Curious & Fascinating Facts: Minnesota

Get to know Minnesota like never before with this collection of facts and stories that explore the state’s history and culture, including funny, weird, and wild moments.

If you think you know Minnesota, think again! Of course, there are the 10,000+ lakes, the Twin Cities, and the legendary winters—but did you know that winter surfing—yes, surfing—is a pastime for a hardy few on Lake Superior? How about that Minnesotans have won 2 of the 15 Nobel Prizes for Literature awarded to Americans? Have you heard about the giant troll statues found in the woods near Detroit Lakes? Curious & Fascinating Facts: Minnesota is your guide to everything you ever wanted to know about the North Star State and plenty of information that you never knew you needed to know!

Written by Minnesota author Brett Ortler and packed with hundreds of facts—including the weird, wild, and wonderfully unexpected—this book is perfect for the campfire, road trips, family games, trivia night, or quiet reading time. It goes beyond a history lesson—it’s a journey through Minnesota’s arts, culture, natural wonders, and so much more.

Test your knowledge with topics like these:

• Rundown of our wild winter weather, including the infamous 1991 Halloween Blizzard
• Wild encounters with wolves, moose—and some impressive state-record fish
• Paul Bunyan legends and other larger-than-life stories
• Famous Minnesotans, from directors and actors to Nobel Prize-winning writers

Whether you’re a proud resident or a visitor who loves quirky facts, prepare to explore Minnesota—one fascinating fact at a time!