1. “Why Would You Live In Minnesota?”
Until someone visits this state during the summer, people are often baffled that other Americans would choose to live in a place that’s so notoriously cold. If you leave the Land of 10,000 Lakes, expect people to assume you’re really just experiencing life for the first time.
2. No One Knows Where Minnesota Is
Everyone knows it’s one of those cold states up by Canada, but unless they recognize its unique shape, they’ll probably have a bit of a problem putting it on a map. Just try to hold in your anger when they confuse it for Wisconsin.
3. It Might Be Hard To Find A Jucy/Juicy Lucy
One of the finest foods coming out of Minnesota, bars across the entire state can be caught serving up this burger stuffed with molten cheese and every Minnesotan has their favorite place to get it.
Unfortunately, once you leave the region it’s rarely on menus. Make sure you get your fix before you say goodbye.
4. Clarify Which Prince You’re Bragging About
Every Minnesotan has a hard time holding back their love for hometown hero and world famous musician Prince. Unfortunately, most Americans might think you’re talking about the ruler type of prince if you’re casually bring him up mid-conversation.
If can be a bit awkward when they finally realize you don’t actually know royalty.
5. People Will Assume You’re Basically Bear Grylls
All most Americans know about Minnesota is that it gets cold. That being said, they’ll probably assume you lived in some isolated cabin hunting for your dinner and collecting wood for fire all day long.
While that might not sound like a bad time, make sure they know that Minnesotans have similar living conditions to the rest of the country. It’s all part of the joint effort to eliminate these inaccurate stereotypes one at a time.
6. You’ll Discover You Have Quite The Accent
The second you open your mouth, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb anywhere else around the country.
Thanks to the very unique accent that Minnesotans share, often called the “Fargo accent” by outsiders (despite Fargo being a North Dakotan town), everyone you meet will know you aren’t from around there.
7. You’ll Never Have More Viking Pride
If you’re leaving Minnesota for somewhere warmer, you’ll quickly discover that the Viking fan base doesn’t travel much. That won’t keep you from holding back come game day though, you’ll be a more vibrant Viking fan than ever… just expect a few jokes from locals.
8. No Fair Will Compare
With close to 2 million people attending the Minnesota State Fair every year, it’s easy to see how this giant party is one of the best around. With plenty of rides and more fried food than you can handle, come the end of August, you’re sure to miss it if you can’t go.
9. You Can Stop Fearing Mosquitos
With all the lakes in Minnesota, it’s not surprising that the mosquito is often mistaken for the state bird. Fortunately, most other places in the country don’t have the same level of bug problem.
Look forward to not dreading time spent outside when the bug spray isn’t within arm’s reach.
10. You’ll Get Treated Like A Canadian
While half the change in your pocket might be Canadian, that doesn’t make you any less America. Unfortunately, many outsiders you meet will assume that Minnesotans are basically just like our neighbors to the north.
It might get a bit annoying at times when they keep comparing the two places.
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11. Ketchup On Steak = Insanity
Minnesotans might treat ketchup like a fix-all spice that can be put on everything, but it’s sure to turn heads if you put ketchup on your steak outside of this state. Expect a few questions if you do this in front of new friends.
12. People Won’t Be As Nice… Like, At All
There “nice” and then there’s “Minnesota nice.” You’ll surely meet friendly people wherever you travel but you’ll never be in a place with more inherent hospitality that the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
13. People Won’t Be So Passive Aggressive
If you screw up anywhere else in the country, expect someone to get in your face about it. Subtle put-downs and insults that are common in Minnesota, like the famous “that’s interesting…” don’t travel much.
14. Timberwolves Fans Are Impossible To Find
Thanks to several lackluster years, even some Minnesotans have disowned their local NBA team. If you leave the state, you’ll probably never find another fan to watch these basketball games with.
15. “Who Are The Wild, Again?”
If people outside of Minnesota ignore the Timberwolves, the Wild might as well be nonexistent. With hockey not quite as popular in the rest of the country, many Americans won’t even know who the Wild are.
16. You’ll Be Avoiding Plenty Of Packers Fans
While Minnesotan fans might not get out much, Green Bay fans are lurking in every dive bar across the country. While you might have plenty of experience talking trash at rivalry games back home, you’ll probably be outnumbered anywhere else in the world.
17. No One Wants To Try Your Lutefisk
A popular Norwegian dish, there are plenty of people snacking on this gelatinous protein in the Gopher State. Expect new friends to be a little tentative before they stick this in their mouth.
18. No One Else Knows How To Drive In Snow
While Minnesotans have mastered the art of maintaining the speed limit with a couple inches of powder on the ground, the rest of the country isn’t quite so brave.
You’ll probably want to just avoid the roads altogether on a snow day to avoid the frustration of traffic jams and extreeeeeemely slow driving.
19. “What Did You Just Say?”
Aside from just an accent, Minnesotans also have a few sayings sure to catch outsiders off guard. Use of phrases like “uff da,” “doncha,” “you betcha”, and the ever-present” yeah” are sure to get pointed out.
20. Things Won’t Be So Wet And Wild
While heading to the lake is a normal summer activity in Minnesota, most places aren’t so fortunate when it comes to outdoor activities. You’ll definitely be let down if you move somewhere that doesn’t let you get outside so much.
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21. Most Salads Don’t Have Jell-O, Marshmallows, And Fruit In Them
A favorite amongst Minnesotans, a bowl of fruit salad can be found at every special occasion. Don’t let the name fool you, it’s not as healthy as it sounds.
22. You Might Have To Start Drinking Starbucks
While Caribou Coffee might be your go-to place for a cup of Joe back home, this brand can’t be found everywhere around the country. You might have to settle for a larger chain like Starbucks or Dunkin’.
23. Sometimes You CAN Buy Booze On Sunday
Just because Minnesota has some wacky liquor laws preventing the Sunday sales of booze at liquor store doesn’t mean most states fall into the same category.
In most places around the country, you’ll have no problem making a quick beer run before Sunday Night Football if you don’t have enough to drink already stocked in the fridge.
24. A “Hot Dish” Might Not Be What You’re Expecting
The term “hot dish” usually just refers to anything that’s warm in most states. If you order something from the “hot dish” menu expecting a filling casserole, you’ll probably be a bit disappointed.
25. Its Duck, Duck, Goose
A favorite childhood game in Minnesota, most Americans aren’t playing “duck, duck, grey duck”, they’re waiting for the term “goose” to be called instead. Make sure your kids know about this minor change before hitting the playground.
26. Nowhere Else Will Embrace Winter Like You Do
Most Americans tend to cower inside when the temperatures drop, but not Minnesotans. They throw parties like the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, full of snow, ice, and thousands of people.
27. It’s Assumed You’re A Mall Rat
One of the most famous tourist attractions in Minnesota, if someone knows one thing about your state, they’ll probably know about that its home to the Mall of America.
Much to their surprise, locals don’t really go to the Mall of America anymore, as there are tons of other cheaper, less crowded places in the same area, as well as this thing called the internet.
28. “Cold Temps” Will Be A Breeze
When you’re coming from somewhere where it’s necessary to plug your car in at night to make sure it starts in the morning, any other cold weather you encounter elsewhere will seem like a walk in the park.
29. Everyone Always Forgets The Twins
While Minnesotans might not have a problem throwing their support behind the local MLB team, the Twins aren’t too popular around the rest of the country. They’re one of those teams that you’ll mention and people will have a lightbulb moment as they remember they exist.
30. You’ll Be The Only One Singing The Minnesota Rouser
The finest fight song in the land, nothing gets the crowd cheering at a Golden Gophers game like the Minnesota Rouser. “Minnesota, hats off to thee!”
31. Nowhere Else Will Compare
Once you’ve spent years of your life in Minnesota, no other place will really feel like home. Blame it on the friendly people, hearty meals, and the beautiful lakes, but everywhere else you go will always fall short.
Thankfully, the Land of 10,000 Lakes will always welcome you back with open arms.
What do you miss about Minnesota? Tell us in the comments below!
