List of people from Minnesota

This is a list of notable persons who were born or spent important time in the state of Minnesota. People not born in Minnesota are marked with §.

A

• Johan Arnd Aasgaard (1876–1966) – President of Concordia College, President of the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America
• Barkhad Abdi (born 1985) - actor
• Walter Abel (1898–1987) – actor
• Martin Abern § (1898–1949) – Trotskyist politician
• Amy Adams §- actress (neither born nor educated in Minnesota—she was born in Italy and educated in Colorado)
• Charles Edward Adams – 25th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Anthony Adducci § (1937–2006) – builder of the first lithium-battery powered pacemaker
• Peter Agre (born 1949) – Nobel Prize winner
• Faysal Ahmed (born 1985) - actor
• Walden L. Ainsworth (1886–1960) – Admiral of the United States Navy
• Eddie Albert § (1906–2005) – actor, gardener and humanitarian activist
• Frank Albertson (1909–1964) – actor
• Grady Alderman § (born 1938) – Minnesota Vikings football player
• Cole Aldrich (born 1988) – Houston Rockets basketball player
• Cyrus Aldrich § (1808–1871) – member of U.S. Congress
• John G. Alexander § (1893–1971) – member of U.S. Congress
• Brother Ali (Ali Newman) § – hip-hop artist
• Bob Allison § (1934–1995) – Minnesota Twins baseball player
• A. A. Ames § (1842–1911) – politician
• Herman Carl Andersen § (1897–1978) – member of U.S. Congress
• Alan Anderson (born 1982) – basketball player
• Brad Anderson (born 1969) – wrestler
• Clyde Elmer Anderson (1912–1998) – 28th Governor of Minnesota; 30th and 33rd Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Dan Anderson (1920–2003) – psychologist
• Elmer L. Andersen § (1909–2004) – 30th Governor of Minnesota, businessman, philanthropist
• Eugenie Anderson (1909–1997) – U.S. Ambassador to Denmark and Bulgaria; first woman appointed U.S. ambassador
• G. Barry Anderson – judge
• Gene Anderson (1933–1991) – wrestler
• Larry Anderson (born 1952) – actor
• Gary Anderson § (born 1959) – Minnesota Vikings football player
• Liz Anderson (born 1930) – songwriter
• Loni Anderson (born 1945) – television actor (WKRP in Cincinnati), former wife of Burt Reynolds.
• Louie Anderson (born 1953) – comedian, television personality (Life with Louie, Family Feud)
• Marc Anderson – Percussionist
• Morten Andersen § (born 1960) – Minnesota Vikings football player
• Ole Anderson (born 1942) – wrestler
• Patricia Anderson (born 1966) – politician, business owner, 17th state auditor
• Paul H. Anderson – judge
• Richard Dean Anderson (born 1950) – television actor (MacGyver, Stargate SG-1)
• Russell A. Anderson (born 1942) – judge
• Sydney Anderson (1881–1948) – member of U.S. Congress
• Wendell Anderson (born 1933) – 33rd Governor of Minnesota; U.S. Senator
• August H. Andresen § (1890–1958) – member of the U.S. Congress
• Patty Andrews (born 1918) – lead singer of 1940's sister act The Andrews Sisters
• Maxene Andrews (1916–1995) – soprano singer of The Andrews Sisters singing act
• LaVerne Andrews (1911–1967) – contralto singer of The Andrews Sisters
• Christopher Columbus Andrews § (1829–1922) – soldier, diplomat, and author
• Ernest Angelo, Jr. (born 1934) - Texas oilman and Republican politician
• Kofi Annan § (born 1938) – outgoing Secretary-General of the United Nations
• James Anton – bass guitarist
• Henry M. Arens § (1873–1963) – member of U.S. Congress; 26th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Richard Arlen (1899–1976) - American actor
• Thomas H. Armstrong § (1826–1891) – banker, lawyer, legislator, 5th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Dave Arneson (born 1955) – game designer, co-creator of D&D
• James Arness (born 1923) – television actor (Gunsmoke)
• Dorothy Arnold (Olson) (1917–1984) – film actress and the first wife of baseball star Joe DiMaggio
• Jeanne Arth – tennis player
• Antoine Auguelle § – Explorer
• Horace Austin § (1831–1905) – 6th Governor of Minnesota
• Hy Averback (1920–1997) – director, producer, actor, and production manager
• John T. Averill § (1825–1889) – member of U.S. Congress
• Lew Ayres (1908–1996) – actor

B

• Tim M. Babcock (born 1919) – politician
• Michele Bachmann § (born 1956) – politician
• David Backes (born 1984) – hockey player
• Tim Bagley (born 1957) - character actor, Strip Mall, Will & Grace
• Bill Baker (born 1956) – hockey player
• Jim Bakker § (born 1939) – televangelist
• Melvin Baldwin § (1838–1901) – member of U.S. Congress
• Joseph H. Ball (1905–1993) – U.S. Senator
• Keith Ballard (born 1982) – hockey player for the Vancouver Canucks
• Ann Bancroft (born 1955) – polar explorer, first female to reach both the North and South Poles
• Dominique Barber (born 1986) – Houston Texans football player
• Marion Barber III (born 1983) – Dallas Cowboys football player
• Dean Barkley (born 1950) – U.S. Senator
• Lynsey Bartilson (born 1983) – actor
• Alphonso Barto – 7th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Carol Bartz (born 1948) – President and CEO of Yahoo!
• Earl Battey § (1935–2003) – Minnesota Twins baseball player
• Elgin Baylor § (born 1934) – former basketball player
• Brian Baumgartner - actor and comedian; former artistic director at the Hidden Theatre in Minneapolis
• Charles Baxter (born 1947) – author
• Tracy Beckman (born 1945) – government official, politician, business owner and manager
• James Bede § (1856–1942) – member of U.S. Congress
• Nicholas Joseph Begich (1932–1972) – politician
• Troy Bell (born 1980) – basketball player
• Clyde Bellecourt (born 1936) – Native American civil rights organizer
• Sharon Sayles Belton (born 1951) – first African-American mayor of Minneapolis
• Chief Bender (1884–1954) – Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher
• Dorothy Benham (born 1955) - Miss America 1977
• Paris Bennett § (born 1988) – singer
• Tony Benshoof (born 1975) – luger, Olympian
• Elmer Austin Benson (1895–1985) – 24th Governor of Minnesota; U.S. Senator
• Joanne Benson (born 1943) – 44th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• William Benton (1900–1973) – U.S. Senator
• Juan Berenguer § (born 1954) – Minnesota Twins baseball player
• Patty Berg (1918–2006) – golfer, founding member of LPGA
• Robert Bergland (born 1928) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture; member of U.S. Congress
• Tim Bergland (born 1965) – hockey-player
• Jason Behr (born 1973) – actor
• John Bernard § (1893–1983) – member of U.S. Congress
• Philip Berrigan (1923–2002) – peace activist, Christian anarchist, and Roman Catholic priest
• Bill Berry (born 1958) – R.E.M. drummer
• Jessica Biel (born 1982) – actor (7th Heaven)
• Bernie Bierman § (1894–1977) – college football coach
• Big Eagle (c. 1827–1906) – leader of a band of Mdewakanton Sioux Indians
• John Binkowski (born 1979) – politician
• Matt Birk (born 1976) – Baltimore Ravens football player
• Harry Blackmun § (1908–1999) – Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
• Matt Blair § (born 1950) – Minnesota Vikings football player
• Jason Blake (born 1973) – hockey player for the Anaheim Ducks
• John Blatnik (1911–1991) – member of the U.S. Congress
• Jerome Blatz – politician
• Kathleen A. Blatz (born 1954) – judge and politician
• Theodore C. Blegen, ( 1891–1969) – historian and author.
• Josh Blue § (born 1978) – comedian
• Carol Bly – short story writer
• Bert Blyleven § (born 1951) – Minnesota Twins baseball player
• Eduard Bøckmann (1849–1927), ophthalmologist, physician and inventor
• Haldor Boen § (1846–1936) – member of U.S. Congress
• Roman Bohnen (1901–1949) – actor
• Greg Boll (born 1960) – politician, activist
• Brian Bonin (born 1973) – hockey player
• Jeremy Borash (born 1977) – wrestling announcer
• Madeleine Bordallo (born 1933) – politician
• Lorraine Borg (1923–2006) – All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player
• Rudy Boschwitz § (born 1930) – U.S. Senator
• Lyman Bostock § (1950–1978) – baseball player
• Norman Borlaug (born 1914) – agricultural scientist, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize
• Todd Bouman (born 1972) – quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars
• Lloyd Wheaton Bowers § (1859–1910) – Solicitor General
• Gregory A. Boyd (born 1957) – pastor, theologian, author
• Marlon Brando - actor; attended Shattuck-St. Mary's in Faribault, MN
• Joe Brinkman (born 1944) – umpire
• Ivar Brogger (born 1947) – actor, The Bold and the Beautiful and Invasion
• Herb Brooks (1937–2003) – 1980 Olympics ice hockey coach, Minnesota Golden Gophers coach, Minnesota North Stars coach
• Neal Broten (born 1959) – Minnesota North Stars ice-hockey player
• Jim Brower (born 1972) – baseball player
• Aaron Brown (born 1948) – broadcast journalist
• Bill Brown § (born 1938) – Minnesota Vikings football player
• Brianna Brown (born 1979) – actress
• Joey Browner § (born 1960) – football player
• Brownmark (Brown Mark or Mark Brown) (born 1962) – musician and producer
• Bob Bruer § (born 1953) – football player and coach
• Tom Brunansky § (born 1960) – Minnesota Twins baseball player
• Bobby Bryant § (born 1944) – Minnesota Vikings football player
• Rich T. Buckler § (1865–1950) – member of U.S. Congress
• Clarence Buckman § (1851–1917) – member of U.S. Congress
• Warren E. Burger (1907–1995) – Chief Justice of the United States
• Michael C. Burgess (born 1950) – physician and politician
• Tom Burgmeier (born 1943) – baseball player
• Joseph A. A. Burnquist § (1879–1961) – 19th Governor of Minnesota; 20th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Jerry Burns (born 1927) – Minnesota Vikings football coach
• Tom Burnett (1963–2001) – passenger on United Airlines Flight 93
• Pierce Butler (1866–1939) – Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
• Dominique Byrd (born 1984) – football player for the Arizona Cardinals
• Thomas R. Byrne – politician

C

• Melvin Calvin (1911–1997) – Nobel Prize winner
• Karlyn Kohrs Campbell (born 1937) – academic
• Gino Cappelletti (born 1934) - former collegiate, AFL and NFL wide receiver
• Rod Carew § (born 1945) – Minnesota Twins baseball player
• Ron Carey – politician
• Arne Carlson § (born 1934) – 37th Governor of Minnesota
• Bruce A. Carlson (born 1971) – Commander, Air Force Materiel Command
• Casey Carlson (1989–Present) – Semi-Finalist of American Idol Season 8
• Curt Carlson (1914–1999) – businessperson (Carlson Companies, Radisson Hotels)
• Gretchen Carlson – beauty queen, anchor
• John Carlson (born 1984) – tight end for the Seattle Seahawks
• Kelly Carlson (born 1976) – actor
• Kyle and Lane Carlson (born 1978) – models
• Richard Carlson (1912–1977) – actor
• Herb Carneal (1923–2007) – Minnesota Twins baseball announcer
• David Carr (born 1956) – NY Times Writer
• William Leighton Carss § (1865–1931) – member of U.S. Congress
• Anthony Carter § (born 1975) – Minnesota Timberwolves basketball player
• Kiki Carter (Kimberli Wilson) § (born 1957) Environmental activist, organizer, musician, songwriter, and columnist
• Ryan Carter (born 1983) – hockey player for the New Jersey Devils
• Jonathan Carver § (1710–1780) explorer
• Bob Casey (1925–2004) Minnesota Twins public-address announcer
• Patrick Casey (born 1978) – writer and actor
• Dave Casper (born 1951) – Hall of Fame NFL offensive lineman and tight end, primarily with the Oakland Raiders
• James Castle § (1836–1903) – member of U.S. Congress
• Tracy Caulkins (born 1963) – swimmer
• James M. Cavanaugh § (1823–1879) – member of U.S. Congress
• Chelsea Charms (born 1976) – model
• Sam Childers § (born 1962) – former gang biker, founder of Angels of East Africa located in Sudan
• Leeann Chin – founder of the Leeann Chin Chinese restaurant chain^[1]
• Tom Chorske (born 1966) – hockey player
• Chief Chouneau (William Cadreau) (1888–1946) – baseball player
• Victor Christgau (1894–1991) – member of U.S. Congress
• Theodore Christianson (1883–1948) – 21st Governor of Minnesota; member of U.S. Congress
• Charles A. Christopherson (1871–1951) – politician
• Nick Ciola (Dominic Ciola or Caesar) – musician
• Moses E. Clapp (1851–1929) – U.S. Senator
• Frank Clague § (1865–1952) – member of U.S. Congress
• Harlan Cleveland (1918–2008) Club of Rome member, founding dean for H. H. Humphrey Institute, politician
• Elizabeth Close (1912–2011) – pioneering female architect in Minneapolis
• David Marston Clough § (1846–1924) – 13th Governor of Minnesota; 12th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Ben Clymer (born 1978) hockey player
• Diablo Cody § (born 1978) – writer
• Ethan Coen (born 1957) – screenwriter, director, producer
• Joel Coen (born 1954) – screenwriter, director, producer
• William Colby (1920–1996) – director of the CIA
• Chris Coleman (born 1961) – politician
• Nick Coleman (born 1950) – columnist
• Nick Coleman (1925–1981) – politician
• Norm Coleman § (born 1949) – U.S. Senator, Mayor of Saint Paul
• Louis L. Collins – 23rd Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Mo Collins (born 1965) – comedic actor
• Solomon Comstock § (1842–1933) – member of the U.S. Congress
• Chester Adgate Congdon § (1853–1916) – lawyer and capitalist
• George Contant (1864 - date of death unknown) - train robber; later lectured against crime
• Rachael Leigh Cook (born 1979) – actor, model
• Roger Cooper (born 1944) – teacher, politician
• Marisa Coughlan (born 1974) – model and actor
• Gratia Countryman (1866–1953) – influential librarian
• Christopher Cox (born 1952) – Chairman of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. representative
• Fred Cox – Minnesota Vikings football player, inventor of Nerf football
• Brian Coyle (1944–1991) – openly gay politician
• Seymour Cray § (1925–1996) – founder Cray Research, supercomputer architect, inventor
• Joseph Crétin § (1799–1857) – first Roman Catholic bishop of Saint Paul
• David Crittenden § (born 1960) classical guitarist
• Daunte Culpepper § (born 1977) – former Minnesota Vikings football player
• Randall Cunningham § (born 1963) – former Minnesota Vikings football player
• Robert E. Cushman, Jr. (1914–1985) – Commandant of the Marine Corps

D

• Arlene Dahl (born 1923) – actor
• Nicole, Erica and Jaclyn Dahm (born 1977) – models
• Cathee Dahmen (born 1946) – supermodel in the 1960s and 1970s
• Shawn Daivari (born 1984) – wrestler
• Ian Anthony Dale (born 1978) – actor
• Sean Daley (born 1972) – Hip Hop Artist
• Wayne Dalglish (born 1990) – actor, The O.C.
• Teresa Daly (born 1956) – politician
• Billy Dankert – singer, songwriter, drummer
• Barry Darsow (born 1959) wrestler
• Charles Russell Davis § (1849–1930) – member of U.S. Congress
• Cushman Davis (1838–1900) – 7th Governor of Minnesota; U.S. Senator
• Ike Davis (born 1987) – first baseman for the New York Mets
• Joan Davis (1907–1961) - comedic actress
• Stuart Davis § (born 1971) – musician and songwriter
• Frank A. Day – 13th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Morris Day (born 1957) – musician and composer
• George Dayton (1857–1938) – banker, businessperson
• Mark Dayton (born 1947) – former U.S. Senator, 40th Governor of Minnesota
• Julia Dean (1878–1952) – actress
• Gary DeCramer (born 1944) – politician, educator
• Midge Decter (born 1927) – neoconservative journalist
• Marguerite De La Motte (1902–1950) – silent film actress
• William Demarest (1892–1983) – film and television actor
• Dr. Demento (born 1941) radio personality (aka Barret Eugene Hansen)
• Carol Dempster (1901–1991) – actor
• Tony Denman (born 1979) – actor
• John Denver § - musician; lived in Edina, MN from 1968-1971
• Jessica Dereschuk (born 1982) – 2004 Miss Minnesota
• Edward Devitt (1911–1992) – member of U.S. Congress
• Kate DiCamillo (born 1964) – children's author
• Dez Dickerson (born 1955) – guitarist and singer
• Gordon R. Dickson (1923–2001) – author
• Alan Dinehart (1889–1944) – actor
• Richard Dix (1893–1949) – actor
• Gil Dobie (1879–1948) – college football coach
• Farrell Dobbs (1907–1983) – Trotskyist politician, trade unionist
• Tod Dockstader (born 1932) – composer of electronic music
• Pete Docter (born 1968) – director, writer, animator, Up, WALL-E, Monsters, Inc.
• William Dodd – historian, American ambassador to Nazi Germany
• Chris Doleman (born 1961) – Minnesota Vikings football player
• Ignatius L. Donnelly (1831–1901) – member of U.S. Congress, 2nd Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota, author
• Frank Doran – politician
• Kelly Doran (born 1957) – businessperson
• Michael Doran § (1827–1915) – politician
• Joanne Dorian (born 1942) – actress, One Life to Live
• Marjory Stoneman Douglas (1890–1998) – Journalist, writer, feminist, and environmentalist
• William O. Douglas (1898–1980) – Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
• Jeffrey Douma – choir director
• Julia Duffy (born 1951) – comedic actor
• John Lewis Dyer (1812-1901) - pioneering Methodist circuit rider; left Minnesota in 1861 for Colorado
• Daniel Greysolon, Sieur du Lhut § (1639–1710) – French explorer
• Ryan Dungey- (born 1989)famous supercross and motorcross racer
• Mark H. Dunnell § (1823–1904) – member of the U.S. Congress
• David Durenberger (born 1934) – U.S. Senator
• Richard Dworsky (born 1953) – pianist /composer
• Sally Dworsky – singer, songwriter
• Bob Dylan (born 1941) – singer-songwriter, musician, poet
• Joanell Dyrstad (born 1942) – 43rd Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota

E

• Patrick Eaves § (born 1984) – professional hockey-player
• Charles Eastman § (1858–1939) – Dakota writer, doctor, lobbyist, co-founder of boy scouts
• Adolph Olson Eberhart § (1870–1944) – 17th Governor of Minnesota; 17th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Richard Eberhart (1904–2005) – poet
• Tony Eckstein (1923–2009) – politician, veterinarian, veteran
• Frank Eddy (1856–1929) – member of U.S. Congress
• Linda Eder § (born 1961) – Broadway star and recording artist
• Alonzo J. Edgerton § (1827–1896) – U.S. Senator
• Jim Eisenreich (born 1959) – Minnesota Twins player
• Christian Elder (born 1968) – stock-car driver
• Kimberly Elise (born 1967) – actor
• David Ellefson (born 1964) – musician
• Paul Ellering (born 1953) – wrestler
• Carl Eller § (born 1942) – Minnesota Vikings football player
• Keith Maurice Ellison § (born 1963) – politician
• Franklin Ellsworth (1879–1942) – member of U.S. Congress
• Gil Elvgren (1914–1980) – American pin-up artist
• LaFayette Emmett – politician
• Jonette Engan (born 1951) – politician, activist
• Siri Engberg, curator of visual arts, Walker Art Center
• Ralph Engelstad (1930–2002) – businessperson
• Leif Enger – author
• Elmer William Engstrom (1901–1984) – engineer
• Fred Enke (1897–1985) – college basketball coach
• Mike Enos (born 1963) – wrestler
• Eric Enstrom – photographer
• Matt Entenza (born 1960) – politician, former gubernatorial candidate
• Arlen Erdahl (born 1931) – member of the U.S. Congress
• Louise Erdrich (born 1954) – novelist, poet, children's author
• Bryan Erickson (born 1960) – hockey player.
• Ethan Erickson (born 1973) – actor, Fashion House
• Scott Erickson (born 1968) – Minnesota Twins baseball player
• Wendell Erickson (born 1925) – politician, educator, veteran
• Mike Erlandson – politician, corporate executive
• Gilbert Esau (born 1919) – politician, veteran
• Helga Estby (1860–1942), noted for her walk across the United States during 1896.
• John O. Evjen, (1874–1942) – author, church historian and professor of theology.
• Douglas Ewart § (born 1946) – instrument builder and musician
• Eyedea (Mike Averill or Oliver Hart) (1982–2010) – underground rapper

F

• Clifford Fagan (1911–1995) – high school basketball referee
• Mike Farrell (born 1939) – actor (M*A*S*H)
• Mike Farrell (born 1978) – hockey player
• Ciatrick Fason § (born 1982) – Minnesota Vikings football player
• Chris Faust § (born 1955) – photographer
• Tammy Faye Messner (1942–2007) – Televangelist, singer
• George William Featherstonhaugh § (born 1780) – explorer
• Jay Feely (born 1976) – placekicker for the New York Jets
• Trevor Fehrman (born 1981) – actor
• Jim Finks § (1927–1994) – Minnesota Vikings manager
• David Fischer (born 1988) – hockey player
• Mardy Fish (born 1981) – tennis player
• F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940) – novelist, short story writer
• Frances Scott Fitzgerald (1921–1986) - writer, journalist
• Larry Fitzgerald (born 1983) – football player
• Marcus Fitzgerald (born 1985) – football player
• David Flair (born 1979) – wrestler
• Ric Flair § (born 1949) – wrestler
• Richard E. Fleming (1917–1942) – sailor
• Loren Fletcher § (1833–1919) – member of U.S. Congress
• Patrick Flueger (born 1983) – actor, The 4400
• Thomas Fluharty illustrator
• Harry Flynn § (born 1933) – Roman Catholic archbishop
• Vince Flynn – author
• John R. Foley (1917–2001) – politician
• Steve Foley (1959–2008) – drummer, member of The Replacements
• Henry Fonda §- actor; attended the University of Minnesota Born in Nebraska.
• John M. Ford § (died 2006) – science-fiction author and poet
• Jamie Foss – singer
• Al Franken § (born 1951) – political humorist, author, radio commentator, U.S. Senator
• Thomas Frankson (1869–1939) – lawyer, real estate developer, and politician; 22nd Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Donald M. Fraser (born 1924) – mayor of Minneapolis, member of U.S. Congress
• James Earle Fraser (1876–1953) – sculptor
• Jeff Frazee (born 1987) – hockey player
• David Frederickson (born 1944) – politician, farmer, former president of National Farmers Union
• Dennis Frederickson (born 1939) – politician, farmer, veteran
• Orville Freeman (1918–2003) – 29th Governor of Minnesota, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
• Frederick William Freking (1911–1998) – shaman
• Bill Frenzel (born 1928) – member of U.S. Congress
• Thomas Friedman (born 1953) – journalist, columnist, author
• Lindsay Frost (born 1962) – actor
• Daniel Fry (1908–1992) – alien-spaceship passenger
• Allen J. Furlow (1890–1954) – member of U.S. Congress

G

• Wanda Gág (1893–1946) – author, illustrator
• John Gagliardi § (born 1926) – St. John's College football coach
• Greg Gagne § (born 1961) – baseball player
• Greg Gagne (born 1948) – wrestler
• Verne Gagne (born 1923) – wrestler, founder of American Wrestling Association
• Neil Gaiman § (born 1960) – British-born author
• Daniele Gaither (born 1972) – comic actor
• Thomas J. Galbraith – politician
• Richard Pillsbury Gale (1900–1973) – member of U.S. Congress
• William Gallagher (1875–1946) – member of U.S. Congress
• Jane Gallop (born 1952) – professor, feminist
• Chick Gandil (1887–1970) – baseball player
• Roy Alexander Gano (1902–1971) – Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy
• Ron Gardenhire § (born 1957) – manager of the Minnesota Twins
• Joshua Gardner § (born 1983) – sex offender
• Judy Garland (1922–1969) – singer, actor
• Lorraine Garland – folk singer and fiddler
• Edward R. Garvey § – activist, lawyer, and politician
• Mike Garvey (born 1962) – stock-car driver
• Charles Gilbert Gates – owned first home air conditioner in the United States in 1914
• Larry Gates (1915–1996) – actor
• Herbjørn Gausta (1854–1924) – landscape artist
• Tom Gilbert – hockey player
• Ron "Boogiemonster" Gerber (born 1968) – disc jockey, pop music historian, and engineer.
• J. Paul Getty (1892–1976) – entrepreneur, philanthropist, founder of Getty Oil Company
• John L. Gibbs – 14th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Tom Gibis (born 1965) – voice actor
• Cass Gilbert § (1859–1934) – architect
• Stan Gilbertson (born 1944) – hockey player
• John Gilfillan § (1835–1924) – member of U.S. Congress
• Charles A. Gilman – 9th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Terry Gilliam (born 1940) – actor (Monty Python), writer, director
• Sid Gillman (1911–2003) – American football coach
• Robert R. Gilruth (1913–2000) – aviation and space pioneer
• Dan Gladden (born 1957) – Minnesota Twins baseball player
• Billy Glaze (born 1944) – serial killer
• Arne Glimcher (born 1938) – art dealer, founder of Pace Gallery, film producer and director
• James B. Goetz § (born 1936) – radio executive and the 38th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Godfrey G. Goodwin (1873–1933) – member of U.S. Congress
• Samuel Y. Gordon – 19th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Genevieve Gorder (born 1974) – designer, television personality (Trading Spaces)
• Willis Arnold Gorman § (1816–1876) – lawyer, soldier, politician
• Irving I. Gottesman § (born 1930) - behavior geneticist, psychologist
• Moonlight Graham § (1876–1965) – doctor, baseball player
• Billy Graham § (born 1918) – evangelist, former president of Northwestern College
• Kelsey Grammer § (born 1955) - actor; Guthrie Theater alumnus
• Rod Grams (born 1948) – U.S. Senator; member of U.S. Congress
• Bud Grant § (born 1927) – former Minnesota Vikings football coach
• Mary GrandPré – illustrator (Harry Potter books)
• Jim "Mudcat" Grant § (born 1935) – Minnesota Twins baseball player
• Peter Graves (Peter Aurness) (1926–2010) – actor (Mission: Impossible television series, Airplane!, 7th Heaven)
• Lauren Green (born 1963) beauty queen, anchor
• Dennis Green (born 1949) – Minnesota Vikings football coach
• Steven Greenberg (born 1950) – musician (Funkytown), record producer
• Ingebrikt Grose (1862–1939) – Founding president of Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota.
• Joan Growe (born 1935) – former Minnesota Secretary of State
• Ann Morgan Guilbert (born 1928) – actress, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Nanny
• Bill Gullickson (born 1959) – baseball player
• Gil Gutknecht § (born 1951) – former member of U.S. Congress
• Joe Guyon (1892–1971) – Hall of Fame NFL player
• Cristian Guzmán § (born 1978) – Minnesota Twins baseball player

H

• Tom Hagedorn (born 1943) – member of the U.S. Congress
• Gulbrand Hagen (1864 to 1919) – newspaper editor and publisher
• Harold Hagen (1901–2012) – member of U.S. Congress
• Molly Hagan (born 1961) – actor
• Darwin Hall § (1844–1919) – member of U.S. Congress
• Osee M. Hall § (1847–1914) – member of U.S. Congress
• Philo Hall (1865–1938) – politician
• Walter Halloran (1921–2005) – priest, chaplain
• Kittel Halvorson § (1846–1936) – member of U.S. Congress
• Trina Hamlin – singer, songwriter
• Winfield Scott Hammond § (1863–1915) – 18th Governor of Minnesota; member of U.S. Congress
• Greg Handevidt § (born 1965) - musician, attorney
• Alan Hangsleben (born 1953) – hockey player
• Dick Hanley (1894–1970) - football player and head coach
• Jack Hannahan (born 1980) – third baseman for the Cleveland Indians
• Courtney Hansen (born 1975) - TV host/personality, syndicated columnist, author, and actress
• Duane Hanson (1925–1996) – post-modern sculptor
• Jeff Hanson § (born 1978) – singer-songwriter, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist
• Arthur Harkins § (born 20th century) – co-founder of the World Future Society's Minnesota Futurists Chapter
• Poppy Harlow (born 1982) - news anchor, reporter and journalist for Forbes.com and CNN
• Brian Harper § (born 1959) – baseball player
• Har Mar Superstar (Sean Tillmann) (born 1978) – entertainer
• Donald Harris (born 1931) – composer and music teacher
• Irving Harris (1910–2004) – businessperson
• William H. Harries § (1843–1921) – member of U.S. Congress
• Napoleon Harris § (born 1979) – football player
• Samantha Harris (born 1973) – television hostess, Dancing with the Stars, Entertainment Tonight
• Ellen Hart § (born 1949) – mystery novelist
• Grant Hart (born 1961) – musician
• Brynn Hartman (Vicki Omdahl) (1958–1998) – actor
• Josh Hartnett (born 1978) – actor
• Sid Hartman (born 1920) – sports writer
• Jon Hassler (born 1933) – author
• Mike Hatch (born 1948) – attorney general
• Bernt B. Haugan (born 1862) – minister, politician, and temperance leader.
• Randolph E. Haugan, (1902–1985) – editor, author and publisher
• Louis J. Hauge, Jr. (1924–1945) – sailor
• Marty Haugen (born 1950) – composer
• Pete Hautman § (born 1952) – novelist
• John Hawkes (born 1959) – actor
• Joel Heatwole § (1856–1910) – member of U.S. Congress
• Mitch Hedberg (1968–2005) – absurdist comic
• Bret Hedican (born 1970) – hockey player
• Garrett Hedlund (born 1984) – actor
• Tippi Hedren (born 1930) – actor
• William Heffelfinger (1867–1954) – football player and coach, College Football Hall of Famer
• Michael Hegstrand (1957–2003) – wrestler
• Raina Hein (born 1987) - Runner-Up of America's Next Top Model Cycle 14
• Lawrence Heinemi (born 1943) – wrestler
• Luke Helder (born 1981) – pipe bomber
• E. J. Henderson – football player
• Skitch Henderson (Lyle Russell Cedric Henderson) (1918–2005) – pianist, conductor, and composer
• Ben Hendrickson (born 1981) – baseball player
• Darby Hendrickson (born 1972) – hockey player
• Curt Hennig (1958–2003) – wrestler
• Joseph Curtis Hennig – WWE superstar
• Larry Hennig – wrestler
• Father Hennepin § (1626–1705) – explorer
• Abigail and Brittany Hensel (born 1990) – conjoined twins
• Barton Hepburn (1906–1955) – actor
• Don Herbert (1917–2007) – television host
• Maureen Herman § (born 1966) – musician
• Bryan Hickerson (born 1963) – baseball player
• Wally Hilgenberg – football player
• George Roy Hill (1921–2002) – film director
• James J. Hill § (1838–1916) – railroad tycoon, founder of Great Northern Railway
• Peter Himmelman (born 1960) – songwriter
• John H. Hinderaker (born 1950) – lawyer, blogger
• Larry Hisle § (born 1947) – baseball player
• Charles Hoag § (1808–1888) – scholar
• Tami Hoag – novelist
• Leroy Hoard § (born 1968) – football player
• Jamie Hoffmann – baseball player
• Tobias Hogan – politician
• Einar Hoidale § – member of U.S. Congress
• Mary Liz Holberg – politician
• William Holcombe § (1804–1870) – 1st Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Perry Greeley Holden (1865–1959) – professor of agronomy
• Bill Holm – poet
• Paul Holmgren (born 1955) – hockey player
• James Hong (born 1929) – actor
• Townsend Hoopes (1922–2004) – soldier
• Eric Hoplin – Deputy Chairman of the Republican Party of Minnesota
• George A. Hormel § (1860–1946) – founder of Hormel Foods
• George "Geordie" Hormel (1928–2006) – musician and recording-studio proprietor
• James Hormel (born 1931) – philanthropist
• Jay Catherwood Hormel (1892–1954) – businessman
• Aaron Hosack § – football player
• Harold Hotelling (1895–1973) – statistician and economist
• Phil Housley (born 1964) – hockey player
• Guy V. Howard (1879–1954) – U.S. Senator
• Kent Hrbek (born 1960) – baseball player
• Lucius Frederick Hubbard § (1836–1913) – 9th Governor of Minnesota
• Don Hultz – football player
• Ramon Humber – football player
• Oliver Humperdink (born 1949) – wrestling manager
• Hubert Humphrey § (1911–1978) – U.S. Senator, Vice President, and presidential candidate
• Muriel Humphrey § (1912–1998) – U.S. Senator
• Skip Humphrey (born 1942) – Minnesota attorney general
• Kris Humphries (born 1985) – power forward for the New Jersey Nets
• Torii Hunter § (born 1975) – baseball player
• Leonid Hurwicz § (1917–2008) – economist, Nobel laureate
• Lloyd Hustvedt (1922–2002) – professor, Norwegian-American scholar
• Siri Hustvedt (born 1955) – novelist
• Peter Hutchinson (born 1949) – politician and businessperson

I

• Tim Irwin – football player
• Barney Irwin – wrestler
• Scott Irwin (born 1952) – wrestler
• Doran Isackson (1938–1989) – politician, farmer
• Sharon Isbin (born 1956) – classical guitarist
• Dan Israel – musician
• I Self Devine (born 1972) – musician
• Ishtakhaba – Lakota chief
• Gideon S. Ives – 11th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota

J

• Carl Richard Jacobi (1908–1997) – author
• Sam Jacobson (born 1975) – basketball player
• Jimmy Jam (born 1959) – songwriter, co-founder of Flyte Tyme Productions
• Erasmus James (born 1982) – football player
• Harry August Jansen § (1883–1955) – professional magician
• Lee Janzen (born 1964) – golfer
• Kenny Jay (Kenny Benkowski) (born 1937) wrestler
• Sue Jeffers – political activist, radio commentator, businessperson
• Claudia Jennings (Mary Eileen Chesterton) (1949–1979) – model and actor
• Mason Jennings (born 1975) – pop-folk singer-songwriter
• Carl Jensen (1920–1988) – politician, attorney, veteran
• Jim Jensen (1926–1999) – sportswriter
• Herb Joesting (1905–1963) – college and professional American football player
• Bob Johnson (1931–1991) – hockey coach
• Brad Johnson § (born 1968) – football player
• Craig Johnson (born 1972) – hockey player
• Dan Johnson (born 1979) – baseball player
• Dean Johnson (born 1947) – politician
• Dewey Johnson (1899–1941) – member of U.S. Congress
• Earl V. Johnson (1913–1942) – aviator
• Erik Johnson (born 1988) – hockey player
• Gordon Johnson (born 1952) – bass guitarist
• Jellybean Johnson (Garry George Johnson) (born 1956) – songwriter, producer and musician
• Jim Johnson (born 1962) – hockey player
• John Albert Johnson (1861–1909) – 16th Governor of Minnesota
• Josh Johnson (born 1984) – baseball player
• Magnus Johnson § (1871–1936) – U.S. Senator; member of U.S. Congress
• Marcus Johnson (born 1981) – football player
• Mark Johnson (born 1957) – hockey player
• Mark Steven Johnson (born 1964) – director and screenwriter, Ghost Rider, Daredevil
• Marlene Johnson (born 1946) – 42nd Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Paul Johnson (born 1935) – hockey player
• Reynold B. Johnson (1906–1998) – inventor and computer pioneer
• Ron Johnson – U.S. Senator for Wisconsin
• Scott W. Johnson (born 1940) – lawyer, blogger
• Spencer Johnson – football player
• Lance Johnstone (born 1973) – football player
• Jacques Jones (born 1975) – baseball player
• Ray W. Jones – 16th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Bennie Joppru (born 1980) – football player
• Steve Jordan § (born 1961) – football player
• Carl O. Jorgenson (1881–1951) – politician
• Bradley Joseph (born 1965) – composer, pianist, keyboardist
• Walter Judd § (1898–1994) – member of U.S. Congress
• Jerry Juhl (1938–2005) – television and movie writer, puppeteer
• Dan Jurgens (born 1959) – writer and illustrator

K

• Jim Kaat (born 1938) – baseball player
• John Anthony Kaiser (1932–2000) – Roman Catholic priest killed in Kenya
• Henry Kalis (born 1937) – politician, farmer, veteran
• Rick Kamla – NBA TV broadcaster
• Joe Kapp (born 1939) – football player
• Rich Karlis (born 1959) – football player
• Joseph Karth (1922–2005) – member of U.S. Congress
• Vincent Kartheiser (born 1979) – actor
• Evan Kaufmann (born 1984) - Professional ice hockey player in Germany
• Maude Kegg (Ojibwa name Naawakamigookwe) (1904–1996) – writer, folk artist, and cultural interpreter
• Tim Kehoe (born 1970) – inventor and author
• Garrison Keillor (born 1942) – radio humorist and author (A Prairie Home Companion)
• Alexander M. Keith (born 1928) – judge, politician; 37th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• James "J.R." Keller (1907–1972) – politician, farmer, contractor
• Melissa Keller (born 1979) – model and actress
• Oscar Keller (1878–1927) – member of U.S. Congress
• Wade Keller – columnist
• Devin Kelley - actress, The Chicago Code
• John Edward Kelley § (1853–1941) – South Dakota politician
• Steve Kelley (born 1953) – politician
• Frank Kellogg § (1856–1937) – U.S. Senator, U.S. secretary of state, Kellogg-Briand Pact
• Randy Kelly (born 1950) – politician
• Tom Kelly (born 1950) – baseball coach
• Linda Kelsey (born 1946) – actor
• Mark Kennedy (born 1957) – former member of U.S. Congress
• Elizabeth Kenny § (1880–1952) – nurse, discovered revolutionary treatment for polio
• George Keogan (1890–1943) – basketball coach
• Ancel Keys (1904–2004) — nutritionist
• Leonard Kibrick (1924–1993) – child actor
• Sidney Kibrick (born 1928) – child actor
• Jefferson P. Kidder § (1815–1883) – lawyer and jurist
• Dana Kiecker (born 1961) – baseball player
• Andrew Kiefer § (1832–1904) – member of U.S. Congress
• Mary Kiffmeyer (born 1946) – Minnesota Secretary of State
• Craig Kilborn (born 1962) – television personality
• John N. Kildahl (1857–1920) – Lutheran church minister, author and educator
• Harmon Killebrew § (born 1936) – baseball player
• Ward Kimball (1914–2002) – animator, musician
• Charles Kimbrough (born 1936) – actor
• William S. King § (1828–1900) – member of U.S. Congress
• William W. Kingsbury § (1828–1892) – politician
• Sheila Kiscaden – politician
• Jeremy James Kissner (born 1985) – actor
• Norman Kittson § (1814–1888) – businessperson, politician
• Trent Klatt (born 1971) – hockey player
• Kurt Kleinendorst (born 1960) – hockey coach
• Scot Kleinendorst (born 1960) – hockey player
• Jim Kleinsasser § (born 1977) – football player
• John Kline § (born 1947) – member of U.S. Congress
• Amy Klobuchar (born 1960) – U.S. Senator
• Chuck Klosterman (born 1972) – writer
• Chris Kluwe § (born 1981) – football player
• T. R. Knight (born 1973) – actor
• Chuck Knoblauch § (born 1968) – baseball player
• Coya Knutson § (1912–1996) – member of U.S. Congress
• Harold Knutson § (1880–1953) – member of U.S. Congress
• Paul Koering (born 1964) – politician; rare openly gay Republican
• Nikita Koloff (born 1959) – wrestler
• Jerry Koosman (born 1942) – baseball player
• Charlie Korsmo § (born 1978) – actor
• Corey Koskie § (born 1973) – baseball player
• Kristina Koznick – downhill skier, Olympian
• Tommy Kramer § (born 1955) – football player
• Herbert Arthur Krause (1905–1976), American historian
• Paul Krause § (born 1942) – football player
• Peter Krause (born 1965) – actor
• Richard E. Kraus § (1925–1944) – sailor
• Mitch Krebs – anchor
• Joan B. Kroc (1928–2003) – philanthropist
• Pat Kronebusch (1927–2004) – politician, educator
• Helen Barbara Kruger (1913–2006) – entrepreneur
• Robert T. Kuhn (born 1937) – shaman
• Bernie Kukar – National Football League referee
• William F. Kunze (1872–1962) – banker, politician
• Tom Kurvers (born 1962) – hockey player
• Ole J. Kvale § (1869–1929) – member of U.S. Congress
• Paul John Kvale § (1896–1940) – member of U.S. Congress
• Ben Kyle § (born 1981) - musician, songwriter

L

• James D. La Belle (1924–1945) – sailor
• Rob LaBelle – character actor
• Manuel Lagos (born 1971) – soccer player
• Ann Landers – (1918–2002) columnist for Minneapolis Star Tribune; birth name Eppie Lederer
• Lenny Lane (born 1970) – wrestler
• Odin Langen (1913–1976) – member of U.S. Congress
• Jessica Lange (born 1949) – actor
• Jim Lange (born 1933) – television host
• Jamie Langenbrunner (born 1975) – hockey player
• Josh Langfeld (born 1977) – hockey player
• Katherine Lanpher (born 1959) – radio personality, journalist
• Gene Larkin (born 1962) – baseball player
• Erik Larsen (born 1962) – comic-book writer, artist, and publisher
• Gary Larsen (born 1942) – football player
• Oscar Larson § (1871–1957) – member of U.S. Congress
• Reed Larson (born 1956) – hockey player
• George Latimer § (born 1935) – politician
• Roger Laufenburger (1921–2001) – politician, radio announcer, insurance agent
• Tom Laughlin (born 1931) – actor
• Trevor Laws § (born 1985) – football player
• Matt Lawton § (born 1971) – baseball player
• Bernie Leadon (born 1947) – musician
• Carrie Lee – beauty queen
• Carl Lee – football player
• Tammy Lee (born 1971) – businessperson and politician
• Pinky Lee (1907–1993) – actor and star of The Pinky Lee Show
• James LeGros (born 1962) – actor
• Tom Lehman (born 1959) – golfer
• John D. LeMay (born 1962) – actor
• Greg LeMond (born 1961) – Tour de France winner
• Brock Lesnar § (born 1977) – wrestler
• Meridel Le Sueur § (1900–1996) – writer
• Jon Leuer (born 1989) – basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks
• Harold LeVander § (1910–1992) – 32nd Governor of Minnesota
• David Levin – singer-songwriter
• Mark LeVoir (born 1982) – offensive tackle for the New England Patriots
• Bob Lewis (1924–2006) – businessperson, champion race horse owner
• Sinclair Lewis (1885–1951) – Nobel Prize-winning novelist
• Terry Lewis § (born 1956) – songwriter, co-founder of Flyte Tyme Productions
• Walter Liggett (1886–1935) – journalist, newspaper editor
• C. Walton Lillehei (1918–1999) – doctor who performed first open heart surgery
• John Lind § (1854–1930) – 14th Governor of Minnesota; member of U.S. Congress
• Gottfrid Lindsten 29th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Terrance Lindall (born 1944) – artist
• Charles August Lindbergh, Sr. § (1859–1924) – member of U.S. Congress
• Charles Lindbergh § (1902–1974) – aviator, first non-stop solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean
• Chris Liwienski – football player
• Charles M. Loring (1833–1922) – Minneapolis businessman, civic leader, "Father of Park System"
• Maud Hart Lovelace (1892–1980) – author
• Kirk Lowdermilk – football player
• Cal Ludeman (born 1951) – politician, state commissioner, farmer
• Ernest Lundeen § (1878–1940) – U.S. Senator; member of U.S. Congress
• Bob Lurtsema – football player
• Bill Luther (born 1945) – member of U.S. Congress
• David Lykken (1928–2006) – behavioral geneticist and Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Psychiatry
• Joseph Lykken (born 1957) – physicist
• Dorothy Lyman (born 1947) – actor, director, and producer
• Kelly Lynch (born 1959) – actor
• Audra Lynn (born 1980) – model and actor
• Jerry Lynn (born 1963) – wrestler

M

• Melvin Maas (1898–1964) – member of U.S. Congress
• John L. MacDonald § (1838–1903) – member of U.S. Congress
• Clark MacGregor (1922–2003) – member of U.S. Congress
• Myles Mace (1911–2000) – Harvard Business School Professor
• Shane Mack § (born 1963) – baseball player
• Catharine MacKinnon (born 1946) – legal scholar
• George MacKinnon (1906–1995) – member of U.S. Congress
• Cornell MacNeil – singer
• John Madden (born 1936) – football coach and commentator
• Clarence R. Magney (1883–1962) – judge
• Warren G. Magnuson (1905–1989) – politician
• Tom Malchow (born 1976) – swimmer
• Mark Mallman (born 1973) – musician
• George Mann (1918–1984) – politician, farmer
• Paul Manship (1885–1966) – sculptor
• John Mariucci (1916–1987) – hockey coach
• Roger Maris (1934–1985) – baseball player
• Sharon Marko – politician
• June Marlowe (1903–1984) – actor
• Kelli Maroney – actress, Ryan's Hope, One Life to Live
• Forrest Mars, Sr. (1904–1999) – CEO, Mars, Inc., creator of M&M's
• Frank Mars (1883–1934) – founder of Mars, Inc., creator of Milky Way candy bar
• Fred Marshall (1906–1985) – member of U.S. Congress
• Theodore Marston (1868–1920) – film director and writer
• E. G. Marshall (1914–1998) – actor
• Jim Marshall § (born 1937) – football player
• William Rainey Marshall § (1825–1896) – 5th Governor of Minnesota
• Billy Martin § (1928–1989) – baseball coach
• Homer Dodge Martin § (1836–1897) – painter
• Paul Martin (born 1981) – hockey player
• John Marty – politician
• Brownie Mary (Mary Jane Rathbun) (1922–1999) – baker
• Bob Mason (born 1961) – hockey player
• Shirley Ardell Mason (1923–1998) – abuse victim
• Tommy Mason (born 1939) – football player
• Bethanie Mattek (born 1985) – professional tennis-player
• Gene Mauch § (1925–2005) – baseball manager
• Joe Mauer (born 1983) – Minnesota Twins baseball player
• John Mayasich (born 1933) – hockey player
• Charles Horace Mayo (1865–1939) – doctor, founder of Mayo Clinic
• William J. Mayo (1861–1939) – doctor, founder of Mayo Clinic
• William Worrall Mayo § (1819–1911) – doctor, head of St. Mary's Hospital
• Joe Mays (born 1975) – baseball player
• Eugene McCarthy (1916–2005) – U.S. Senator; presidential candidate; member of U.S. Congress
• Kevin McCarthy (1914-2010 - actor
• James McCleary § (1853–1924) – member of U.S. Congress
• Betty McCollum (born 1954) – member of U.S. Congress
• Ed McDaniel – football player
• Randall McDaniel (born 1964) – football player
• James E. McDonald (1920–1971) – physicist
• Denis McDonough (born 1969) – White House Chief of Staff
• Heather McElhatton – writer, reporter, and radio host
• Hugh McElhenny § (born 1928) – football player
• Bobby McFerrin § (born 1950) – jazz singer
• Andrew Ryan McGill § (1840–1905) – 10th Governor of Minnesota
• Kevin McHale (born 1957) – basketball player
• Bethany McLean (born 1971) – author
• John McMartin (born 1929) – actor
• Samuel J. R. McMillan § (1826–1897) – judge, U.S. Senator
• Audray McMillian – football player
• Lesley J. McNair (1883–1944) – soldier
• Graham McNamee (1888–1942) – broadcaster
• Dugan McNeill – guitarist
• Pamela McNeill – singer-songwriter
• Marcia McNutt – geophysicist
• Samuel Medary § (1801–1864) – politician, 3rd Governor of Minnesota Territory
• Ralph Meeker (Ralph Rathgeber) (1920–1988) – actor
• Mike Menning (born 1945) – politician, businessman, minister
• William Rush Merriam § (1849–1931) – 11th Governor of Minnesota
• Jeremy Messersmith § – musician
• James Metzen (born 1943) – politician
• Breckin Meyer (born 1974) – actor
• Joe Micheletti (born 1954) – hockey player
• Doug Mientkiewicz (born 1974) – baseball player
• Boris Mikšić (born 1948) – Croatian-born businessman and politician
• Keith Millard (born 1962) – football player
• Archie H. Miller – 32nd Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Clarence B. Miller (1872–1922) – member of U.S. Congress
• Joey Miller (born 1985) – stock-car driver
• Stephen Miller § (1816–1881) – 4th Governor of Minnesota
• Worm Miller (born 1978) – writer, director, and actor
• Kate Millett (born 1934) – feminist and writer
• Larry Millett (born 1947) – journalist and author
• Tommy Milton (1893–1962) – race car driver
• Don Mincher (born 1938) – baseball player
• David Minge (born 1942) – former member of U.S. Congress, state appeals court judge
• William D. Mitchell (1874–1955) – U.S. Attorney General
• Roger Moe (born 1944) – politician.
• Don Moen (born 1950) – worship leader and president of Hosanna! Music
• Mother Alfred Moes § (1828–1899) – founder of St. Mary's Hospital
• Paul Molitor (born 1956) – baseball player
• Carol Molnau (born 1949) – 46th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Dorothy Molter (1907–1986) – entrepreneur
• Eleanor Mondale (born 1960) – television host, daughter of Walter Mondale
• Joan Mondale § (born 1930) – second lady of the United States
• Walter Mondale (born 1928) – Vice President of the United States, U.S. Senator
• Robert Mondavi (1913–2008) – winemaker
• Warren Moon (born 1956) – football player
• Freddy Moore (born 1950) – songwriter,
• Mewelde Moore (born 1982) – football player
• Tom Moore (born 1938) – senior offensive assistant for the Indianapolis Colts
• Jack Morris (born 1955) – baseball player
• Robert P. Morris § (1853–1924) – member of U.S. Congress
• Dorilus Morrison § (1814–1898) – politician
• Scott Mortensen – politician
• Greg Mortenson - activist
• Marnie Mosiman – actor, singer
• Randy Moss § (born 1977) – football player
• Mee Moua § (born 1969) – politician
• Bob Mould § (born 1960) – musician
• John Edward Mower § (1815–1879) – businessperson, politician
• Karl Mueller (1963–2005) – musician
• Peter Mueller (born 1988) – hockey player
• Mark Mullaney – football player
• Biggie Munn (1908–1975) – football player and coach
• Adolph Murie (1899–1974) – biologist, author
• Diana E. Murphy (born 1934) – judge
• Rick Mystrom – politician

N

• Arthur Naftalin § (1917–2005) – politician
• Bronko Nagurski § (1908–1990) – football player, wrestler
• Peter Najarian § (born 1963) - options trader, TV personality for CNBC
• Joe Nathan (born 1974) – baseball player
• Noel Neill (born 1920) – actor
• LeRoy Neiman (born 1921) – sports artist
• Ancher Nelsen (1904–1992) – 34th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota; member of U.S. Congress
• Arthur E. Nelson (1892–1955) – U.S. Senator
• Cindy Nelson (born 1955) – alpine skier
• Darrin Nelson (born 1959) – football player
• George Nelson § (born 1950) – astronaut
• Holly Nelson – poet, politician
• Knute Nelson § (1843–1923) – 12th Governor of Minnesota; U.S. Senator; member of U.S. Congress
• Roy Nelson (1905-1956) - cartoonist
• Steve Nelson (born 1951) – football player for the New England Patriots
• Pat Neshek § (born 1980) – relief pitcher for the Minnesota Twins
• Tom Netherton (born 1947) – singer
• Graig Nettles § (born 1944) – baseball player
• Alex Neuberger (born 1992) – actor
• Ernie Nevers (1902–1976) – Hall of Fame football player
• Walter Newton (1880–1941) – member of U.S. Congress
• Joseph Nicollet § (1786–1843) – explorer
• Tom Niedenfuer (born 1959) – baseball player
• Matt Niskanen (born 1986) – hockey player
• Richard Nolan (born 1943) – member of U.S. Congress
• William I. Nolan (1874–1943) – 24th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota; member of U.S. Congress
• Gena Lee Nolin (born 1971) – actress and model, Baywatch, Sheena
• John Nord (born 1959) – wrestler
• Michele Norris – radio journalist
• William Norris § (1911–2006) – CEO Control Data
• Lauris Norstad (1907–1988) – general, commander of NATO forces
• Daniel S. Norton § (1829–1870) – U.S. Senator
• Eunice Norton (1908–2005) – pianist
• Greg Norton (born 1959) – musician, chef
• Scott Norton (born 1958) – wrestler
• Frank Nye § (1852–1935) – member of U.S. Congress
• Roger Nygard (born 1962) – film and TV director

O

• Jim Oberstar (born 1934) – member of U.S. Congress
• Tim O'Brien (born 1946) – author
• Mac O'Grady (born 1951) – golfer
• Michael O'Leary (born 1958) – actor
• Tim Ocel – director
• Willie Offord (born 1978) – football player
• Joseph P. O'Hara (1895–1975) – member of U.S. Congress
• Kyle Okposo (born 1988) – hockey player
• Tony Oliva § (born 1938) – baseball player
• Alec G. Olson (born 1930) – member of U.S. Congress; 40th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Earl B. Olson (1915–2006) – founder of the Jennie-O Turkey company
• Floyd B. Olson (1891–1936) – 22nd Governor of Minnesota
• Greg Olson (born 1960) – baseball player
• Howard Olson (1937–1996) – politician, farmer
• John Olson (1906–1981) – politician, farmer
• Katy Olson (born 1928) – politician, farmer
• Kenneth L. Olson (1945–1968) – Vietnam War veteran
• Mark Olson (born 1943) – member of the Board of Governors of the U.S. Federal Reserve
• Sigurd Olson (1899–1982) – environmentalist
• Norman J. Ornstein – political scientist
• Dave Osborn – football player
• T.J. Oshie § – N.H.L Player.
• Laura Osnes (born 1985) – actor, singer
• Peter Ostroushko (born 1953) – violinist
• Rebecca Otto (born 1963) – politician, 18th state auditor
• Owl City Music group

P

• Alan Page § (born 1945) – football player and Minnesota Supreme Court justice
• John U. D. Page (1903–1950) – soldier
• Doug Pagitt – religion author
• Floyd Palmer (born 1943) – businessperson
• Carl Panzram (1891–1930) – serial killer, author
• George Andreas Papandreou (born 1952) – Greek politician
• Bob Paradise (born 1944) – hockey player
• Zach Parise (born 1984) – hockey player
• Robert Ezra Park § (1864–1944) – urban sociologist
• Bradford Parkinson (born 1935) - father of the Global Positioning System
• Gordon Parks § (1912–2006) – photographer
• Emory Parnell (1892–1979) – actor
• Nancy Parsons (1942–2001) – actor
• Camilo Pascual (born 1934) – baseball player
• Gary Paulsen (born 1939) – author
• Jeno Paulucci – founder of Jeno's Frozen Pizza, Chun King Corporation, and Luigino's
• Mary Pawlenty – judge, first lady of the state
• Tim Pawlenty (born 1960) – 39th Governor of Minnesota
• Pat Peake (born 1973) – hockey player
• Westbrook Pegler (1894–1969) – journalist and writer
• Mary Jo Pehl – actor, broadcaster, and writer
• Tim Penny (born 1951) – member of U.S. Congress
• Glen Perkins (born 1983) – baseball player
• Rudy Perpich (1928–1995) – 34th and 36th Governor of Minnesota; 39th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Jim Perry § (born 1935) – baseball player
• Melissa Peterman (born 1970) – actor
• Hjalmar Petersen § (1890–1968) – 23rd Governor of Minnesota; 28th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Aaron Peterson – politician
• Barbara Peterson – Miss USA 1976
• Collin Peterson (born 1944) – member of U.S. Congress
• Darrel Peterson (1939–1994) – politician, farmer
• Paul Peterson (St. Paul) – musician
• Wayne Peterson (born 1925) - composer, Pulitzer Prize winner
• Brittany Petros (born 1974) – actor
• William Wallace Phelps § (1826–1873) – member of U.S. Congress
• Reynold Philipsek (born 1952) – musician
• Arthur Phillips (born 1969) – author
• Don Piccard (born 1926) – balloonist
• Jean Piccard § (1884–1963) – organic chemist, balloonist
• Jeannette Piccard § (1895–1981) – teacher, balloonist, priest
• Justin Pierre (born 1976) – musician
• Janelle Pierzina (born 1980) – actor, model
• Bernard Pietenpol (1901–1984) – mechanic, aircraft designer
• Zebulon Montgomery Pike § (1779–1813) – explorer
• John S. Pillsbury § (1828–1901) – founder of Pillsbury, 8th Governor of Minnesota
• Chellie Pingree (born 1955) – politician
• Robert M. Pirsig § (born 1928) – author, philosopher
• William Pittenger § (1885–1951) – member of U.S. Congress
• Mike Ploog (born 1942) – storyboard and comic-book artist
• Henry Stanley Plummer (1874–1937) – physician
• Mortimer Plumtree (born 1969) – wrestler
• Shjon Podein (born 1968) – hockey player
• Henry Poehler § (1833–1912) – member of U.S. Congress
• Carl Pohlad § (born 1915) – billionaire, baseball owner and philanthropist
• Joe Polo (born 1982) – American curler and Olympic bronze medalist
• Olivia Poole (1889–1975) – inventor
• P.O.S – rapper
• Vic Power § (1927–2005) – baseball player
• Chris Pratt (born 1979) - actor, Everwood, Parks and Recreation
• Tom Preissing § (born 1978) – hockey player
• Jacob Aall Ottesen Preus § (1883–1961) – 20th Governor of Minnesota
• Jacob Aall Ottesen Preus II (1920–1994) – shaman
• Prince (born 1958) – singer, songwriter, actor, composer
• Pat Proft (born 1947) – comedy writer and actor
• Joel Przybilla (born 1979) – basketball player
• Kirby Puckett § (1960–2006) – Baseball Hall of Famer
• George Putnam (born 1914) – television host
• Herbert Putnam § (1861–1955) Librarian of Congress
• William S. Pye (1880–1959) – Admiral in the U.S. Navy

Q

• Al Quie (born 1923) – 35th Governor of Minnesota; member of U.S. Congress
• Frank Quilici § (born 1939) – baseball player
• Robb Quinlan (born 1977) – baseball player

R

• Brian Raabe (born 1967) – baseball player
• Brad Radke (born 1972) – baseball player
• Pedro Ramos (born 1935) – baseball player
• Alexander Ramsey § (1815–1903) – 2nd Governor of Minnesota; U.S. Senator
• Jim Ramstad § (born 1946) – member of U.S. Congress
• John Randle (born 1967) – football player
• Ralph Rapson § (1914–2008) – architect
• Baron von Raschke § (born 1940) – professional wrestler
• Ahmad Rashād (born 1949) – football player
• Erik Rasmussen (born 1977) – hockey player
• Edwin W. Rawlings (1904–1997) – CEO General Mills, USAF General (Ret.)
• Jeff Reardon (born 1955) – baseball player
• Harry Reasoner § (1923–1991) – television journalist
• Jake Reed (born 1967) – football player
• Oscar Reed – football player
• Rich Reese (born 1941) – baseball player
• Olli Rehn (born 1962) – European Commissioner for Enlargement
• Ember Reichgott Junge – attorney, radio host, and politician
• Chris Reitsma (born 1977) – baseball player
• Earl Renneke (born 1928) – politician, farmer
• Rip Repulski (1927–1993) – baseball player
• Michael Restovich (born 1979) – baseball player
• Patrick Reusse – sports writer
• Albert E. Rice (1845–1921) – banker, newspaperman, legislator, and the 10th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Edmund Rice § (1819–1889) – member of U.S. Congress
• Henry Mower Rice § (1816–1894) – U.S. Senator
• Kaylin Richardson – downhill skier, Olympian, Nor-Am Champion, US National Champion, World Champion
• William B. Richardson – acting Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota in 1936–1937
• Nate Richert (born 1978) – actor
• Carl W. Riddick (born 1872) – member of U.S. Congress
• Beth Riesgraf (born 1978) – actress
• Martha Ripley § (1843–1912) – physician, founder Minneapolis Maternity Hospital
• Mark Ritchie (born 1951) – Minnesota Secretary of State
• Laila Robins (born 1959) – actress
• Koren Robinson – football player
• Marcus Robinson (born 1975) – football player
• Robyne Robinson – newscaster
• Stacy Robinson – football player
• Svend Robinson (born 1952) – Canadian politician
• Rafael Rodriguez – boxer
• Brian Rogowski (born 1970) – wrestler
• Todd Rohloff (born 1974) – hockey player
• Rich Rollins (born 1938) – baseball player
• Karl Rolvaag (1913–1990) – 31st Governor of Minnesota; 36th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Ole Rolvaag § (1876–1931) – novelist
• Richard Rood (1958–1999) – wrestler, best known by his ringname "Ravishing" Rick Rude
• Mike Rosenthal – football player
• Marion Ross (born 1928) – actor
• Coleen Rowley (born 1954) – former FBI agent and whistleblower; candidate for Congress in the 2nd District of Minnesota
• Dwayne Rudd (born 1976) – football player
• Donald Eugene Rudolph, Sr. (c. 1921–2006) – soldier
• Jane Russell (1921–2011) – film actress
• Elmer Ryan (1907–1958) – member of U.S. Congress
• R. T. Rybak (born 1955) – politician, newspaper editor
• Winona Ryder (born 1971) – actor

S

• Saint Dog (Steven Thronson) - Rapper from Chisholm, Minnesota; member of hip hop group Kottonmouth Kings
• Dwight M. Sabin § (1843–1902) – U.S. Senator
• Martin Olav Sabo § (born 1938) – former member of U.S. Congress
• Harrison Salisbury (1908–1993) – journalist
• Zak Sally – musician
• Ralph Samuelson (1903–1977) – inventor of water skiing, first water-ski jumper and speed skier
• John B. Sanborn (1826–1904) – Union Army General, state legislator
• John B. Sanborn, Jr. (1883–1964) – Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge
• Charlie Sanders (born 1979) – actor
• Tony Sanneh (born 1971) – soccer player
• Johan Santana (born 1979) – baseball player
• Gary Sargent (born 1954) – hockey player
• Gloria Sawai (Gloria Ruth Ostrem) (born 1932) – author of fiction
• Thomas D. Schall § (1878–1935) – U.S. Senator; member of U.S. Congress
• Bruce Schneier (born 1963) – founder and CTO of Counterpane Internet Security
• Henry Schoolcraft § (1793–1864) – explorer
• Charles M. Schulz (1922–2000) – cartoonist
• Richard M. Schulze – founder and chairman of Best Buy
• Mae Schunk § (born 1934) – 45th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Seann William Scott (born 1976) – actor
• Kathryn Leigh Scott (Kathryn Kringstad) (born 1945) – author, actor
• Todd Scott – football player
• Briana Scurry (born 1971) – soccer player
• Richard Warren Sears (1863–1914) – co-founder of Sears, Roebuck and Company
• Mitch Seavey – dog musher
• Jerry Seeman – National Football League referee and Director of Officiating
• Robert Seguso (born 1963) – tennis player
• Aaron Sele (born 1970) – baseball player
• Conrad Selvig (1877–1953) – member of U.S. Congress
• Joe Senser – football player
• Marty Sertich (born 1982) – hockey player
• Brian Setzer §
• Eric Sevareid § (1912–1992) – television journalist
• Kyle Shanahan (born 1979) – football coach
• Eddie Sharkey – wrestling coach
• Darren Sharper (born 1975) – football player
• Clark Shaughnessy (1892–1970) – football coach
• Sam Shepard - actor; lived in Stillwater, MN with partner Jessica Lange
• Marcus Sherels- football player
• Charles D. Sherwood – 4th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• James Shields § (1810–1879) – U.S. Senator
• Henrik Shipstead (1881–1960) – U.S. Senator
• Francis Shoemaker (1889–1958) – member of U.S. Congress
• BeBe Shopp (born1930) - Miss America 1948
• Bob Short (1917–1982) – sport teams owner and politician
• Henry Hastings Sibley § (1811–1891) – 1st Governor of Minnesota
• Christopher Sieber (born 1969) – actor
• Dick Siebert § (1912–1978) – college baseball coach
• Gerry Sikorski (born 1948) – member of U.S. Congress
• Clifford D. Simak § (1904–1988) – science-fiction writer
• Richard Simmons (1913–2003) – actor
• George Sitts – convicted murderer
• Slug (born 1973) – rapper
• Roy Smalley § (born 1952) – baseball player
• Jack Smight (1925–2003) – film director
• Bruce Smith (1920–1967) – Heisman Trophy winner
• Chad Smith (born 1961) – Drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Edward Everett Smith 18th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• George Ross Smith (1864–1952) – member of U.S. Congress
• Larry H. Smith (1939–2002) – hockey player
• Lyndon Ambrose Smith 15th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Onterrio Smith § (born 1980) – football player
• Phillips Waller Smith (1906–1963) – U.S. Air Force Major General
• Raonall Smith (born 1978) – football player
• Robert Smith § (born 1972) – football player
• Wyatt Smith (born 1977) – hockey player
• Fred Smoot § (born 1979) – football player
• Josiah Snelling § (1782–1828) – first commander of Fort Snelling
• Samuel Snider § (1845–1928) – member of U.S. Congress
• Zach Sobiech (1995–2013) – Musician
• Ben Sobieski (born 1979) – football player
• Alec Soth (born 1969) – photographer
• Konrad K. Solberg 27th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Kathleen Soliah § (born 1947) – member of the Symbionese Liberation Army
• Gordon Solie (Francis Jonard Labiak) (1929–2000) – wrestling announcer
• Jesse Solomon – football player
• Spenser J. Somers § (1972–1990) – author
• Rich Sommer § (born 1978) – actor
• Stephen Sommers § (born 1962) - director
• Gale Sondergaard (1899–1985) – Academy Award winning actress (1936)
• John Sontag (1861-1893) - outlaw, born in Mankato
• Kevin Sorbo (born 1958) – actor
• Richard K. Sorenson (1924–2004) – sailor
• Ann Sothern (1909–2001) – actress
• Matt Spaeth – football player
• Allan Spear § (1937–2008) – state legislator and president of the Minnesota Senate
• LaVyrle Spencer – romance novelist
• Lili St. Cyr (Willis Marie Van Schaack) (1918–1999) – ecdysiast
• Paul St. Peter (born 1958) – (Aka. George C. Cole and Francis C. Cole) – voice actor
• Arlan Stangeland § (born 1930) – member of U.S. Congress
• Maurice Stans (1908–1998) – U.S. secretary of commerce
• Frank Starkey (1892–1968) – member of U.S. Congress
• Harold Stassen (1907–2001) – 25th Governor of Minnesota
• Ozora P. Stearns § (1831–1896) – U.S. Senator
• Franklin Steele § (1813–1880) – Early settler of St. Anthony
• Halvor Steenerson § (1852–1926) – member of U.S. Congress
• Andy Steensma (born 1942) – farmer, mayor, politician
• Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper (born 1963) – astronaut
• Will Steger (born 1943) – polar explorer
• Terry Steinbach (born 1962) – Major League Baseball player
• Helen Stenborg (born 1925) – actor
• Phil Sterner (born 1960) – politician
• Cliff Sterrett – cartoonist
• Todd Steussie – football player
• Frederick Stevens § (1861–1923) – member of U.S. Congress
• John H. Stevens – § (1820–1900) first civilian (non-indigenous) resident of Minneapolis
• Jacob H. Stewart § (1829–1884) – member of U.S. Congress
• Bob Stinson (Robert Neil Stinson) (1959–1995) – musician
• Tommy Stinson (born 1966) – musician
• Carl Stockdale (1874–1953) – actor
• Cal Stoll (1923–2000) Former ACC coach of the year/ Wake Forrest Football, University of MN head coach
• Erik Stolhanske (born 1968) – comedian
• Horace B. Strait § (1835–1894) – member of U.S. Congress
• Korey Stringer § (1974–2001) – football player
• Charles Strite – inventor of the modern pop-up toaster
• Eric Strobel (born 1958) – hockey player, 1980 Miracle on Ice hockey-team member
• Mike Stuart (born 1980) – hockey player
• Scott Studwell – football player
• Terrell Suggs – football player
• George H. Sullivan – 21st Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Clinton Sundberg – actor
• Milt Sunde – football player
• David C. Sutherland III (1949–2005) – Dungeons & Dragons artist
• Steve Sviggum – politician
• Curt Swan (1920–1996) – comic book artist
• Lori Swanson (born 1966) – Minnesota Attorney General
• Nick Swardson (born 1977) – stand-up comedian, actor
• Henry Adoniram Swift § (1823–1869) – 3rd Governor of Minnesota and 3rd Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• William Irvin Swoope § (1862–1930) – lawyer and politician

T

• Taoyateduta (c. 1810–1863) – chief of the Mdewakanton Sioux tribe
• Kevin Tapani § (born 1964) – baseball player
• Thomas Tapeh § (born 1980) – football player
• Fran Tarkenton § (born 1940) – football player
• John Tate (born 1925) – mathematician, winner of the Wolf Prize and the Abel Prize
• James Albertus Tawney § (1855–1919) – member of U.S. Congress
• Glen Taylor – businessperson
• Travis Taylor § (born 1978) – football player
• Maureen Teefy (born 1953) – musical theatre vocalist and actor
• Henry Teigan § (1881–1941) – politician
• Wayne Terwilliger § (born 1925) – baseball coach
• Stew Thornley (born 1955) – author of books on sports history
• Dontarrious Thomas § (born 1980) – football player
• George Thomas (born 1937) – baseball player
• Henry Thomas § (born 1965) – football player
• Butch Thompson (born 1943) – jazz pianist and clarinetist
• Lea Thompson (born 1961) – actor, dancer
• Edward John Thye § (1896–1969) – 26th Governor of Minnesota; 31st Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota; U.S. Senator
• Steve Tibbetts § (born 1954) – guitarist
• Mike Tice § (born 1959) – football coach
• Cheryl Tiegs (born 1947) – actor, model
• Tiny Tim (Herbert Buckingham Khaury) § (1932–1996) – musician
• Mick Tingelhoff § (born 1940) – football player
• Analeigh Tipton (Born 1988) – Third place winner of America's Next Top Model Cycle 11
• Mike Todd (1909–1958) – movie producer
• César Tovar § (1940–1994) – baseball player
• Charles A. Towne (1858–1928) – U.S. Senator; member of U.S. Congress
• A. C. Townley § (1880–1959) – socialist
• Jayne Trcka – female bodybuilder and actress
• Martin Edward Trench (1869–1927) – sailor, politician
• W. D. Twichell (1864–1959) - Texas surveyor born in Hastings, Minnesota
• Anne Tyler (born 1941) – novelist

U

• Kenechi Udeze § (born 1983) – football player
• Brenda Ueland (1891–1985) – journalist
• Lenore Ulric (born 1892) – actor
• Bob Ulrich (born 1944) – businessperson
• Jay Underwood (born 1968) – actor
• Jordis Unga § (born 1982) – singer
• Anne Ursu – journalist, novelist, blogger

V

• John Vachon (1914–1975) – photographer
• Norm Van Brocklin § (1926–1983) – Minnesota Vikings coach
• Carl Van Dyke (1881–1919) – member of U.S. Congress
• John Van Dyke § (1807–1878) – politician
• Samuel Rinnah Van Sant § (1844–1936) – 15th Governor of Minnesota
• Shantel VanSanten (born 1985) – actress, model, One Tree Hill
• Sofia Vassilieva (born 1992) – child actor
• Vince Vaughn (born 1970) – actor
• Thorstein Veblen § (1857–1929) – economist, sociologist, author
• Bruce Vento (1940–2000) – member of U.S. Congress
• Jesse Ventura (born 1951) – wrestler, 38th Governor of Minnesota
• Zoilo Versalles § (1939–1995) – baseball player
• John William Vessey, Jr. (born 1922) – Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
• Jim Vickerman (born 1931) – Long-time Minnesota senator and politician
• Frank Viola § (born 1960) – baseball player
• Pamela Vitale § (1953–2005) – murder victim
• Andrew Volstead (1860–1947) – member of U.S. Congress; author of the National Prohibition Act of 1919
• Lindsey Vonn (born 1984) – Olympic Gold Medalist Skier
• Ana Clara Voog (Rachael Olson) (born 1966) – singer, songwriter, musician, performance artist, visual artist, and writer

W

• Kevin Wacholz (born 1958) – wrestler
• James Wakefield § (1825–1910) – 8th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota; member of U.S. Congress
• DeWitt Wallace (1889–1981) – publisher, founder of Reader's Digest, philanthropist
• Harriet G. Walker § (1841–1917), president of Northwestern Hospital
• T. B. Walker § (1840–1928), lumberman, founded Minneapolis Public Library, founded Walker Art Center
• Steve Walsh (born 1966) – football player
• Sean Waltman (born 1972) – wrestler
• Tim Walz – politician
• Lou Wangberg (born 1941) – 41st Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• John Warne (born 1979) – musician
• Lonnie Warwick – football player
• Cadwallader Washburn § (1818–1882) – businessperson, founder of Washburn Mills
• William D. Washburn § (1831–1912) – U.S. Senator; member of U.S. Congress
• Gene Washington § (born 1947) – football player
• Vin Weber (born 1952) – member of U.S. Congress
• Jon Wefald (born 1937) – educator
• Knud Wefald § (1869–1936) – member of U.S. Congress
• Mark Weigle (born 1967) – singer, songwriter
• Chris Weinke (born 1972) – football player
• Jeff Weise (1988–2005) – high school student who committed murder/suicide
• Paul Wellstone § (1944–2002) – U.S. Senator
• Sheila Wellstone (1944–2002) – advocate for human rights, the environment, and peace; wife of Paul Wellstone
• Carl L. Weschcke (born 1930) – businessperson, president/owner of Llewellyn Worldwide
• Paul Westerberg (born 1959) – musician
• Wes Westrum (1922–2002) – baseball player
• Jacob Wetterling (born 1978) – kidnapped in 1989; still missing as of 2013
• Patty Wetterling § (born 1949) – politician, advocate of children's safety
• Friedrich Weyerhäuser – businessperson
• Lindsay Whalen (born 1982) – WNBA player
• David Wheaton (born 1969) – tennis player
• Blake Wheeler (born 1986) – hockey player
• Ed White – football player
• Milo White § (1833–1912) – member of U.S. Congress
• Minor White (1908–1976) – photographer
• Sammy White § (born 1954) – football player
• Benson Whitney – United States Ambassador to Norway
• Richard Widmark (1914–2008) – actor
• Roy Wier § (1888–1963) – member of U.S. Congress
• James Russell Wiggins (1903–2000) – editor, ambassador
• Jermaine Wiggins (born 1975) – football player
• Laura Ingalls Wilder § (1867–1957) – novelist
• Zygi Wilf § (born 1950) – football team owner
• Roy Wilkins § (1901–1981) – civil rights leader
• Bud Wilkinson (1916–1994) – football player, coach, and broadcaster
• Morton S. Wilkinson § (1819–1894) – U.S. Senator; member of U.S. Congress
• Warren William (Warren William Krech) (1894–1948) – actor
• Auburn Williams (born 1990) – singer
• Brian Williams (born 1979) – football player
• Kevin Williams (born 1980) – football player
• Moe Williams (born 1974) – football player
• Pat Williams (born 1972) – football player
• Stokley Williams (born 1967) – musician
• Tom Williams (1940–1992) – hockey player
• Troy Williamson (born 1983) – football player
• Paul Willson (born 1945) – actor
• August Wilson § (1945–2005) – Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright
• Dan Wilson – musician
• Eugene McLanahan Wilson § (1833–1890) – member of U.S. Congress
• Rainn Wilson § (born 1966) - actor; Guthrie Theater alumnus
• Sheree J. Wilson (born 1958) – actor
• Thomas Wilson § (1827–1910) – member of U.S. Congress
• Wade Wilson § (born 1959) – football player
• Harold Windingstad (1929–2006) – political activist, farmer
• William Windom § (1827–1891) – U.S. Senator; member of U.S. Congress
• Antoine Winfield (born 1977) – football player
• Dave Winfield (born 1951) Baseball Hall of Fame
• Eliza Winston § (born 1830) – freed slave
• Roy Winston – football player
• Max Winter § (1903–1996) – football team owner
• Ted Winter (born 1949) – politician, farmer, insurance agent
• Theodore Wirth § (1863–1949) – horticulturalist, Minneapolis Superintendent of Parks, civic planner
• Cory Withrow – football player
• Wally Wood (1927–1981) – comic-book writer, artist, and independent publisher
• Wolfman Jack (Robert Weston Smith) §
• Jerome J. Workman, Jr. (born 1952), American spectroscopist, editor, author
• Bryan Thao Worra (born 1973) – poet, writer, and journalist
• Al Worthington § (born 1929) – baseball player
• John Wozniak (born 1971) – musician
• Donald O. Wright (1892–1985) – 35th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
• Michael Wuertz (born 1978) – baseball player
• Irma Wyman – § (born 20th century) first CIO for Honeywell

X

Y

• Cedric Yarbrough (born 1968) – actor, Reno 911!

• Adam Young (born 1986) – musician

Z

• Steve Zabel (born 1948) – football player
• Steve Zahn (born 1967) – actor
• Martin Zellar – musician
• Kurt Zellers § (born 1969) – state representative
• Tom Zenk (born 1958) – wrestler
• Gary Zimmerman § (born 1961) – football player
• Robert Zimmerman (See Bob Dylan)
• Andrew Zimmern (born 1961) – TV personality, chef, food writer
• Doug Zmolek (born 1970) – hockey player
• Fred Zollner (1901–1982) – basketball-team owner
• Tay Zonday (born 1982) – musician, prominent YouTuber
• Buck Zumhofe – wrestler
• John M. Zwach (1907–1990) – member of U.S. Congress

Musical groups from Minnesota

• American Head Charge – metal group
• The Andrews Sisters – singers
• Atmosphere – hip-hop group
• Auburn – pop singer
• Babes in Toyland – rock group
• The Bad Plus – avant-jazz group
• The Castaways – rock group
• Crow – rock group
• Curtiss A
• Dillinger Four – rock group
• Doomtree – hip hop collective
• Gear Daddies – rock group
• Har Mar Superstar – rock group
• Hüsker Dü – rock group
• Information Society
• The Jayhawks
• The Jets (band) - R&B Group
• Kublai Khan - heavy metal
• Lipps Inc – rock group
• Martin Zellar and the Hardways – rock group
• Mint Condition-R&B Group
• Motion City Soundtrack – rock group
• Next – rock group
• Oddjobs – hip-hop group
• Owl City – electronic music
• The Replacements – rock group
• Semisonic – rock group
• Small Towns Burn A Little Slower – rock group
• Soul Asylum – rock group
• Sounds of Blackness – Gospel choir
• The Soviettes – rock group
• The Suburbs – rock group
• The Suicide Commandos – punk trio
• Tapes 'n Tapes – rock group
• The Time – funk ensemble
• The Trashmen – rock group
• Trip Shakespeare – rock group
• The Wallets – experimental rock group

Fictional characters

• Paul Bunyan, folklore logger, voyageur
• Betty Crocker, food brand character
• Jolly Green Giant, food brand character
• Angus MacGyver, Main character of the 80s TV series MacGyver
• Minnehaha, Native American maiden
• Mary Richards, TV sitcom character
• Pillsbury Doughboy, food brand character
• Rocky and Bullwinkle, cartoon characters
• Rose Nylund, eccentric character on The Golden Girls
• Henry Gale, character from the TV series Lost.
• Juno MacGuff, character from the movie Juno
• Marshall Eriksen, character from the show How I Met Your Mother.
• Candy Quackenbush, from Clive Barker's The Books of Abarat novel series.
• Marge Gunderson, from Fargo (movie)

References

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