Minnesota—where the lakes are plenty, the winters are long, and the people are friendly (sometimes a little too friendly). Whether you’re from the Twin Cities or a small town up north, if you check off most of these signs, you’re definitely a true Minnesotan. Let’s see how many of these feel like home to you!
You’ve had a conversation about the weather that lasted longer than any other topic.
In Minnesota, the weather isn’t just a topic—it’s an entire lifestyle. You’ve talked about the weather so much that you know the first thing to ask anyone in winter is, “How’s the wind chill today?”
You know that “Hotdish” is more than just a casserole—it’s an essential part of life.
You’ve got your favorite hotdish recipe, and you’re proud of it. Whether it’s tater tot hotdish, cheesy hamburger hotdish, or anything in between, you’ve shared this Midwestern comfort food at countless gatherings and know it’s the key to any successful potluck.
You’ve spent a summer day at a lake, and you’ve made sure to have a real “Minnesota goodbye.”
Lake life is a way of life, and you’ve spent at least one day on a boat or by the shore, soaking up the sun. And when it’s time to leave? You’ve done the “Minnesota goodbye,” which means saying goodbye four or five times before actually heading out.
You know that “The State Fair” is an event, not just a fair.
The Minnesota State Fair isn’t just a place for fried food and livestock—it’s a big deal. You’ve eaten a bucket of Sweet Martha’s cookies, walked through the cow barn, and maybe even seen a concert. The State Fair is practically a holiday, and you’ve taken it very seriously.
You’ve been told you have a “Minnesota Nice” personality—and you’re secretly proud of it.
Being friendly and polite is part of your DNA, even if you’ve secretly felt annoyed at some point. But when someone says you’re “Minnesota Nice,” you’ll nod and smile, because deep down, you know it’s a compliment.
You know that a “sledding hill” can be a big deal.
You’ve gone sledding down what felt like a mountain to you, but was probably just a small hill to someone from out of state. No matter what it was, you’ve spent hours on snow-filled hills, maybe even in sub-zero temperatures, proving how tough you really are.
You’ve been to a “rummage sale” and you found a treasure you didn’t know you needed.
Minnesotans don’t just shop—they rummage. Whether it’s in a neighbor’s garage or a huge community event, you’ve spent hours at a rummage sale, digging through old clothes, antiques, and random stuff, finding things that you totally can’t live without.
You’ve had a “hotdish debate” with someone and stood your ground on your recipe.
Hotdish is serious business, and everyone has their own “proper” way to make it. You’ve likely had a passionate debate about the right ingredients, and you know exactly where you stand on the classic tater tot vs. mashed potato topping debate.
You know that “Uff Da” isn’t just something funny—it’s a way to express exhaustion, surprise, or anything in between.
Whether you’re shocked, tired, or just exasperated, “Uff Da” is your go-to phrase. You know that one word can say it all, and you’ve probably said it more times than you care to admit.
You’ve braved the Minnesota winter—and you’ve survived (with layers).
The winters are long, but you’ve got a closet full of gear to handle it all. You’ve donned your warmest boots, hats, and coats, and somehow, managed to still get out of the house despite the snowbanks that reach above your head. You’ve survived the cold—and probably learned to love it a little.
You know that “pop” is the only right word for soda.
You’ve corrected someone from out of state when they say “soda,” because in Minnesota, it’s always “pop.” You’ve also defended this in multiple conversations, and you know it’s a point of pride for anyone who’s grown up here.
You’ve spent time in the Boundary Waters—and you’d go back again in a heartbeat.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is sacred to Minnesotans, and you’ve probably spent at least one summer camping or canoeing in its serene lakes and forests. The isolation, the peace, and the beauty of the place is something that sticks with you forever.
If you’re nodding along to these signs, it’s clear—you’re a true Minnesotan! Whether it’s the weather, the hotdish, or just the unshakable pride in your state, there’s nothing quite like being from Minnesota. So, the next time someone asks where you’re from, throw in a smile and proudly say, “Minnesota”—and maybe even offer them a hotdish while you’re at it!
