Why I Love Living in Minnesota

Daily writing prompt
What do you love about where you live?
a shadow looking at the "1st" building in downtown St.Paul

Minnesota: Where Lakes, Wellness, and Big Ideas Meet

I’ve lived in Minnesota long enough to know two things for certain. We have more lakes than you can shake a paddle at. Our sports teams are destined to break our hearts every single year. And yet, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. There’s a magic here. A perfect blend of nature, community, and drive that makes this place feel like home in the truest sense.

Nature: The Land of 10,000 (and then some) Lakes

Let’s start with the obvious. Minnesota’s nickname isn’t an exaggeration—if anything, it’s an understatement. We’ve got lakes for days. Lake Superior alone is a masterpiece. In fact, it’s the only place I’ve ever seen the moon rise directly off the horizon. It was surreal under the starry sky.

In the Twin Cities, it’s easy to slip away from the buzz of the city. You can find yourself in a quiet patch of woods. You might also go jogging on a trail that wraps around the lake. That balance: nature and city living intertwined, is one of my favorite things. You can spend the afternoon paddleboarding and still make it to a new (or old) restaurant by dinner.

moon rise over Lake Superior under the summer starry sky.

Health & Wellness: A Way of Life

Minnesota isn’t just active, we’re intentionally active. There’s a huge yoga community here. There are endless trails for running and biking. There is a genuine cultural interest in taking care of ourselves. Is it because the Mayo Clinic resides here? Maybe. People here talk about proactive health like it’s just part of daily conversation, because it is. And I’m lucky enough to work at Life Time, a company that’s all about the Healthy Way of Life. It’s more than just a job. It’s a lifestyle that fits perfectly with the values I see all around me. Even in the middle of winter. Yes, winter here is a thing. People are still moving. The real ones still show up to sauna, ski, or bundle up for a long walk in the snow.

Innovation & Determination: Where Big Ideas Live

Minnesota is also quietly a hub of big ambition. We’ve got Fortune 500 companies. There is also a thriving tech startup scene. Our deep Nordic heritage shows up in our love for craftsmanship, design, and, of course, saunas. New businesses seem to pop up every week. From restaurants, to shops, creative ventures, each one adding to the flavor of the Twin Cities. The energy here is determined but not frantic. It’s a place where people genuinely want to build something lasting.

Home, in the Truest Sense

Minnesota holds space for everything I love. I cherish quiet mornings by the lake. I love the arts scene that rivals bigger cities. I experience the joy (and heartbreak) of cheering on our teams. There is always a drive to keep growing. It’s a place where I can move my body, feed my mind, and nourish my spirit.

I truly feel like I can thrive here. Minnesota gives me the space to be my best self and keeps offering more ways to grow.


photo of a winter night outside of Pantages
Pantages, RIP


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