curious minnesota
Did modern Minnesota roads evolve from Native American trails?
Some routes have been providing passage since long before the introduction of paved roads.
How did the North Loop neighborhood get its name?
Now one of the city's most popular entertainment destinations, its name has surprising transit origins.
From bankrupt racetrack to aviation hub — what remains from MSP Airport's early days?
Planes have been flying at MSP — formerly Wold-Chamberlain Field — for roughly a century.
Ask a question now: What are you curious about, Minnesota?
Help us answer questions that matter to you.
Listen: Why does Minnesota test tornado sirens on the first Wednesday of the month?
Curious Minnesota podcast host Eric Roper discusses Civil Defense and the Cold War history of tornado sirens with writer Dave Kenney.
Why is there a new cellular pole in my Minneapolis neighborhood?
The transition to 5G wireless technology is having a visible impact on some city streets.
How did Dinkytown in Minneapolis get its name?
The unusual moniker for the commercial district near the University of Minnesota dates to the 1940s.
How much gold is hiding underground in northern Minnesota?
The precious metal has not been mined in Minnesota since the turn of the 20th century.
Listen: Was Minnesota home to nuclear missiles during the Cold War?
Curious Minnesota podcast host Eric Roper discusses the 1950s initiative to install missile sites around the Twin Cities.
Why does Minnesota test tornado sirens on the first Wednesday of the month?
Siren testing began amid fears of a Soviet atomic bomb attack during the Cold War.
Is Minnesota's power grid ready for widespread electric cars?
Electric vehicles are growing in popularity. Keeping them all on the road will require a lot of power.
Was Minnesota once home to U.S. government-sponsored hemp farms?
The controversial crop was at the center of a short-lived program during WWII.
Who is the oldest living person in Minnesota?
The oldest Minnesotan, a supercentenarian, is also one of the oldest living people in the United States.
Listen: Does the Mississippi River really begin at Lake Itasca?
Host Eric Roper digs into the science and history behind the Mighty Mississippi's headwaters.
Where did suburban streetcar lines run and why were they removed?
The expansive Twin Cities streetcar network once reached from Lake Minnetonka to Stillwater.
What are the top five immigrant groups in Minnesota?
The origin countries of Minnesota's foreign-born population has changed significantly in the last three decades.
Is Minnesota cloudier in winter, or does it just seem that way?
Just last year, Minnesota recorded its gloomiest January in 57 years, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.
What's the best place, time to see the northern lights in Minnesota?
Although the lights can be seen any time of year, spring and fall, especially September and March, are the best chances to see the northern lights in Minnesota.
Local
Early summer heat wave takes toll on Minnesota roads, schools, lawns
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Did modern Minnesota roads evolve from Native American trails?
Current Conditions Minneapolis
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Sports
Pineda leaves game early with arm soreness as Astros crush Twins
Women's soccer comes to Minnesota with 'pre-professional' team
It's not Ben Johnson's first Gophers summer basketball practice, but there's a lot of newness
Djokovic claims 19th Grand Slam with five-set win at French Open
Business
Amid shortage of drivers, owner of Minn. school bus company takes on routes himself
Offices are reopening, but business isn't rebounding at dry cleaners
Radisson Blu, with FireLake expansion on its mind, hosts 'Chopped'-like chef competition at Mall of America
More EV charging stations on the horizon for Minnesota
Opinion
The big UFO report, in context
Using Justice Dept. for political gain
Had enough of working from home?
A big win for assault weapons
Latest Sack Cartoon
Jeff Bezos and his next trip
Most Read
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Did modern Minnesota roads evolve from Native American trails?
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How did the North Loop neighborhood get its name?
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Is Minnesota's power grid ready for widespread electric cars?
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From bankrupt racetrack to aviation hub — what remains from MSP Airport's early days?
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What's the best place, time to see the northern lights in Minnesota?
Variety
Don't have a reservation at the lake this summer? Here are your options
Chris Thile returns to playing – and listening
Gary Hines celebrates 50 years of musical activism with Minnesota's Sounds of Blackness
Minnesota novelist Louise Erdrich wins Pulitzer for personal story of 'persistence and survival'
Latest Columns
Politics
Ahead of Minnesota Legislature special session, police reform lacks 'progress'
GOP ramps up misleading attack on Democrats' policing policy
Go green or go bipartisan? Biden's big infrastructure choice
Minnesota Republican Party sets 2022 convention for Rochester
Nation
As COVID-19 cases wane, vaccine-lagging areas still see risk
Judge tosses hospital workers' vaccine challenge
Schools across U.S. brace for surge of kindergartners in fall
'It's always exciting': Top dogs vie for Westminster title
World
Biden urges G-7 leaders to call out and compete with China
Israel swears in new coalition, ending Netanyahu's long rule
After charming leaders, Queen Elizabeth sits back for parade
China's wandering elephants on the move again
Curious Minnesota
Did modern Minnesota roads evolve from Native American trails?
How did the North Loop neighborhood get its name?
From bankrupt racetrack to aviation hub — what remains from MSP Airport's early days?
Ask a question now: What are you curious about, Minnesota?
Duluth
Duluth reopens Lakewalk in Canal Park, and it's megastorm-ready
Female mapmakers detailed Minnesota's Arrowhead back in 1929
Greater Minnesota colleges look to attract students after enrollment drop amid pandemic
Native American contractors' letter seeks end to protests over Line 3 pipeline
Celebs
Rapper Polo G is arrested in Miami after album release party
After charming leaders, Queen Elizabeth sits back for parade
Christie's sale highlights L'Wren Scott creations for Mick Jagger, Hollywood stars
Mobster sentenced for assaulting 'Real Housewives' husband
Inspired
Duo teams up to give patients time, tools and tenderness to talk about death
University of Minnesota graduate shifts therapy focus to less discussed mental health issue of job loss
Inspired Conversations on Race & Equity: St. Cloud's Jonathan Wong
Teacher steps in to get student into graduation
More Stories
How safe is it, really, to walk on Minnesota's iced-over lakes?
"The standard answer is, really, ice is never 100% safe," said a DNR recreation safety coordinator. And early- and late-season ice is the most unpredictable.
Listen: Why did Minneapolis tear down its biggest train station?
Minneapolis' two primary train stations met very different fates in the 1970s.
Why did Minneapolis tear down its biggest train station?
Minneapolis' two train stations met very different fates in the 1970s.
What happens to the de-icing fluid sprayed on planes at MSP airport?
Due to our cold winters, MSP is one of the busiest airports in the country for de-icing operations. Delta uses more than 1 million gallons of fluid each season.
What does it take to become a police officer in Minnesota?
In light of recent issues with police officer conduct, one reader wanted to know what kind of training law enforcement officers get in the state.