The Walker Art Center, easily recognizable on the landscape and on the lists of best galleries in America, was the work of Thomas Barlow Walker. This multimillionaire lumber and railroad icon was a true rags to riches story - and he never forgot it. His work with the city to create a free public library was soon followed by his desire for a free public art gallery. Today, the Walker Art Center charges admission - but there is still a second, secret (and FREE!) Walker Art Gallery. Do you know where it is?

There’s an island just across the Mississippi river from downtown Saint Paul called Harriet Island. Well, at least it used to be an island, but its back channel was filled in years ago. Minnesotans don’t talk much about the island’s namesake, Harriet Bishop, very often and that’s probably because she was a bit of an uptight %$#@*. She was an east coast snob, a school marm, a tee-totaler, a bible beating baptist and a racist. So how on earth did she get an island named after her? 

Did you know one of the most tearjerking moments in Kentucky Derby history has a Minnesota connection? One of the most successful horse breeders in Kentucky Derby history lived in Minnesota. In 1990, her horse - Unbridled - AND her reaction to the race - made history.

If you’ve ever visited the 4th floor at the Minneapolis Central library, you’ve noticed this giant arched doorway. Behind that door is the Special Collections reading room - which is very special. It contains the collection from the Minneapolis Athenaeum - the first reading library in the state of Minnesota. 

Minnesota is widely known for its distinctly Scandinavian flair. Even before becoming a state, Finns, Norwegians and Swedes have been lured here and have thrived in its similar climate and landscape. But BEFORE Ole and Lena and all their brethren (don’cha know) made their mark, French names like Jean-Baptiste et Marie were much more common.

There has been a lot of kerfuffle about the naming and renaming of the lake formerly known as Lake Calhoun. The 2018 debate over renaming brought Calhoun’s mostly forgotten life back into the limelight and his racist and treasonous beliefs uncovered. While the naming of Lake Calhoun was probably an innocent oversight, the lesser-known naming of a village on its shores was perhaps an exquisite act of pettiness and part of a scandal that rocked the White House. 

Do you know the University of Minnesota’s school song? Great!  Then you also know the Minnesota State Song!

This is what it looks like when a historic home is thoughtfully preserved, supported by their community and adapted by talented designers and business owners. 

The Minnesota State Legislature has announced plans to look into a redesign of the State Flag during the 2023 session. Before you jump to any conclusions,  lets make sure you know the whole story about how it was designed in the first place.

Klondike Kate,  the most musical of the Winter Carnival royal family, is known for her boisterous laugh and her warm heart. She teases with a joke, but comforts with a smile. She’s a woman of two minds: one to get the party started and one to make you feel at home. Why is she such a study in contrasts? Perhaps because she is based on not just one real life woman, but two. 

If you’re familiar with the Winter Carnival lore, it might surprise you how much it has changed over 137 years.  If you’re NOT familiar with it, you might be surprised and how violent it started out. But NO ONE is surprised that it all started with a little bit of Minnesota Nice.