Known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes", there are 11,842 Minnesota lakes over 10 acres. More than 36% of Minnesotans fish. Weekend and longer trips to family cabins on Minnesota's numerous lakes are a way of life for many residents. Fishing does not cease when the lakes freeze, ice fishing is popular.

Nearly 60% of its residents live in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area known as the "Twin Cities".

Minnesota's leading fine art museums include the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Walker Art Center, the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, and the The Museum of Russian Art. All are located in Minneapolis.

The Minnesota Orchestra and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra are prominent full-time professional musical ensembles that perform concerts and offer educational programs to the Twin Cities' community.

State and national forests and the seventy-two state parks are used year-round for hunting, camping, and hiking. There are almost 20,000 miles of snowmobile trails statewide. Minnesota has more miles of bike trails than any other state.