Where is Minnesota Located in the United States?

Minnesota is located in the Upper Midwest region of the United States and is known for its vast natural beauty, including lakes, forests, and prairies. Often referred to as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota is rich in both cultural history and natural resources. The state borders Canada to the north and four U.S. states, and its diverse geography includes the headwaters of the Mississippi River and the stunning North Shore of Lake Superior.

State Facts:

• State Name: Minnesota
• Postal Abbreviation: MN
• Population: Approximately 5.7 million
• Area: 86,936 square miles
• Capital: St. Paul
• Largest City: Minneapolis
• Statehood Year: 1858 (32nd state to join the Union)
• Time Zones: Central Time Zone

Bordering States

North Dakota

To the west, Minnesota shares a 434-mile border with North Dakota. The border is largely defined by the Red River of the North, which flows northward toward Canada. This river valley forms a key agricultural region, and both states share economic ties, particularly in farming. The flat plains of this region offer a stark contrast to Minnesota’s forested areas to the east. While North Dakota is sparsely populated, its proximity to Minnesota’s more populated regions encourages trade and transportation links, particularly through Interstate 94, which connects Fargo and Minneapolis-St. Paul.

South Dakota

South Dakota lies to the southwest of Minnesota, with a 457-mile border defined by rolling prairies. The two states share a primarily rural landscape, with farming and ranching playing important roles in their economies. Interstate 90 connects the two states, facilitating trade and travel. Despite the rural nature of the border region, there are cultural and economic connections between South Dakota and Minnesota, particularly in agriculture and transportation.

Iowa

Iowa forms the southern border of Minnesota, with the two states sharing a 260-mile boundary. The border region is predominantly agricultural, with corn and soybeans being the primary crops in both states. Interstate 35, a major north-south corridor, links the Twin Cities in Minnesota with Des Moines in Iowa, promoting economic and transportation ties. The cultural overlap between the two states is strong, particularly in rural areas where farming communities share common traditions and industries.

Wisconsin

To the east, Minnesota shares a 332-mile border with Wisconsin. This boundary follows natural features like the St. Croix River and Mississippi River. Wisconsin and Minnesota have significant cultural and economic exchanges, particularly through the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, which spills over into western Wisconsin. The two states share a love of outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, and hiking, with the Mississippi River providing both recreation and transportation.

Michigan (Water Border)

Minnesota shares a unique water boundary with Michigan in Lake Superior. This northeastern region is known for its rugged coastline and stunning natural beauty. While there is no land border, the two states are connected via the shipping lanes of the Great Lakes, making the area an important hub for maritime transport and tourism.

GPS Coordinates

Minnesota’s geographic position in the Upper Midwest is identifiable by its central GPS coordinates.

The central coordinates of Minnesota are approximately 46.7296° N latitude and 94.6859° W longitude. These coordinates place Minnesota in the heart of North America, bordering Canada to the north and Lake Superior to the northeast. Minnesota’s location results in a varied climate, with cold winters and warm summers, particularly in its more temperate southern regions.

Northern Minnesota reaches up to 49.0° N latitude, where it shares a border with the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario. This far northern location is home to the Northwest Angle, a unique geographic anomaly that is the northernmost point in the contiguous United States. The area is remote and accessible by water or through Canada.

Minnesota’s southern regions, near the Iowa border, fall closer to 43.5° N latitude, where the landscape transitions from forested areas to rolling prairies. This southern latitude, while still experiencing harsh winters, generally enjoys a slightly warmer climate compared to the north.

On the longitudinal scale, Minnesota spans from approximately 97.2° W longitude in its westernmost areas near the North Dakota border to 89.5° W longitude on the eastern shores of Lake Superior. The state’s western regions, closer to North Dakota and South Dakota, are dominated by prairie landscapes, while the eastern areas near Wisconsin and Lake Superior are more forested and feature rugged terrain.

Levels of Elevation

Minnesota’s elevation varies from low-lying areas near rivers to higher elevations in the northern and northeastern parts of the state.

The highest point in Minnesota is Eagle Mountain, located in the northeastern part of the state within the Superior National Forest. Eagle Mountain rises to an elevation of 2,301 feet above sea level and is part of the Sawtooth Mountains near the North Shore of Lake Superior. The area is popular for hiking, offering stunning views of Minnesota’s rugged wilderness.

The lowest point in Minnesota is 601 feet above sea level, located at the surface of Lake Superior, which borders Minnesota’s northeastern edge. Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake by surface area in the world and plays a crucial role in the state’s geography and economy.

Most of Minnesota’s central and southern regions have relatively low elevations, ranging between 600 and 1,000 feet above sea level. These areas consist of flat plains and rolling hills, which are ideal for agriculture, particularly in the Red River Valley and southern prairies.

Most Extreme Points

Minnesota’s most extreme points stretch from the remote northern forests to its farmlands and lakes in the south and east.

• Easternmost Point: The easternmost point of Minnesota is found near Grand Portage on the shores of Lake Superior. This region, close to the Canadian border, is known for its rugged, forested landscapes and its proximity to Grand Portage National Monument, a historic site important to the fur trade.
• Westernmost Point: Minnesota’s westernmost point is located near the town of West Fargo in Clay County, along the North Dakota border. This area is part of the Red River Valley, a flat and fertile region critical for agriculture. The Red River forms the boundary here, making this an important agricultural hub for both Minnesota and North Dakota.
• Southernmost Point: Minnesota’s southernmost point lies near the town of Iowa Lake in Freeborn County, along the Iowa border. This region is predominantly rural, with vast expanses of farmland that stretch across the southern plains. It is part of Minnesota’s important agricultural belt.
• Northernmost Point: The northernmost point of Minnesota is in the Northwest Angle, an isolated area of Lake of the Woods County. This unique area is only accessible via Canada or by boat and is the northernmost point of the contiguous United States. The Northwest Angle is known for its remoteness, pristine wilderness, and excellent fishing spots.

These extreme points highlight Minnesota’s geographical diversity, from the forests of the north to the fertile prairies of the south and the Great Lakes’ shoreline to the east.

Major Mountains

Minnesota is not widely known for towering mountain ranges, but it does have several notable highlands, particularly in the northeastern part of the state near Lake Superior.

The most significant mountain is Eagle Mountain, the highest point in the state, located in the Sawtooth Mountains in northeastern Minnesota. Eagle Mountain, at 2,301 feet, is part of the Superior National Forest and offers scenic views and rugged trails for hikers. Its proximity to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Sawtooth Mountains themselves are a small range that runs along the North Shore of Lake Superior. These mountains rise dramatically from the lake and offer some of the most scenic vistas in the state. Popular spots within the Sawtooth Range include Palisade Head and Shovel Point, which are known for their cliffs and rocky outcrops that tower above the lake.

In addition to these northeastern ranges, the Misquah Hills are another notable highland area. They are located within the Superior National Forest, with several peaks exceeding 2,000 feet, including Carlton Peak. This region is characterized by dense forests and rugged, rocky terrain, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.

These highlands and peaks, while modest compared to mountain ranges in other parts of the country, provide a distinctive natural beauty to Minnesota’s landscape.

Major Rivers and Lakes

Minnesota’s nickname, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” is a testament to its abundant water resources, with numerous major rivers and lakes defining its geography.

The most famous river in Minnesota is the Mississippi River, which begins at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota. The Mississippi is one of the longest rivers in the world, flowing over 2,300 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. In Minnesota, the river travels through important cities like St. Paul and Minneapolis, providing crucial water resources and transportation routes.

Another significant river is the Minnesota River, which runs from Big Stone Lake on the South Dakota border and flows southeast to meet the Mississippi River near the Twin Cities. The Minnesota River Valley is a fertile agricultural region, contributing significantly to the state’s economy.

Minnesota is also home to the Red River of the North, which forms part of the western border with North Dakota. This river flows northward into Canada and eventually empties into Lake Winnipeg. The Red River Valley is one of the richest agricultural regions in the world, known for its wheat, sugar beets, and other crops.

In terms of lakes, Lake Superior dominates the northeastern part of the state. It is the largest of the Great Lakes and a major shipping route. Inland, Mille Lacs Lake and Lake Minnetonka are among the most popular for recreation, offering boating, fishing, and swimming.

These rivers and lakes not only define Minnesota’s physical geography but also play vital roles in its economy, providing transportation, recreation, and resources for agriculture.