The history of Minnesota tells the tale of the first fur-traders arriving in Two Harbors, Minnesota in 1660 who discovered that the Native American tribes of the Chippewa and the Sioux had inhabited the area for some time. Around this time fur traders carrying hundreds of pounds of animal pelts discovered what is now known as Voyageurs National Park. The entire Lake Superior region was claimed in the name of France in 1679.

In Minnesota history, the land that was to the west of the Mississippi River was handed over to Spain circa 1760. France continued with its successful fur trading in the region where hunting was excellent. At the end of the Indian and French war, circa 1765, Britain was in control of Minnesota's eastern region.

The well-known Fort Snelling in St Paul, adjacent to Minneapolis, was constructed in 1825 at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. Fort Snelling was a big part of the development of the Northwest. Today it's surrounded by a metropolis but the history about Minnesota shows it was once staged alone in the wilderness.

Fort Snelling was a military outpost. In Minnesota history the outposts were there to ensure that non-citizens couldn't use the rivers for any commercial reasons. Later in Minnesota history treaties were created making foreigners less of a problem. Fort Snelling became a prosperous area that was eventually settled as the Twin Cities and Stillwater.

After ownership by many different territories, Minnesota officially became its own territory on March 3, 1849. Visitors can learn many more details at the Minnesota History Center. In the history of Minnesota the boundaries that existed in the late 1800s are almost identical to those that exist today. History about Minnesota explains how the Native Americans that lived in the region traded their land for food. The food was delivered to the isolated reservations where they lived, and often suffered without meals.

On May 11, 1858, highlighted in the history about Minnesota, the area was inaugurated as the 32nd state in the USA with St Paul as the capital. Two years later in Minnesota history the Civil War broke out. Due to the war consuming the Minnesotans, hostile and resentful Native Indians joined the war against the people of Minnesota due to their lack of food.

History about Minnesota shows that there was a wealth of industrial development occurring in the later 1800s. Minneapolis became a leader in flour milling. Railroads were further developed making transportation more accessible to the masses and for trading. Thousands of European immigrants began arriving in droves looking for new land to settle their families in. Newly discovered iron ore resources were shipped to the Vermillion Range. Today this area encompasses Lake Vermillion, one of the most popular outdoor regions in Minnesota. Kayaking, canoeing, excellent fishing and many water-based sports are all possible.

Around this time in the history of Minnesota the Mayo Clinic had begun development in Duluth. Today the clinic is one of the world leaders in medical research. After WW1 many industries which suffered from the Great Depression began expanding and included machinery, computers and electronic equipment.

Today visitors can learn about all aspects of state history at the Minnesota History Center in St Paul. Minnesota's past can be explored through exhibits and interactive displays available. The Minnesota History Center also features many historical events and interesting presentations. Other great attractions in the Twin Cities area include the Science Museum of Minnesota, the U.S. Bank Stadium and the Minnehaha Falls.