Here are 10 things people often never expect to miss after leaving Minnesota:
- The Juicy Lucy – This iconic Minnesota burger with cheese inside the patty is hard to find elsewhere.
- Minnesota Nice – The friendly, polite, and welcoming demeanor of Minnesotans is unique and missed by many who move away.
- Distinct Four Seasons – The clear change of seasons, especially the snowy winters and colorful falls, is something people surprisingly miss.
- The Lakes and Outdoor Activities – With over 10,000 lakes, activities like canoeing in the Boundary Waters, houseboating in Voyageurs National Park, and snowmobiling are deeply missed.
- State High School Hockey Tournaments – Hockey culture, especially the passionate high school tournaments, is a quintessential Minnesota experience people regret leaving behind.
- Meat Raffles and Pull-tabs – Unique local social events like meat raffles and pull-tabs are missed by many Minnesotans once they leave.
- The Bike-Friendly Cities and Trails – Minneapolis and its extensive biking trails, such as the Midtown Greenway and Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, offer a biking culture not easily replicated elsewhere.
- Local Festivals and Events – Events like the Saint Paul Winter Carnival and Oktoberfest in New Ulm are uniquely Minnesotan and missed by those who move away.
- Distinctive Food Scene – Beyond Juicy Lucy, Minnesota’s award-winning chefs, local eateries, and food culture are fondly remembered.
- The Arts and Music Scene – The rich arts culture, including museums like the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, and music heritage tied to artists like Prince, is a cultural loss for those who leave.
These elements combine to create a lifestyle and culture that many Minnesotans don’t fully appreciate until they move away.
Sources:
- https://www.movoto.com/blog/leaving-minnesota/
- https://kdhlradio.com/10-uniquely-minnesota-places-ive-embarrassingly-never-been/
- https://www.minneapolis.org/blog/dont-miss-things-to-do-in-minneapolis/
- https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/minnesota-best-things-to-do