Can’t believe tomorrow is already Thanksgiving! I feel like this year has just zipped by! However, one thing that has never left my mind is how thankful I am to live in Minnesota!

Going to college in Iowa made me miss my hometown and home state (Iowa, you have your moments). I haven’t lived this long in Minnesota since I graduated high school and so I remember now what I am so thankful for here in Minnesota.

You know, aside from our insane winters, there are many things in Minnesota that we are thankful for and remind us that this is a beautiful state to live in. Here are 8 reasons why I and the majority of Minnesotans are thankful for Minnesota (there are more but here are the main ones):

Photo by Josh Hild on Unsplash
Photo by Josh Hild on Unsplash
loading...
  1. The beautiful scenery and greenery we can enjoy year-round

Minnesota has some of the most beautiful scenery in the nation, especially in the fall. Minnesota also works hard to preserve out land and we are thankful to have 75 state parks!

Photo by Nicole Geri on Unsplash
Photo by Nicole Geri on Unsplash
loading...
  1. The Twin Cities

We not only have one great city, but we have two! Not only this but the diversity of people, experiences, culture, activities, and loves is so great in the Twin Cities, how can you not love it?

Photo by Tony L on Unsplash
Photo by Tony L on Unsplash
loading...
  1. The small towns and countryside

However, we can never forget the small towns and countryside of Minnesota. We need to thank our farmers and those who work hard to make sure every town is a welcoming town in Minnesota. And it is so cool to experience the twin cities and then drive an hour or two down and experience amazing Amish towns.

Photos by Aubree Herrick, Chaddix, Josh Hild, and Tony I on Unsplash
Photos by Aubree Herrick, Chaddix, Josh Hild, and Tony I on Unsplash
loading...
  1. We get to experience all four seasons in Minnesota

Are winters a bit too long here? Yes, but at least we get to experience every season to the max! our Winters may be frigid, but are springs are beautiful, our summers are hot, and our falls are refreshing.

Photo by Erika Giraud on Unsplash
Photo by Erika Giraud on Unsplash
loading...
  1. Minnesota Nice

You can’t forget about Minnesota-Nice. That welcoming feeling and goodbyes that last forever are things you can always count on.

Photo by Daniel ODonnell on Unsplash
Photo by Daniel ODonnell on Unsplash
loading...
  1. Target (and other Minnesota companies)

Hey, as someone who LOVES Target, I had to include this here. I mean to say that Target started in Minnesota is awesome. But this also gives us time to recognize and thank other companies that have started in MN like General Mills and 3M.

Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash
Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash
loading...
  1. Minnesota has some of the best medical care in the country.

We must thank Mayo Clinic for a moment too. The amount of research and discoveries that have happened because of health care in Minnesota is amazing and something we should not forget.

Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash
Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash
loading...
  1. The traditions Minnesotans have

I feel like I had to end on this! I mean you can’t go wrong with a state that has things like the Minnesota State Fair, Winter Carnival, and spending summers on the lake, you just can’t go wrong!

All I have to say now is thank you, Minnesota!

All information is inspired and credited to onlyinyourstate.com.

26 Must-See Walk-Through + Drive-Through Holiday Light Displays In Minnesota + Wisconsin

Whether it is a holiday date night or family adventure, these walk through and drive through light displays won't disappoint!