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Minnesota became the 32^nd state on May 11^th, 1858. Minnesota is also commonly known as "The Land of 10,000 Lakes" actually has more lakes than this number. Minnesota is also known as the "North Stare State".

Origin of state's name: Minnesota got its name from the Indian word for "sky shadowed water ", a reference to the large number of lakes in the state.

Population: The population of Minnesota is in excess of 4.9 million people based on the census of 2000.

Driving

Driver's license information, applications, testing requirements, Driver's manuals and testing locations can all be found on the Minnesota Department of Safety website.

http://www.dps.state.mn.us/dvs/

Capital City: The capital city of Minnesota is St Paul known as the "The Home of The Ice Palace" and twin city to Minneapolis. The state is bordered by several other states including North and South Dakota, Wisconsin and it borders Michigan with a water border.

Economy: Minnesota is a growing region for corn, soybeans, oats and wheat and also has many dairy farms. The main industries are heavy machinery manufacture, food processing, textile production and electric and chemical production.

State Flower: The state flower is the Cypripedium Reginae, the Pink and White Lady's Slipper which generally grows in damp well light environments and flowers with a beautiful pink white flower in late summer.

State Bird: The state bird is the Common Loon which builds its next on the on the ground near rivers and although it has characteristically small wings for its large body size it moves swiftly and gracefully in the air.

State Motto: "The Stare of the North"

Minnesota – Interesting Facts

• The Mall of America in Bloomington is considered to be the biggest mall in the world. There is even an indoor roller coaster.
• In Minneapolis you can go live, go shopping, eat out and pretty much do everything you need to do without having to go outside as Minneapolis has a skyway system connecting numerous blocks in the city.
• St Paul was originally known as Pig's Eye.
• The world renowned Mayo Clinic is based in Rochester and is known for medical expertise and cutting edge medical procedure and inventions. In Minnetonka, Tonka trucks are manufactured.
• The well known author, Laura Ingalls Wilder who wrote "The Little House on the Prairie" lived in Minnesota near Walnut Grove which is often referenced in her books.

Minnesota- Famous People

May famous people were born and raised in Minnesota and may famous people still live in Minnesota. These include authors, actors, athletes, entertainers and politicians. Jesse Venture the wrestler and one time governor is from the state as is former US Vice President Walter Mondale. The infamous founder of the Mayo clinic, William J Mayo was also a native as was the famous author Francis Scott Fitzgerald. The legendary Judy Garland of "The Wizard of Oz" fame was also born in the state.