" in boat or ope? Let us know in the comments!