Minnesota

The state I chose is Minnesota. I have visited many times and this is one place I would love to live one day. One of the reasons I enjoy Minnesota is I am a huge hockey fan and would enjoy having the opportunity to get out on the ice more often then I get to here in Missouri.

Minnesota is located in the northern section of the Midwest region of the US. With a population of approximately 5.8 million, this makes it the 22nd most populated state. The capital city of Minnesota is Saint Paul, which along with Minneapolis, is known as the "Twin Cities". These two cities account for more than 60% of the total population of the state.

Minnesota was the 32 State admitted to the Union back on May 11, 1858. It is nicknamed the "Land of 10,000 lakes; the state has approximately 14,000 fresh water lakes which cover ten acres or more per lake. This many lakes makes a perfect location during the winter months to get out and ice skate all the time no matter where you are located in the state.

There is a lot to see and do while in Minnesota, whether you live there or are just visiting. If you like sports, depending on the time of year, you can enjoy a hockey game watching the Minnesota Wild who play at Xcel Energy Center, or you can go see the Minnesota Vikings play football at U.S. Bank Stadium, or if you like baseball you can head over to watch the Minnesota Twins play at Target Field. Other activities you can enjoy include camping, water skiing and fishing in the summer months,and ice skating or ice fishing in the winter months.

The state butterfly is the Monarch. Pictured to the left.

Another interesting part of history in Minnesota is the famous musicians and groups who have come out of the state. These include Prince, Bob Dylan, The Trashmen, Soul Asylum, Semisonic, Owl City, Motion City Soundtrack, and many more. Some famous actors also call Minnesota home including Jessica Biel, Judy Garland, Chris Pratt, Winona Ryder, Seann William Scott, Vince Vaughn, Jesse Ventura, along with many others.

Overall, Minnesota sounds like a great state to visit or even call home. With lots to do and even more to see in this beautiful state, I can not wait to go and visit again, and maybe one day we will move there as well.