Leaving Minnesota can bring a mixture of emotions—excitement for new opportunities, sadness for saying goodbye to loved ones, and a sense of nostalgia for the things that make the state so unique. You might have thought you’d leave behind everything that made you crazy at the time, but over time, you may realize there are things you miss about the Land of 10,000 Lakes that you never expected. Here are 11 things that often surprise people after leaving Minnesota.
1. The Winter Weather (Yes, Really!)
Minnesota winters are notoriously cold and long, with snow piled high and temperatures that often drop well below freezing. But strangely enough, many former Minnesotans find themselves missing the winter months once they’ve moved away. There’s something comforting about the season’s consistency—the ability to bundle up in cozy layers, embrace winter activities like ice fishing, and enjoy the peaceful quiet of a snowy landscape. While it may sound odd, the season’s beauty can become something you miss deeply.
2. The Lakes
With 10,000 lakes (and a few more to spare), Minnesota is known for its water-filled beauty. After leaving, you might find yourself yearning for the tranquil mornings by the lake, the joy of a boat ride, or the endless opportunities to go fishing. The lakes provide not only a physical space to enjoy nature, but they also offer a sense of calm and relaxation that’s hard to find elsewhere.
3. The “Minnesota Nice” Attitude
People in Minnesota have a reputation for being friendly, helpful, and genuinely kind. The “Minnesota Nice” attitude, as it’s known, makes the state feel like a tight-knit community where people care about each other. After leaving, you may find that not every place you move to has the same level of warmth and friendliness. It’s easy to miss the neighborly smiles, the small-town feel, and the friendly atmosphere of Minnesota.
4. The State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair is an iconic event that draws in millions of people every year. If you’ve left Minnesota, you might realize just how much you miss the deep-fried food, the quirky exhibits, and the sense of excitement that comes with attending the fair. Whether you’re craving the cheese curds, the rides, or just the vibe of being surrounded by so many Minnesotans, the State Fair is something you’ll likely miss.
5. The Local Food
Minnesota has a unique food scene that features local favorites like hotdish, tater tot casserole, wild rice soup, and of course, the famous Juicy Lucy burger. While other places might have delicious food too, there’s something about the comfort and familiarity of Minnesota dishes that can’t be replicated. When you leave, you might find yourself searching for these familiar tastes that remind you of home.
6. The Beautiful Fall Foliage
The fall in Minnesota is absolutely stunning. With the trees turning vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, the state’s landscape becomes a breathtaking display of color. Whether you’re taking a scenic drive through the countryside or enjoying a walk in a local park, Minnesota’s autumn beauty can be something you unexpectedly miss after moving away.
7. The Friendly Wildlife
Minnesota is home to a variety of wildlife, from deer and foxes to eagles and beavers. You may miss seeing these creatures up close, especially if you’ve moved somewhere where wildlife isn’t as abundant. There’s something special about spotting a bald eagle soaring through the sky or watching a deer wander through the backyard. The connection to nature and wildlife is something many Minnesotans grow fond of and miss once they leave.
8. The Sports Culture
Whether it’s cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, or Wild, the sports culture in Minnesota is a huge part of life. The pride people take in their teams, the way communities rally together to support local sports, and the excitement of attending games is something many miss after leaving. The sports fandom and the sense of belonging that comes with it can be difficult to find elsewhere.
9. The Friendly Small Towns
Minnesota is full of charming small towns with their own unique characters and tight-knit communities. After leaving, you may realize just how much you miss the slower pace of life and the sense of familiarity in these towns. Whether it’s the local coffee shop, the annual festivals, or simply knowing your neighbors, there’s a comforting aspect to life in a small town that can be hard to replace.
10. The Four Seasons
Minnesota experiences all four seasons in full force: the cold of winter, the warmth of summer, the vibrant fall, and the refreshing spring. After leaving, you may find that other places don’t have the same variety of seasons, or they’re not as pronounced. The beauty and changes that each season brings can be something you miss once you’re in a place where the seasons are either less dramatic or harder to notice.
11. The Deep Sense of Pride
Minnesota is one of those states that locals feel deeply connected to. From the pride in the state’s outdoor activities to its cultural significance, there’s an undeniable sense of belonging. Once you leave, you might find yourself missing the camaraderie of people who share that love for their state. Whether it’s a local gathering, a state event, or simply talking about Minnesota with someone, the pride Minnesotans have for their home is something that stays with you long after you leave.
Leaving Minnesota may feel like a new adventure, but it’s easy to find yourself missing the state’s unique charm. Whether it’s the cold winters that you once dreaded, the friendly faces you interacted with, or the beautiful lakes and nature, Minnesota has a way of sticking with you. It’s a place that leaves an impression, one that many find hard to shake, even after they’ve moved away.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.movoto.com/blog/leaving-minnesota/
[2] https://kroc.com/the-5-things-youd-miss-about-minnesota-if-you-left/
[3] https://minnesotasnewcountry.com/heartfelt-and-humorous-what-minnesotans-would-miss-the-most/
[4] https://kdhlradio.com/10-uniquely-minnesota-places-ive-embarrassingly-never-been/
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/minnesota/comments/1furan9/minnesotans_dont_ever_leave_what_are_some_of_the/
