7 Habits And Quirks That Make Minnesotans Stand Apart From The Rest
By Betsy Rathburn|Published July 13, 2021
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
If you’ve spent any time in Minnesota, you might have noticed a few things that set Minnesotans apart from people in other states. From what we eat to our annual traditions to our favorite hobbies, Minnesotans definitely have some unique quirks. That’s why we made this list of some of the most Minnesotan habits that make the Land of 10,000 Lakes stand out from the rest. Read on below to see which ones you relate to:
The famous Minnesota goodbye is a unique quirk of our state. You start by saying you should get going, then continue the conversation for a bit. Next, you move to get your coat and head to the door. Your host will follow you, continuing the conversation. This continues until you reach your car, where you chat a bit more. Finally, you drive off, your host waving until you're out of sight. It may sound long-winded, but it's also a comfortable way of showing you care.
No Minnesota potluck is complete without tater tot hotdish! This potato-themed comfort food is a favorite all across Minnesota, and it shows no sign of going away. Everyone has their own recipe, and variations abound, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a gathering without some version of this tasty staple.
Minnesotans try their best to be polite. That's why most of us hesitate to take the last of anything. Instead, we tend to break it into ever smaller pieces until there's nothing left - or until it goes stale and someone finally tosses it in the trash. No one knows why we do it, but it's a way of life in Minnesota offices, parties, and other public places.
Minnesotans know that the rest of the country calls it duck, duck, goose. But we choose to go our own way. It may be a small thing, but this is one Minnesota quirk that we aren't letting go of.
They don't call it the Great Minnesota Get-Together for nothing! The Minnesota State Fair is a traditional way of ending the summer with delicious food, rides, shows, and more. It's a big deal in our state, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
6. Never letting the weather get in the way of our plans.
Minnesota is famous for its harsh winters. And it's true, our state does experience frigid temperatures and the occasional blizzard. But we never let it get us down! Our winters are full of activities, from fishing to skating to skiing. And at the first sign of spring, we're ready to get out and enjoy it - even when there's still snow on the ground!
In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, it's no wonder that many people center their hobbies on the water. It's one of the best things about living in Minnesota! Whether you prefer kayaking, canoeing, fishing, or swimming, you'll find a lake that is perfect for it. Other states with fewer lakes may not get it, but this is one Minnesota quirk that won't go away any time soon!
What do you think? Let us know which of these quirks you relate to in the comments. And if you’d like to let us know about any great places in Minnesota that we should cover, be sure to nominate them to let us know!
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