Regions of Minnesota
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The U.S. state of Minnesota can be divided into regions in a variety of ways.
- Politically, it contains eight congressional districts.
- Climatologically, the state varies considerably from the far north, near Canada and Lake Superior to the south, where fertile farm land borders Iowa, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
- Demographically, population density varies from less than 4 persons per square mile in the least developed areas to nearly 7,000 persons per square mile in Minneapolis.
- Geologically, variations exist due to ice cover during the last Ice Age.
- Culturally and economically, areas of the state vary with respect to industry, predominate professions, and urbanization.
The regions discussed here have combined elements from several of these various criteria to divide the state into areas recognized by the typical Minnesotan. Disagreements concerning the exact boundaries are to be expected, however the exact boundary definitions are not necessary to adequately define the state's regions.
- The Northwest Angle is that portion of Minnesota north of the 49th parallel Latitude line.
- The Iron Range is characterized by high concentrations of taconite and iron. The area is dotted by iron mines and populated by iron-industry workers. The North Shore, Arrowhead Region and the Boundary Waters are within the Iron Range.
- The Twin Cities Metropolitan area includes 13 counties, two of which are in Wisconsin. It is a socio-economic area driven by the twin cities of Minneapolis and the state capital, St. Paul.
- Although no specific boundaries of the region exist, most definitions of what makes up Central Minnesota would generally consist of the vast swath of land north of Interstate 94, east of U.S. Highway 59, south of U.S. Highway 2, and west of U.S. Highway 169.[citation needed]
- Southeast Minnesota includes the scenic Mississippi Valley to the Whitewater River and Root River in the Coulee Region or Driftless Area.
- The Buffalo Ridge is defined by a geological formation, characterized by higher elevation and high average wind speed, providing opportunities for commercially viable wind power. The area also includes the Pipestone Region.
- The Red River Valley is a term the U.S. government uses to generally describe the sections of northeastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota which the U.S. secured title to following the Anglo-American Convention of 1818.
- The Minnesota River Valley follows the state's namesake, a fertile agricultural area, running from the South Dakota border to its junction with the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities.
- "Northern Minnesota" is a broader title that includes several regions, and can be defined as any area within the 218 telephone area code.
