curious minnesota

How many Minn. breweries existed before the microbrewery boom?

Patrons left Surly on Saturday, August 1, 2015. ] Aaron Lavinsky ¥ aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com Restaurant review: Surly Brewing's casual beer hall

The state's history of beermaking is filled with milestones, but now brewers face an uncertain future.

Why was the career of Minnesota's first congresswoman cut short?

February 14, 1958 Coya Knutson Bucked DFL brass August 22, 1956 September 13, 1960 September 14, 1960

The state's first U.S. congresswoman took office in 1955, holding the seat for four years before a scandal disrupted her career trajectory.

Why are Minnesota's pro teams named after the state, not a city?

These early Twins bobbleheads mistakenly called the team the Minneapolis Twins. Team owner Calvin Griffith —a legendary penny-pincher — had a secr

While most pro teams are named after the cities they are based in, each of Minnesota's six teams uses the state name — the Twins, Vikings, Wild, Timberwolves, Lynx and United. Blame the Twin Cities.

Where does 'uff da' come from, and why do Minnesotans say it?

Big Ole, a 50-year-old wood and fiberglass viking sculpture needs $24,500 in repairs. He has a family of birds nesting in his shoulder, his cape may c

It's the most common of peculiar Minnesotan phrases. Some of us can't stop saying it. Many of us have no idea where it came from.

With far less traffic, why can't MnDOT make road projects go 24/7?

Traffic has dropped by 50 percent or more since the coronavirus shut down schools and many businesses, and that has many wondering why the state Department of Transportation isn't speeding up road construction.

Why is Minnesota more liberal than its neighboring states?

The answer is a mix of history, culture and shifting demographics.

Ask a question now: What are you curious about, Minnesota?

Help us answer questions that matter to you.

How do organics get recycled in Minnesota — and how good are we at it?

Residents can now recycle food scraps at the curb in more than 40 cities, either in an organics bin or special bags tossed in the trash.

Listen: Why do so many Fortune 500 companies call Minnesota home?

When you flush a toilet in the Twin Cities, where does everything go?

Most maps of the Twin Cities feature highways and bridges that connect our region. But few show another grid that is even more crucial to daily life.

Why do so many Fortune 500 companies call Minnesota home?

Minnesota has more than its fair share of big companies that got started here with next to nothing — in a Minneapolis garage (Medtronic), a Roseau metalworking job shop (Polaris) and a 1,200 square-foot stereo components store in St. Paul (Best Buy). Host Eric Roper talks with business columnist Lee Schafer about how the region came to have so many little companies that managed to mature into really big ones. Read more: www.strib.mn/2M8VxdP. Sixteen companies make latest Fortune 500 list: www.strib.mn/2WJRIkt

Was Minnesota once home to nuclear missiles during the Cold War?

A reader wanted to know if it was true that the farmlands of Minnesota were once home to dozens of nuclear-tipped missiles.

How did Minnesota become the Gopher State?

It appears Minnesotans have been misled about their beloved gophers. Host Eric Roper talks with reporter M.L. Smith to unravel the mystery behind Minnesota's unofficial nickname. Read the story: www.strib.mn/2MK9Vcx. More on the R.O. Sweeny cartoon that started it all: www.bit.ly/umncartoon. In 1856, Minnesota Weekly Times reader suggests calling Minnesota the Gopher State: www.bit.ly/gopherstate

Your top questions about Minnesota lakes answered

If Minnesotans love one thing, it's their lakes. We did some research to answer your five most frequent questions about Minnesota's cherished bodies of water.

Why does Minnesota have one of highest rates of volunteering in the country?

Minnesotans penchant for helping others goes beyond "Minnesota Nice."

Pandemic prep: Here's what you need to know

As the novel coronavirus spreads across the world, we asked readers what they want to know about the pandemic. Host Eric Roper talks with Pulitzer Prize-winning reporters Jeremy Olson and Glenn Howatt to answer your most pressing questions.

What's the truth behind Minnesota's Kensington Runestone?

After Swedish immigrant Olof Öhman said he unearthed the rock on his farm in Kensington in 1898, it immediately became a subject of fascination.

Listener lightning round: 3 answers on history, geography, traditions of Minnesota

From 19th century "glamping" on White Bear Lake to a mysterious missing street name in downtown Minneapolis, host Eric Roper tackles three questions from listeners in a special Curious Minnesota lightning round. Read more about why Minnesotans play Duck, Duck, Gray Duck instead of Duck, Duck, Goose: www.strib.mn/2QLaUfj