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Quizzes > Geography

Minnesota trivia: How well do you know the North Star State?

Quick, free Minnesota quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Alicia WellsUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Minnesota trivia quiz on a teal background

This Minnesota trivia quiz helps you check what you know about the state's history, landmarks, and local culture in minutes. Answer bite-size questions and see which facts you miss, then learn as you go with instant feedback. Love local sports? Try our Minnesota Twins trivia and Minnesota Vikings trivia, or compare states with the Michigan quiz.

What is the capital of Minnesota?
Minneapolis
Duluth
Rochester
St. Paul
St. Paul is the capital city of Minnesota and is one of the Twin Cities, located adjacent to Minneapolis. It became the state capital in 1849. The city is known for its historic architecture, cultural institutions, and riverfront parks.
Which Great Lake borders Minnesota?
Lake Superior
Lake Erie
Lake Ontario
Lake Huron
Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes by surface area, forms the northeastern border of Minnesota. It is known for its clear, cold waters and rugged shoreline. Minnesota's Arrowhead Region lies along its shores.
What is the official state bird of Minnesota?
Northern Cardinal
Bald Eagle
Common Loon
American Robin
The Common Loon was designated the state bird of Minnesota in 1961. It is famous for its haunting calls and striking black-and-white breeding plumage. The loon appears on the state's 10¢ postage stamp and state quarter.
Which river forms part of Minnesota's western border?
Missouri River
St. Croix River
Mississippi River
Red River of the North
The Red River of the North flows northward along much of Minnesota's western border with North Dakota. It is prone to flooding and forms the boundary between two states. The river eventually drains into Lake Winnipeg in Canada.
Which large freshwater lake is located entirely within Minnesota?
Lake of the Woods
Lake Itasca
Lake Mille Lacs
Red Lake
Lake Mille Lacs is one of Minnesota's largest inland lakes and lies fully within state boundaries. It covers over 132,000 acres and is known for fishing, especially walleye. The lake's name comes from the French 'mille lacs' meaning 'thousand lakes.'
What is Minnesota's state nickname?
The Keystone State
Evergreen State
Land of 10,000 Lakes
Land of Enchantment
Minnesota is popularly known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" due to its numerous lakes - actually over 11,000. The nickname highlights the state's abundant freshwater resources and recreational opportunities. It appears on license plates and tourism materials.
What is the state flower of Minnesota?
Lady's Slipper
Black-eyed Susan
Goldenrod
Purple Coneflower
The Pink and White Lady's Slipper was adopted as Minnesota's state flower in 1967. It is a type of orchid found in wooded areas and bogs across the state. The flower's distinctive slipper-shaped pouch aids in pollination.
The Twin Cities refer to Minneapolis and which other city?
St. Paul
Bloomington
St. Cloud
Duluth
The Twin Cities are Minneapolis and St. Paul, adjacent cities separated by the Mississippi River. Minneapolis is known for its parks and lakes, while St. Paul is the state capital with historic neighborhoods. Together they form the core of Minnesota's largest metropolitan area.
Which major retail corporation is headquartered in Minneapolis?
Best Buy
Walmart
Target
Kohl's
Target Corporation, the eighth-largest retailer in the United States, is headquartered in Minneapolis. The company opened its first stores in 1962 under the Dayton Company. Today, Target is known for its wide range of products and distinctive branding.
What is the highest natural point in Minnesota?
Split Rock Lighthouse
Tower Hill
Lake Itasca
Eagle Mountain
Eagle Mountain, at 2,301 feet above sea level, is Minnesota's highest natural point. It is located in the state's northeastern region within the Boundary Waters area. The hike to the summit offers scenic forest views.
Minnesota was admitted to the Union as which number state?
30th
32nd
33rd
31st
Minnesota became the 32nd state on May 11, 1858. It joined the Union during a period of rapid westward expansion in the mid-19th century. Its entry balanced the number of free and slave states at the time.
What is Minnesota's state motto?
L'Étoile du Nord
Ad Astra
Eureka
Sic Semper Tyrannis
Minnesota's state motto is 'L'Étoile du Nord,' which is French for 'The Star of the North.' It was adopted in 1861 and reflects the state's northern location. The motto appears on the state seal and flag.
Which apple variety was developed by the University of Minnesota?
Granny Smith
Honeycrisp
Gala
Fuji
The Honeycrisp apple was developed by the University of Minnesota and released in 1991. It is prized for its sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture. The variety quickly became a commercial success worldwide.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is located in which region of Minnesota?
Southwest
Northwest
Southeast
Northeast
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is situated in Minnesota's northeastern Arrowhead Region, along the Canadian border. It features over a million acres of forests, lakes, and streams. The area is famous for canoeing, camping, and fishing.
Minnesota is the leading U.S. producer of which crop?
Wheat
Corn
Soybeans
Sugar beets
Minnesota consistently ranks first in the United States for sugar beet production. The temperate climate and fertile soils of the Red River Valley support the crop. Processed sugar from beets is a key part of the state's agricultural economy.
In what year did Minnesota become a state?
1858
1868
1878
1848
Minnesota was admitted to the Union on May 11, 1858, becoming the 32nd state. The state grew rapidly after the Civil War, fueled by logging and agriculture. 1858 remains a key date in Minnesota history.
In which year was the Minnesota State Capitol building completed?
1885
1920
1905
1865
The Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul was completed in 1905 after a multi-year construction project. It was designed by architect Cass Gilbert in a Beaux-Arts style. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Who led the expedition that established Fort Snelling near present-day St. Paul?
Alexander Ramsey
Henry Hennepin
Daniel Greysolon
Zebulon Pike
In 1819, Lieutenant Zebulon Pike led a U.S. Army expedition to build Fort Snelling at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. The fort became a strategic military outpost in the upper Midwest. It remains a historic site today.
What is the source of the Mississippi River located in Minnesota?
Lake Mille Lacs
Lake Itasca
Lake Superior
Red Lake
Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota is the headwaters of the Mississippi River. The river emerges from the lake and flows over a small rock overhang called the Itasca Dam. Lake Itasca State Park preserves this historic source.
Which NFL team is based in Minneapolis?
Chicago Bears
Green Bay Packers
Minnesota Vikings
Detroit Lions
The Minnesota Vikings are the National Football League team based in Minneapolis, playing their home games at U.S. Bank Stadium. They joined the league as an expansion team in 1961. The Vikings have appeared in multiple Super Bowls.
What is Minnesota's state tree?
Sugar Maple
Red Pine
Eastern Hemlock
White Oak
The Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) was designated Minnesota's state tree in 1953. It is known locally as Norway Pine and is common in the state's northern forests. The tree was chosen for its economic and ecological importance.
How many federally recognized Native American reservations are in Minnesota?
7
13
11
9
Minnesota is home to 11 federally recognized Native American reservations, including Leech Lake, Red Lake, and White Earth. These reservations are sovereign communities with their own governments. They play a vital role in the state's cultural and historical landscape.
What is Minnesota's state gemstone?
Amethyst
Diamond
Lake Superior Agate
Turquoise
The Lake Superior Agate was adopted as Minnesota's state gemstone in 1969. These colorful banded agates are found along the shores of Lake Superior and are prized by collectors. They were formed over a billion years ago in ancient lava flows.
What is the name of the national park located in northern Minnesota famous for its lake-filled wilderness?
Yellowstone National Park
Glacier National Park
Voyageurs National Park
Grand Canyon National Park
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota along the Canadian border, is known for its interconnected waterways, forests, and remote camping. Established in 1975, it preserves the heritage of fur-trade voyageurs. The park is accessible primarily by boat.
Under which federal legislation was the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness officially designated?
National Parks Act of 1916
Wilderness Act of 1964
Land and Water Conservation Act of 1965
Minnesota Wilderness Act of 1978
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness was officially designated under the Wilderness Act of 1964, which created a legal definition and protection for wilderness areas in the United States. Subsequent state and federal legislation refined its boundaries and management. The Act remains the cornerstone of wilderness preservation.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Iconic Facts -

    Recall key dates, figures, and events that shaped Minnesota's history and significance.

  2. Identify Famous Landmarks -

    Identify well-known and hidden Minnesota landmarks through engaging mn trivia questions.

  3. Analyze Historical Impact -

    Analyze how historical events and personalities influenced the development of the North Star State.

  4. Enhance Cultural Insights -

    Enhance understanding of Minnesota's diverse communities, traditions, and lesser-known facts.

  5. Apply Critical Thinking -

    Apply reasoning skills to select correct answers and improve retention of minnesota trivia facts.

  6. Track Your Progress -

    Track quiz scores to measure your knowledge growth and identify areas for further learning.

Cheat Sheet

  1. North Star State Nickname and Motto -

    Minnesota is known as "The North Star State," inspired by its French motto "L'Étoile du Nord," officially adopted in 1861 and preserved by the Minnesota Historical Society. Picture a bright star guiding travelers over endless lakes to link the nickname and Minnesota's geographical charm. Remember "Star = State" to ace your mn trivia recall!

  2. The 10,000 Lakes (Actually 11,842) -

    Though the state slogan boasts "10,000 Lakes," Minnesota is home to 11,842 lakes of 10 acres or more, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. A simple mnemonic is "10 fingers = 10,000 lakes" to get close, then add "plus 1,842!" for precision. This fact often shows up in Minnesota trivia questions about land and water area.

  3. U.S. - Dakota War of 1862 -

    The U.S. - Dakota War of 1862 was a pivotal conflict between Dakota Sioux and European settlers, significantly shaping Minnesota's early history, as detailed by the Minnesota Historical Society. You can remember the year with "18(62)," thinking "1 land, 8 weeks, 62 fighters," linking duration and participants for recall. This deep Minnesota state trivia yields insight into regional cultural dynamics.

  4. Mall of America -

    Located in Bloomington, the Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the U.S. with over 520 stores and a 4.2 million sq ft footprint, according to the mall's official site. To recall its size in mn trivia, imagine a football field under 8 roofs - there are roughly 30 football fields inside! This iconic landmark often appears in Minnesota trivia with answers quizzes.

  5. State Bird & Flower -

    Minnesota's state bird is the common loon, chosen in 1961, and the state flower is the pink and white lady's slipper, designated in 1902 by the Secretary of State. Remember the rhyme "Loony slipper" to pair the loon with the lady's slipper in your memory palace. These symbols frequently pop up in mn trivia games to test knowledge of state emblems.

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