Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Minnesota Office of Tourism
(
888-868-7476;
www.exploreminnesota.com
)
quires a vehicle permit (per day/year $5/25). Campsites cost $12 to $28; reservations
(
866-857-2757;
www.stayatmnparks.com
; fee $8.50)
accepted.
MINNESOTA FACTS
Nicknames
North Star State, Gopher State
Population
5.4 million
Area
86,940 sq miles
Capital city
St Paul (population 291,000)
Other cities
Minneapolis (population 393,000)
Sales tax
6.88%
Birthplace of
Author F Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940), songwriter Bob Dylan (b
1941), filmmakers Joel Coen (b 1954) and Ethan Coen (b 1957)
Home of
Lumberjack legend Paul Bunyan, Spam, walleye fish, Hmong and Somali
immigrants
Politics
Leans Democratic
Famous for
Niceness, funny accents, snowy weather, 10,000 lakes
Official muffin
Blueberry
Driving distances
Minneapolis to Duluth 153 miles, Minneapolis to Boundary
Waters 245 miles
TOP OF CHAPTER
Minneapolis
Minneapolis is the biggest and artiest town on the prairie, with all the trimmings of pro-
gressive prosperity - swank art museums, rowdy rock clubs, organic and ethnic eateries
and edgy theaters. It's always happenin', even in winter. But there's no attitude to go
along with the abundance. It's the kind of place where homeless people are treated kindly
at coffee shops, where the buses are kept immaculately clean, and where public workers
tell everyone to 'Have a nice day' come rain or shine (or snow). The city is 'Minnesota
Nice' in action.
