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Information on Minnesota
Minnesota was sculpted from glaciers millions of years ago, which flattened the land and ripped thousands of lakes out of the landscape and they linked to become great rivers like the Mississippi. Minnesota's lyrical Sioux name, meaning 'land of sky-tinted water', is a reflection of its aquatic nature. The state is situated in the heartland of the USA, and the 'land of 10,000 lakes' offers visitors a wealth of outdoor activities.
Minnesota is home to thousands of inland lakes with a vast array of canoeing, camping and fishing opportunities, whilst the great Lake Superior is dotted with many islands offering secluded beaches and miles of enchanting shores. With so much water available Minnesota is undoubtedly a boat enthusiast's paradise and the pristine wilderness of Boundary Waters is one of the finest places in North America for paddling, attracting canoeists from around the world. Overland trails link thousands of lakes; the Gunflint Trail is the only formal track bisecting the wild landscape. Winter is ideal for cross-country skiing and dog sledding.
The lush and dense forests in northern Minnesota and abundance of waterways made and ideal habitat for beavers and muskrats, which French explorers discovered and logging, fishing and the fur trade thrived. The Sioux Indians were eased out by waves of immigrants also drawn by the massive iron ore deposits in the hills. Today the northeast region still holds the greatest charm, remaining much as it was at the time of its discovery by the earliest explorers in the 16th century, offering a wilderness experience similar to the Alaskan interior.
The North Shore of Lake Superior is dotted with quaint harbour towns and fishing villages, including the gateway to the Canadian border, which is the international shipping port of Duluth. More than half of the state's population live in the south around the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul that straddle either side of the Mississippi River. Descended mainly from German, Irish and Scandinavian settlers, the local scene offers a varied and jolly cultural mix that spices up the entertainment and attractions of the towns and cities. Minneapolis is also known for its shopping opportunities, particularly in the southern suburb of Bloomington that boasts the Mall of America, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in America.
