Palisade,_Shovel_Point_(cropped)

Minnesota is a US state in the midwestern United States. Minnesota is known by two nicknames, the “North Star” state as well as the “Land of 10,000” Lakes. As of 2014, Minnesota had an estimated population of 5,457,173. Major cities include Saint Paul, Minneapolis, and Rochester. The department of transportation is called The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Minnesota is home to the largest mall in the United States, the Mall of America. It has a gross area of 4.2 million sq ft. with over 520 stores. The Mall is organized into 4 different zones, each with its own distinct style. Minnesota holds the record of the Word’s Largest Ball of Twine. Started by Francis A. Johnson in 1950. Francis rolled twine four hours a day, every day and continued rolling for 29 years. He used a crane to lift it after it had become too large. Minnesota’s ball is the world’s largest completed by a single person.