Curious & Fascinating Facts: Minnesota

Get to know Minnesota like never before with this collection of facts and stories that explore the state’s history and culture, including funny, weird, and wild moments.

If you think you know Minnesota, think again. Of course, there are the 10,000+ lakes, the Twin Cities, and the legendary winters—but did you know that Minnesota was home to the first intercollegiate basketball game? Are you familiar with the aptly named town that celebrates an annual Space Festival? How about the mysterious Kensington Runestone, perhaps the biggest hoax in state history? Curious & Fascinating Facts: Minnesota is your guide to everything you ever wanted to know about the North Star State and plenty of information that you never knew you needed to know!

Written by Minnesota author Brett Ortler and packed with hundreds of facts—including the weird, wild, and wonderfully unexpected—this book is perfect for the campfire, road trips, family games, trivia night, or quiet reading time. It goes beyond a history lesson—it’s a journey through Minnesota’s arts, culture, natural wonders, and so much more.

Test your knowledge with topics like these:

• The popular sport that started with a broom and a frozen lake
• Wild encounters with wolves, moose—and a few lake monsters
• Paul Bunyan legends and other larger-than-life stories
• Famous Minnesotans, from pop stars to pro wrestlers

Whether you’re a proud resident or a visitor who loves quirky facts, prepare to explore Minnesota—one fascinating fact at a time!