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State PrideMeet the Locals

The Charming Small Town In Minnesota That Was Home To Chris Pratt Once Upon A Time

Virginia, Minnesota, is a charming small town known for being the hometown of actor Chris Pratt and features attractions like the Thomas Rukavina Memorial Bridge and Canelake's candy store.

Updated Apr 16, 2024

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

You might be surprised to learn that some of your favorite famous people are from Minnesota. From legendary "Peanuts" cartoonist Charles Shultz to singers like Bob Dylan and Prince, Minnesota has been the home to countless influential people. Maybe it’s something in the water? There’s one charming small town in Minnesota that was once the home of a very special Guardian of the Galaxy, and that’s Chris Pratt. Welcome to Virginia, Minnesota!

Virginia is a small city in the heart of Minnesota’s Iron Range with fewer than 10,000 residents.

Industrial buildings beside a river, with a water tower labeled "Virginia Queen City" and a blue sky with clouds.
MattGoudreau/Wikimedia

But it has a big heart!

Whether you know him from the television show “Parks and Recreation,” or one of his many big screen hits, including “Jurassic World” or “Guardians of the Galaxy,” Chris Pratt’s from Virginia, Minnesota.

A man in a suit with a tie, smiling confidently at the camera, with short, styled hair and a well-groomed appearance.
Dick Thomas Johnson/Wikimedia Commons

That's right, Virginia is Chris Pratt's hometown.

Pratt grew up here until his family moved to Washington when he was seven.

Historic brick building with large windows, located at a street corner under a clear blue sky.
McGhiever/Wikimedia

But he definitely has Minnesota roots!

Virginia is a great town to spend a day exploring.

Aerial view of a town with a water tower, industrial buildings, and wind turbines in the background, surrounded by greenery.
Bjoertvedt/Wikimedia

This beautiful little town is home to more than one superstar...

...it's also home to Minnesota's tallest bridge, The Thomas Rukavina Memorial Bridge.

Aerial view of a bridge spanning a river, surrounded by lush green forests and hills under a clear blue sky.
Ardy Nurmi-Wilberg/Wikimedia

The 204-foot-tall bridge also features a bike lane and a pedestrian walkway. The Mesabi Trail crosses the bridge. While you may not have the time to tackle the entire 135 miles of the trail, walking across the bridge and admiring the views is an absolute must while you're visiting.

The only thing that could make this town sweeter is some ice cream. Oh wait...

A candy shop with a vintage sign, featuring a line of people sitting outside, waiting to enter.
Canelake’s Candies/Google

Virginia has plenty of nostalgic candy stores and ice cream spots. Canelake's has been a local favorite since 1905, and its homemade candies are the perfect sweet treat for the car ride home.

Did you know Christ Pratt is from Minnesota? Want to find out who else is from The North Star State? Here are 10 famous people from Minnesota.

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