MINNESOTANS LOVE TO GO OUTSIDE NO MATTER WHAT THE WEATHER'S LIKE 

From paddling our famous lakes to getting out on a pair of cross-country skis, Minnesotans are always down to get out. The best part? You don’t have to be a bona-fide outdoorsperson who knows how to make a fire from two rocks to enjoy all the nature our state has to offer.  

Check out our guides to skiing, canoeing and kayaking, hiking and biking, and find out more about all the ways you can experience Minnesota's accessible nature, even if you’re not ready to invest in a closet full of Gore-Tex.  

Got reluctant kiddos? Give them a great first outdoors experience with one of Minnesota’s fun “I Can!” programs.

And because we know that money can be tight when you’re moving, you can pick up a free seven-day state park pass at dozens of participating libraries.

MINNEAPOLIS IS ONE OF THE MOST BIKE-FRIENDLY CITIES IN AMERICA 

It’s true! We often trade off the #1 title with our friends in Portland, Oregon, but since Minnesotans bike even during blizzards, we’re gonna go ahead and call ourselves the “coolest” bikers in America.

Minneapolis is filled with bike-only trails like the Midtown Greenway, Mississippi River Parkway, the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, and the Chain of Lakes Trails.  

Want to leave the cities? Our entire state has amazing biking, even in winter. All that’s missing from our scenic two-wheel trails is you, your bike, and your helmet (please wear a helmet).  

THERE IS NO BAD WEATHER — ONLY BAD CLOTHING

Hat, mittens, scarf, wool socks if it’s cold. Add long underwear if it’s really cold. Tack on a nonchalant “oh, it’s not that bad out” when it’s really really cold, and you’re officially a Minnesotan. 

And remember: if it gets slippery, slide on those Yak Trax, and when in doubt, walk like a penguin.

BE PREPARED FOR EMERGENCY WEE-OO WEDNESDAY TESTS 

On the first Wednesday of every month at 1:00 p.m., Minnesota does a test of our emergency alert systems and sirens will sound throughout the state. Don’t panic when this happens, but maybe also don’t plan that as your regular nap time.

PLAN AHEAD IF YOU’RE BRINGING WINE 

We’ll cut to the chase: there are no liquor sales of any kind in the state of Minnesota on Sundays after 6 p.m.  

 

You also can’t buy booze in grocery stores, but some (like Trader Joe’s and select Whole Foods locations) will have an attached liquor store with a separate entrance. If you’re reading this while you’re on your way to the party and it’s 7:15 on a Sunday – may we suggest a fine sober spirit from one of MN’s non-alcoholic bottle shops like Marigold?  

 

Looking to plan ahead? Good on you! Check out Racket's favorite bottle shops in Minneapolis and St. Paul. 

 

OUR AIRPORT MIGHT BE OUR BEST-KEPT SECRET 

Minneapolis-St. Paul international airport is a hub for Delta Airlines, boasts the nation’s most on-time departures, and has been voted the best airport in America for six of the last seven years. Minnesota is also home to Sun Country Airlines, which means you can often catch low-cost flight to your warm-weather destination of choice when those February blues hit. 

As an added bonus, it's only a three-hour flight from Minnesota to just about anywhere in the contiguous U.S. 

 

Goodbye, six-hour domestic journeys! 

WE'RE FULL OF FANTASTIC JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Minnesota is home to a wide range of well-respected Fortune 500 Companies — the third most per capita in the United States. As of 2024, this list included 17 industry leaders, everything from Target to Best Buy to General Mills to 3M. Check out the entire rundown over at Twin Cities Business, who points out that Michigan has double the population but just three more big-name brands on Fortune's list. 

A "headquarters economy" is widely credited for this difference, along with a culture of cutting-edge research and restless innovation. Couple this concentration of diverse companies with a fast-growing startup ecosystem and seemingly endless opportunities, and it's no wonder why we're the problem-solving capital of America. 

MINNESOTA VOTES

Minnesotans take their civic duty seriously. That’s why we’ve ranked #1 in voter turnout for five of the last seven presidential election cycles.

So much going on during your move that you forget to register? No biggie – Minnesota has same-day voter registration. Just make sure you bring the right supporting documents with you to your local polling place. 

WINTER DRIVING SAFETY SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY 

Not every Minnesotan slaps chains on their tires come December 1. But we do know that winter driving safety is incredibly important.

Here are a few things to remember:  

• Sign up for snow emergency alerts in Minneapolis and St. Paul to ensure you're aware of any parking restrictions during rough weather. No one wants to get their car towed after a storm! 

• Get a set of snow tires if you can afford them. If you’re only able to swing all-seasons, make sure you get your treads checked every year and replace your tires as soon as they’re worn out. Driving on slick roads with no traction is definitely not safe, friends. And remember – cold weather can tank tire pressure, so keep those puppies full. 

• Keep an emergency kit in your car at all times (with blankets, jumper cables, and sand or cat litter in case you get stuck on an icy spot), as well as a phone charger and ice/snow scraper.  

• Clear your car of snow, ice and frost before you get on the road. Flying snow can be hazardous to the driver behind you. 

• For more information, check out this page on winter driving from our friends at the Department of Public Safety. 

GETTING THE NEWS 

Minnesota Public Radio and the Star Tribune are Minnesota’s biggest news media brands, and local lifestyle magazines include Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and Minnesota Monthly. Of course, wherever you move to, there is great local journalism in every corner of our well-informed state.  

Would you rather tune in to music or other forms of talk radio? Top stations include KFAN (sports), KS95 (adult contemporary), K102 (country), 89.3 The Current (alt, rock, local, and indie), 830 WCCO (news), Jazz 88 (jazz), and 89.9 KMOJ (urban alternative).  

Just looking for things to do? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Explore Minnesota has the state’s largest database of festivals and events.  

IT’S DUCK DUCK GRAY DUCK  

If you say “goose”, we won't send you to Wisconsin (we're too nice!) but we might send an "uff da" in your direction. 

Looking for more ways to make the most of Minnesota? Check out 20 Free Things to Do, our lengthy Bucket List, and seasonal looks at spring, summer, fall and winter.