Discovery Series Ornament – Minnesota
I got the Discovery Series Ornament Minnesota earlier this year, and it was patiently waiting for this photoshoot.
Minnesota’s history as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” begins with its admission to the Union as the 32nd state on May 11, 1858. The region was shaped by Ojibwe and Dakota indigenous nations before French fur traders arrived in the 17th century. The lumber and flour milling industries, particularly in Minneapolis with its massive mills powered by St. Anthony Falls, drove early economic growth in the late 1800s. Minnesota’s iron ore deposits in the Mesabi Range fueled American industry through two world wars, while waves of Scandinavian and German immigrants established the state’s distinctive cultural character that persists today.
Here are some of Minnesota’s state symbols and landmarks.
– Hockey defines Minnesota culture more than any other sport, with youth leagues thriving in communities across the frozen north and producing more NHL players per capita than anywhere else in America. High school tournaments draw massive crowds, while college rivalries ignite passionate fan bases throughout the state. The sport represents Minnesota’s embrace of winter and the communal spirit that brings people together during long, cold months.
– The Common Loon graces Minnesota’s northern lakes each summer with its distinctive black and white checkered plumage and haunting, yodel-like call that echoes across wilderness waters. These aquatic birds have become synonymous with pristine lake country and undisturbed natural habitats. The loon symbolizes Minnesota’s wild beauty and the tranquil waters that define much of the state’s landscape.
– The Honeycrisp Apple revolutionized the apple industry after researchers at the University of Minnesota developed this crisp, sweet-tart variety in the 1960s and released it in 1991. This exceptionally textured apple became one of America’s most popular varieties and a significant economic success. The Honeycrisp represents Minnesota’s agricultural innovation and contributions to food science that have impacted orchards worldwide.
– High Falls plunges 120 feet along the Pigeon River at the Canadian border in Grand Portage State Park, making it the tallest waterfall in Minnesota. This spectacular cascade on the historic fur trade route demonstrates the raw power of northern Minnesota’s wilderness. The falls represent the state’s rugged natural beauty and pristine wilderness that covers much of the northern region.
– Fishing draws Minnesotans to the state’s 11,842 lakes year-round, pursuing walleye, northern pike, and bass in waters ranging from small ponds to vast Lake Superior. Ice fishing transforms frozen lakes into winter communities with thousands of fishing houses dotting the landscape each season. This beloved pastime represents Minnesota’s outdoor lifestyle and the deep connection between residents and the abundant waters that shape daily life.
