Minnesota has many lakes. People call Minnesota the "Land of 10,000 Lakes." Ln fact, there are more than 15,000 lakes. It also has rivers. The great Mississippi River begins at Lake ltasca. lt is very small where it starts. The river then flows 2,340 miles to the Gulf of Mexico.
The name Minnesota is a Native American word. Can you guess what it means? lf you think that Minnesota means "water," you are right. lt means "sky-colored water." lt is a good name for this state.
Minnesota also has many forests. People tell a story about a woodcutter named Paul Bunyan. He was very large. They say he cut down 500 trees before breakfast.
Minnesota is beautiful, but it is very cold in the winter. ln the biggest city, Minneapolis, there are skyways between many buildings. Skyways are like bridges. People can walk from place to place without going out into the cold.
St. Paul is the capital of Minnesota. Here, at the winter carnival, people make ice sculptures.
Minnesota is a safe and healthy place to live. lt has the best school system in the country. Students choose the school they want to go to. The medical system is also very good.