• Facts about Size - The area of the State covers 86943 square miles

• The Constitution - Minnesota was the 32nd State to be admitted to the Union

• 3 Largest Cities in Minnesota - Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Duluth

• State Motto - "  L'Etoile du nord " the State Motto is translated as " The Star of the North "

• Facts about the State Nickname - The North Star State which evolved from the State Motto L'Etoile du Nord or "Star of the North."

• Name of the State Song is " Hail! Minnesota " the words of the song are by Truman E. Richard and Arthur E. Upson and music composed by Truman E. Richard

• Short History of Minnesota - First explored by the French in the mid-17th century, the area became part of the US through the Treaty of Paris (1783) and the Louisiana Purchase (1803).

• Origin of the name - The name of this state came from the Minnesota River so named by the Dakota Sioux. Minnesota in Sioux means “cloudy water,” an accurate description of the Minnesota River.

Best Places to Visit in Minnesota
Where are the best places to visit in Minnesota? What are the most famous and fun tourist attractions in Minnesota? Visit interesting historical sites and places in Minnesota during your vacation. Have fun travelling through the state and enjoy the best places to visit in Minnesota. The best ideas for outdoor activities, historical tourist attractions, parks and zoos - have fun in Minnesota!

Best Places to Visit in Minnesota - Tourist attractions

• Mall of America
  Minnesota State Fair
  Valleyfair
  Minnesota Zoo
  Science Museum of Minnesota

Best Places to Visit in Minnesota - Historical Sites

• Split Rock Lighthouse
  The Mille Lacs Indian Museum
  Jeffers Petroglyphs
  Historic Fort Snelling
  Pipestone National Monument

Facts about the Names of the Symbols / Emblems of of Minnesota
The following animal, bird, flower and tree are the symbols / Emblems of the State of Minnesota:

• Minnesota State Bird Symbol - Common Loon (Gavia immer)

• Minnesota State Flower Symbol - Mayflower (Epigaea repens)

• Minnesota State Insect Emblem - Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)

• Tree - Red Pine or Norway Pine