Info For Minnesota Tourists

Before the French arrived in Minnesota, in the late 1600s, Indian tribes (Dakota) stayed here with stone houses and stone weapons. The French came and started trade with the Indians.

French people provided them the metal tools, weapons, ornaments, cloth and blankets and they claimed the lakes and woods of the north. The US Govt. needed more land and signed a treaty with Dakotas. After many such treaties with the Dakotas and Anishinabes, finally in 1858 Minnesota became the 32nd state of US. In 1862, when US govt. broke its promise, the Dakotas retorted and war was on with the new white settlers. People of both sides were killed in this six week war. The govt. then discarded most of the Dakotas from their respective lands.

Many who had stayed back still live in north Minnesota and are maintaining their cultural identities. People from all over the world started immigrating and by 1900, half the population of Minnesota was European origin and some Americans came here with the fur traders. In the 1920's many Mexicans workers also migrated into this area.

At a shipwreck site of 1905, The Split Rock Lighthouse was constructed in 1910 and very soon it became the land mark of Minnesota State. It is now rebuilt to its 1920 original appearance and is presenting a spectacular sight.

The oldest military fort of Minnesota is Historic Fort Snelling giving glimpse into the life of people in 1827. Many skits, military drills and weapon firings are organized here. At Pipestone National Monument all American Indians meet in peace because this place according to them is made up of their ancestor's bones. Pipestone quarries of Minnesota are also found here.

Mille Lacs Indian Museum depicts every thing about the musical Band, its story, history, videos, computers, listening stations and information about the Band's life to-day. Ancient people's sacred functions are exhibited at Jeffers Petroglyphs. It tells us everything about their sacred life, ceremonies and their relationship with animals. The glyphs are carved out depicting special things. Some of them tell their story as far as 5000 BC.

One of the world's largest theme parks is located here called the Mall of America. It is the largest complex in retail and entertainment, an indoor aquarium, imagination center and under water world and is in Bloomington. Attracting 1.5 million people annually, Minnesota State Fair is best in organizing the educational and agricultural entertainment events. This exposition is held for 12 days between downtown areas of St. Paul and Minneapolis.