Minnesota Cities and Towns
The Gopher State  32nd State

Climate & Weather:

Minnesota's winter climate is a bit extreme for those who aren't fans of wind chill, but summer and fall are very pleasant. In winter, the temperature ranges from -9 to 24 F/-22 to -4 C, though it can be even colder. Statewide snowfall averages 30-40 in/76-102 cm. April can be an unattractive time to visit: late snowfalls, melting snow and chilly temperatures are common. Summer is by far the most appealing season, with July having the most sun (average temperatures: 53-84 F/11-27 C). June-August sees warm days (highs in the 90s F/32+ C are quite likely) and cool nights (50s-65 F/10-18 C).

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Firsts, Facts, Trivia:  

Minnesota claims homeland to the following inventions: Masking and Scotch tape, Wheaties, Bisquick, Aveda beauty products, the bundt pan, HMOs, Green Giant vegetables, and the Snickers candy bar. 

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Featured Tourist Spots:

The SPAM Museum  - Just as every Elvis fan longs to visit Graceland, SPAM fans worldwide now have their own pilgrimage to make. In Austin, Minnesota a 16,500 square-foot SPAM Museum opened in September 2001. Museum visitors will be welcomed to the world of SPAM luncheon meat with a variety of interactive and educational games, fun exhibits and remarkable video presentations.

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Minnesota History:

Native American Sioux and Chippewa Indians lived in Minnesota when French fur-traders landed in Two Harbors in 1660. Following the visits of several French explorers, fur traders, and missionaries, including Jacques Marquette, Louis Joliet, and sieur de la Salle, the region was claimed for Louis XIV by Daniel Greysolon, sieur Duluth, in 1679.  He claimed the entire region for France. 

Spain receives Louisiana Territory (includes Minnesota west of the Mississippi River) from France in compensation for its loss of Florida during the Seven Years War. However, Spain did little to explore or settle the region and France continued fur trading.  At the end of the French and Indian War in 1763, Great Britain wins claim to what is now eastern North America (east of the Mississippi River) and Canada,  including eastern Minnesota. 

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