curious minnesota
Why do Minnesotans call them 'parking ramps' instead of 'garages'?
The auto-related regionalism is unique to Minnesota and some nearby states.
Listen: Why has the Park Board allowed the 'birthplace of Minneapolis' to deteriorate?
The Star Tribune's Eric Roper and Ash Miller discuss the unique history of the John H. Stevens House on the Curious Minnesota podcast.
Ask a question now: What are you curious about, Minnesota?
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How did Minnesota become a window manufacturing hub?
Minnesota's window industry is one of the most productive in the U.S.
How lumberjacks harnessed an 'ocean of pine' to build Minnesota
Minnesota was a world leader in lumber production until the state's abundant white pine forests were largely erased.
Listen: Why did Scandinavian immigrants choose Minnesota?
The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses the reasons that Norwegian and Swedish immigrants left their home countries for Minnesota starting in the mid-1800s.
What is causing the mysterious 'Longfellow Boom' in south Minneapolis?
Neighbors near the Mississippi River have been searching for the cause of these "house-shakingly loud" noises for decades.
Was the Minneapolis Park Board created to benefit wealthy land owners?
Critics said the 1880s proposal to create the park-focused government amounted to "cunning trickery."
Listen: Was Charles Lindbergh a Nazi sympathizer?
The Star Tribune's Kevin Duchschere discusses the Minnesota native's controversial statements and actions preceding America's involvement in World War II.
Why has the Park Board allowed the 'birthplace of Minneapolis' to deteriorate?
The storied, 172-year-old structure in Minnehaha Park is in need of exterior repairs.
How did the Twin Cities become such a theater hot spot?
The region has earned a reputation as one of the nation's premier regional theater hubs.
Listen: Why isn't Minnesota's sacrifice at Gettysburg better remembered?
The Star Tribune's Kevin Duchschere discusses the First Minnesota regiment's heroism and legacy on the Curious Minnesota podcast.
Who was the first woman to serve in the Minnesota Legislature?
Minnesota didn't have just one trailblazing woman at the State Capitol. It had four.
640th Avenue? 180th Street? The backstory behind long rural addresses
Those large numbers convey a lot of information about the geography of greater Minnesota.
Listen: What was the first movie filmed in Minnesota?
The Curious Minnesota podcast explores the 1920s silent film "Free Air," based on a book by Minnesota native Sinclair Lewis.
Is Minnesota's recycled waste really being reused?
Recycling facilities must find a home for the glass, plastic, paper and other recyclable material we toss.
Was Charles Lindbergh a Nazi sympathizer?
The Minnesota native drew controversy for his remarks and actions preceding America's intervention in World War II.
Why hasn't a fire-damaged apartment building in north Minneapolis been repaired?
The charred remains have been sitting vacant for more than a year, leaving many concerned about safety.
Local
Family members say no signs of trouble before St. Paul murder-suicide
A Hopkins psychic admits to swindling $130K from 2 clients
Cambridge, Minn., recovering after floods
Minneapolis nonprofit Appetite for Change receives record $1.5M gift
Current Conditions Minneapolis
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Sports
49ers had 'great hopes' for Adofo-Mensah. Now he's on the opposing team.
Neal: Gardenhire's antics helped keep the Twins clubhouse loose
What could new Big Ten media rights deal mean for the Gophers?
MRI shows no damage to shoulder of Twins starting pitcher Mahle
Business
3M earplug bankruptcy: Shrewd plan or sham?
Companies are tracking workers' productivity more, including UnitedHealth and Allina
Minnesota adds 19,100 jobs; jobless rate still at historic low
Stocks end higher on Wall Street after more choppy trading
Opinion
Counterpoint: No double standard, just free speech for all
Up to date on polio, other vaccinations?
Editorial cartoon: Christopher Weyant on the state of America
Readers Write: Renaming Patrick Henry High School, Rep. Liz Cheney, hearing aids, First Amendment
Most Read
Variety
Duran Duran will kick off its U.S. tour in Minnesota as newly elected Rock & Roll Hall of Famers
Neal Justin: 'She-Hulk: Attorney at Law' makes a strong opening statement
Our Friday best: Kendrick Lamar, 'To Sit Awhile,' Chastity Brown and A.R. Rahman
Expect glorious music and a bug or two at 'Magic Flute' in gardens and parks
Latest Columns
Politics
Campaign check: Did Gov. Tim Walz cancel candidate debates?
Trump executive pleads guilty in tax case, agrees to testify
Campaign check: A deeper look at 2022 Minnesota election cycle claims
2022 Minnesota Primary Election Results
Nation
Brain-eating amoeba suspected in 2nd Midwest death
3 charged with killing Boston gangster Whitey Bulger in 2018
Judge appears willing to unveil some of Mar-a-Lago affidavit
US offers extra monkeypox vaccine doses for gay pride events
World
North Korea dismisses Seoul's aid offer as 'foolish' repeat
Saudi doctoral student gets 34 years in prison for tweets
Police: Death toll in Afghan capital mosque bombing now 21
Placido Domingo's name comes up in Argentina sex sect probe
Curious Minnesota
Why do Minnesotans call them 'parking ramps' instead of 'garages'?
Listen: Why has the Park Board allowed the 'birthplace of Minneapolis' to deteriorate?
Ask a question now: What are you curious about, Minnesota?
How did Minnesota become a window manufacturing hub?
Duluth
Gov. Tim Walz celebrates 'Free the Growler' push, July job creation Up North
Duluth City Council approves park levy referendum on November ballot
Charge: Iron Range driver was extremely drunk when he caused crash that killed other motorist
Jury finds Chisholm man guilty of murder in 1980s cold case
Celebs
'Mad Men' actor Vincent Kartheiser, 'Gilmore Girls' star Alexis Bledel end their marriage
Woman says it was her, R. Kelly in key video at 2008 trial
Placido Domingo's name comes up in Argentina sex sect probe
CNN cancels 'Reliable Sources,' host Stelter leaving network
Inspired
Inspired by a Simon & Garfunkel song, two old friends travel the world to sit on a bench together
Author-coach encourages us to broaden our definition of happiness
People with autism speak through poetry
'Stray' cat video game brings some benefits to real cats
More Stories
Listen: How did Nicollet Island become one of Minneapolis' most unusual parks?
The Curious Minnesota podcast delves into the island's transformation from a 19th Century industrial hub.
How did pro baseball get its start in Minnesota?
Fierce competition among teams in the 1800s helped fuel the transition to paid players. Growing competitiveness, race-based exclusion and cheating scandals marked baseball's earliest days in Minnesota.
Why did Scandinavian immigrants choose Minnesota?
No state in the country has more residents of Swedish and Norwegian ancestry.
How the heck did Minnesota end up with a state muffin?
Students at a northern Minnesota elementary school received a civics lesson they'll never forget.
Why does Minnesota require new license plates every seven years?
Regularly replacing license plates is a hassle for drivers that dates back more than three decades.