The Growing List of Minnesota Communities Ditching The State Flag

Minnesota law does not currently mandate that cities fly the state flag, nor does it forbid communities from choosing which version to display.

This week another community joined the growing number of local governments that are rejecting the new state banner in favor of the 1983 version, but state lawmakers are proposing a bill that would punish these communities if they don't fly the new design. Read more about that, and see the growing list of towns rejecting the new Minnesota flag, below.

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After a heated city council meeting involving nearly two hours of public debate, Inver Grove Heights became the latest city to vote to ditch the new "North Star" flag. They join several other municipalities that have formally opted to revert to the old design. See the list below.

Why Was the Minnesota Flag Changed?

The former Minnesota flag depicted a Native American riding away while a white settler plowed a field with a rifle nearby. A scene many deemed offensive, as it appeared to celebrate the displacement of Indigenous people.

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The new "North Star" flag, adopted in May 2024, was intended to be more inclusive. It features a dark blue silhouette of Minnesota, a white eight-pointed star, and a light blue field representing the state's waters.

Despite this, several local governments have pushed back, citing a preference for historical tradition. Communities involved in this "flag rebellion" may soon face consequences. Read more about that below.

The Minnesota Communities Defying the State Flag Redesign

When Minnesota officially retired its 1983 blue-and-gold flag in 2024, state leaders hoped the new "North Star" design would become a unifying symbol. Instead, a wave of local resistance has swept across the state. Here is the current list of Minnesota cities and counties that have formally opted to stick with old design.

Gallery Credit: Troy Dunken

State lawmakers have proposed a bill that would cut state aid by 10% for any community refusing to fly the new Minnesota flag.

DFL Rep. Mike Frieberg told WCCO, "I've been a little disappointed in the cities around Minnesota that have been kind of manufacturing this culture war over this state flag. I felt like it was important for there to kind of be a statement legislatively in support of the new state flag, which is the official state flag."