Millions of years ago glaciers sculpted the state of Minnesota, flattening the land and scouring out thousands of lakes, which are now linked by great rivers such as the Mississippi. Minnesota's lyrical Sioux name, meaning 'land of sky-tinted water', is a reflection of its aquatic nature. The state is situated in the heartland of the USA, and the 'land of 10,000 lakes' offers visitors a wealth of outdoor activities.
The thousands of small inland lakes offer unlimited potential for camping, canoeing and fishing, while the great Lake Superior has islands, beaches and many miles of beautiful shoreline scenery. With so much water available Minnesota is undoubtedly a boat enthusiast's paradise and the pristine wilderness of Boundary Waters is one of the finest places in North America for paddling, attracting canoeists from around the world. Overland trails link thousands of lakes; the Gunflint Trail is the only formal track bisecting the wild landscape. Winter is ideal for cross-country skiing and dog sledding.
French explorers discovered dense forests and abundant waterways in the north that were an ideal habitat for beavers and muskrats, and the fur trade flourished along with fishing and logging. The Sioux Indians were eased out by waves of immigrants also drawn by the massive iron ore deposits in the hills. Today the northeast region still holds the greatest charm, remaining much as it was at the time of its discovery by the earliest explorers in the 16th century, offering a wilderness experience similar to the Alaskan interior.
Lake Superior's North Shore is lined with interesting harbour towns and villages, including the international shipping port of Duluth, the gateway to the Scenic Hwy-61 lakeshore drive that offers superb views all the way to the Canadian border. More than half of the state's population live in the south around the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul that straddle either side of the Mississippi River. Descended mainly from German, Irish and Scandinavian settlers, the local scene offers a varied and jolly cultural mix that spices up the entertainment and attractions of the towns and cities. Minneapolis is also known for its shopping opportunities, particularly in the southern suburb of Bloomington that boasts the Mall of America, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in America