Known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," Minnesota is the 12th largest state and the 22nd most populous. More than half of the population lives in the Minneapolis-St. Pual area, also known as the Twin Cities. The main urban centers across the state include Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, and Mankato.

The source of the Mississippi River is in Minnesota's first state park, Itasca State Park, established in 1891. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources now manages 72 state parks, 58 state forests, and numerous state wildlife preserves.

Iconic destinations in Minnesota include The Mall of America, Lake Superior, Bluff Country, Missississippi Headwaters, Boundary Waters, and Voyageurs National Park.