10 Reasons Living In Minnesota Spoils You For Life

Minnesota may not be home to five-star, award-winning restaurants on every corner, but we certainly have our share of them. Minneapolis is often cited as an unexpected foodie city, and that doesn't even count the hundreds of fabulous small-town restaurant that dot the other corners of the state. From iconic dishes like the Juicy Lucy to iconic restaurants like Mickey's Diner, there's something here for everyone.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is one of the most unique nature areas in the United States. It preserves thousands of acres of pristine lakes and forests, and generations of Minnesotans have enjoyed getting away from it all within its borders. After you visit the Boundary Waters, any other camping or canoeing trip will pale in comparison.

Minnesota's history started long before its 1858 statehood. The oldest towns in the state were platted even earlier than that, and they're a treasure trove of charming architecture that lines historic main streets. But you can trace the history of people in Minnesota back much further. Sites like Jeffers Petroglyphs or the Hegman Lake Pictographs show evidence of a rich cultural history that dates back thousands of years.

Okay, we know our winters are rough. But hear us out: our summers are incredible. So incredible, in fact, that we'd argue they're better than just about anywhere in the country. We have beautiful - if a bit humid - weather, endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, and a general upswing in mood that is hard to escape. Minnesota summers will make you happier, guaranteed.

We all know that Minnesota gets cold in the winter. But that never stops a Minnesotan from having fun. Whether dealing with a Halloween blizzard or a summer rain shower, Minnesotans are resilient to a fault. After all, there's no such thing as bad weather. Only bad clothes.

In 2018, the Minnesota State Fair broke its yearly attendance record. More than 2 million people visited the fair. To put things in perspective, only about 5.5 million people live in the entire state. Those two weeks of fun, food, and people watching are a can't-miss experience for anyone passing through this state. You'll never forget your time at the Great Minnesota Get-Together - and no other state fair will be the same after your visit.

Most states in the Midwest don't get a lot of credit for their appreciation of the arts. But Minnesota should! Not only do the Twin Cities boast many world-class museums and theaters, but Minnesota's small towns are full of art as well. Small-town galleries and art fairs show off the culture of the region, and they friendly atmospheres will certainly be missed if you ever leave the state.

Though the definition of Minnesota Nice often leans more on the side of passive aggression, most Minnesotans are still unbelievably nice - especially compared to the rest of the country. The proof? Just look outside any time there's a blizzard. You'll always find one Minnesotan helping another. That's the true nature of Minnesota Nice.

Minnesota has 67 state parks sprinkled across every part of the state. Some, like Gooseberry Falls State Park, are among the most popular spots in the state. Others, such as Bear Head Lake State Park, are lesser known. But each of these parks preserves Minnesota's natural beauty and offers a sense of tranquility in our increasingly chaotic world. You'll love it while you're visiting, and you'll appreciate it even more once you've left.

Of course, we can't go without mentioning Minnesota's famous 10,000 lakes. The biggest, like Lake Superior or Rainy Lake, are popular spots for many Minnesotans. But the smaller ones are worth mentioning too. There, you'll find peace and tranquility like you'll never experience anywhere else.