Minnesota ( The North Star State / Bread and Butter State ) Minnesota's name comes from the Dakota (Sioux) word for the Minnesota River's "sky-tinted waters." In 1858, Minnesota became the 32nd state. Minnesota is an important producer of agricultural and manufactured goods. The state's history is the story of the development of its natural resources. The fur-bearing animals of the forests first attracted fur traders. Next, the fertile soil brought farmers, who poured into the region from the Eastern States and from Europe. The thick forests of tall pines attracted lumberjacks from Maine, Michigan and Wisconsin. Minnesota's scenic beauty, sparkling lakes and deep pine woods make it a vacation wonderland. Campers, canoeists and hikers can explore its vast northern wilderness areas. Some of the famous celebrities that were born in Minnesota include: George Roy Hill, Mark Steven Johnson, Mike Farrell, Jessica Biel, The Flag of Minnesota Entered the Union in 1858 as the 32nd State; flag adopted 1957. A scene from pioneer life appears in the State seal together with the motto. The nineteen stars indicate Minnesota's rank in Statehood, following the original thirteen States.   Largest Cities in the State (2000) Minneapolis, 382,618; St. Paul, 287,151; Duluth, 86,918; Rochester, 85,806; Bloomington, 85,172; Brooklyn Park, 67,338; Plymouth, 65,894; Eagan, 63,557; Coon Rapids, 61,607; Burnsville, 60,220   Business and Trade in Minnesota Agriculture: Dairy products, corn, cattle, soybeans, hogs, wheat, turkeys. Industries: Machinery, food processing, printing and publishing, fabricated metal products, electric equipment, mining, tourism. State Symbols and Emblems Bird: Common Loon Flower: Pink and white lady's-slipper (cypripedium reginae) Tree: Red Pine (pinus resinosa) Song(s): Hail! Minnesota Motto: L'Etoile du Nord (The Star of the North.) Minnesota Travel - Vacation Destinations & Recreation National parks and historic locations suitable for family vacations or day trips. • Pipestone National Monument - Pipestone • Mississippi River Pool No 5 - La Crescent • Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Center - Deer River, • Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge - Zimmerman • Big Stone Wetland Management District - Odessa

Capital: St. Paul     Local Weather  Statehood: 1858-05-11  Population: 4,919,479 (61.8 mi2)   Geographic Area (mi2)     Total 86,938.87     Water 7,328.79     Land 79,610.08     Rank 14th Largest   State Education:     Pub & Prv Schools     College & University     Libraries   Border States: Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin   Health Information:     Illicit Drug Use   Housing: In Minnesota, there are 2,065,946 housing units, averaging to 26 per sq mile.   Related Magazines:   Posters and Artwork Car Rental Counter, St. Paul International Airport, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA Photographic Print 24" x 8" • Interior of the State Capitol, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA Photographic Print 60" x 20" • Skyline, Minneapolis, Minnesota Pre-Matted Print 11" x 14" • Eastern Garter Snake on Log, Kettle River, Minnesota, USA Photographic Print 24" x 18" • 'Home of the Minnesota Twins' Pre-Matted Print 14" x 11" • Minnesota Twins - '05 Logo / Cap and Glove Photo Enlargement 16" x 20"