MJP –
Minnesota, often known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” is a state brimming with unique traditions, quirks, and customs that might leave outsiders scratching their heads.
From the frigid winters to the relentless politeness, there are a few things Minnesotans do that might seem, well, a little bizarre if you didn’t grow up there.
Whether it’s an unspoken cultural norm or just something that’s been passed down through generations, here are 9 things Minnesotans do that can baffle the uninitiated.
1. Talking About the Weather (Constantly)
It’s no secret that Minnesotans are obsessed with the weather. But to outsiders, it seems like it’s the only topic of conversation. The temperature, the wind chill, the chance of snow—it’s all fair game for small talk. The strangest part? They can talk about the weather for hours.
It’s often considered rude to not offer a weather update when you see someone, especially in the winter months. This weather-centric culture even has its own name: “Minnesota Nice,” which includes acknowledging the harsh conditions as a bonding experience.
2. Saying “Uff Da!”
If you’ve ever heard someone from Minnesota exclaim, “Uff da!” you might think they’re having some kind of existential crisis. But no, it’s simply a way to express everything from mild frustration to exhaustion or amazement. While the expression is rooted in Scandinavian heritage, it’s become a staple in Minnesotan vernacular. Outsiders, especially those without Scandinavian roots, often can’t grasp the versatility of the phrase—how it can be used in a situation where you’d normally expect an expletive, a sigh, or even a laugh.
3. The “Minnesota Goodbye”
Minnesotans are famous for the “Minnesota goodbye,” a drawn-out and often confusing ritual of leaving someone’s house or social gathering. It involves multiple rounds of goodbyes, lingering near the door, and at least three separate conversations after you’ve already said “goodbye” at least twice. Outsiders might be left wondering when it’s time to leave.
This slow, pleasant process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour—depending on how long it takes to walk to the car and exchange additional pleasantries.
4. Bringing Hot Dishes to Every Gathering
The hot dish is to Minnesotans what pizza is to most people in other states—it’s the go-to, no-fail dish for any gathering. Whether it’s a casserole filled with tater tots, cream of mushroom soup, and a variety of meats or vegetables, hot dish is a Minnesota tradition that outsiders often find baffling.
The sheer amount of variety (or lack thereof) in the dishes—often interchangeable with “tater tot casserole,” “green bean casserole,” or “tuna noodle bake”—is something that takes getting used to. For non-Minnesotans, it’s a bit puzzling that hot dish can be the answer to any and every event, from a potluck to a church picnic.
5. Wearing Shorts in Subzero Temps
While the winter months in Minnesota are notoriously brutal—think wind chills in the -30s and lakes freezing over—there’s one thing that never fails to bewilder outsiders: Minnesotans will wear shorts in the dead of winter. Yes, you read that right. It doesn’t matter if it’s a crisp January morning, snow is on the ground, and the air feels like an icebox—many Minnesotans will still don their beloved shorts. It’s not uncommon to see people walking through a snowstorm in shorts, flip-flops, and a winter jacket.
Outsiders often think it’s a crazy anomaly, but in Minnesota, it’s just another example of toughness and a twisted form of winter pride.
6. Ice Fishing Is an Indoor Sport
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You might expect ice fishing to be a cold, uncomfortable activity that requires bundling up and braving the elements. But in Minnesota, ice fishing is often an indoor sport. People set up heated shelters (often complete with TVs, couches, and even portable heaters) right on the ice.
To an outsider, it seems absurd—you’re out on a frozen lake, but somehow, you’re sitting inside a warm, cozy shack drinking a beer and watching the game. The concept of creating a “home away from home” in the middle of a frozen lake is baffling to those not familiar with the state’s obsession with this winter pastime.
7. Celebrating the State Fair Like It’s a Holiday
Minnesota’s State Fair is the most anticipated event of the year, and it’s an entire cultural phenomenon. For 12 days each August, Minnesotans descend on the fairgrounds in St. Paul to eat food on sticks, admire giant vegetables, and marvel at prize-winning livestock.
Outsiders often have trouble grasping just how deeply the State Fair is woven into the fabric of Minnesota culture. It’s not just an event—it’s the event. To many Minnesotans, it’s more important than Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any other holiday. People plan vacations around it, create bucket lists of food to eat (like deep-fried candy bars or cheese curds), and even have a special State Fair “uniform” of comfy shoes and hats to beat the heat.
8. “Up North” Is a Mystical Place
In Minnesota, the phrase “going up north” holds an almost mythical status. “Up North” isn’t just a direction—it’s a state of mind. It typically refers to a trip to a cabin or resort in northern Minnesota, but it’s less about the destination and more about the experience. It’s where you go to escape, to fish, to relax, or to enjoy the natural beauty of the state.
Outsiders often don’t understand the fervor surrounding these trips and the elaborate planning that goes into a weekend “up north.” The act of “going up north” is so beloved that it practically becomes an annual ritual, a tradition that goes back generations.
9. The Love of Juicy Lucys
If you haven’t heard of the Juicy Lucy, you might want to take a seat. This Minnesota invention is a burger with melted cheese stuffed inside the patty rather than on top. The cheese inside is often piping hot, which leads to the infamous warning, “Be careful, it’s juicy!”
While Juicy Lucy has a dedicated following in Minnesota, outsiders are often taken aback by the idea of biting into a burger that might explode cheese in your face. Many outsiders also have trouble understanding the fierce rivalry between the two restaurants in Minneapolis that both claim to have invented the Juicy Lucy. To a Minnesotan, it’s a matter of pride.
Conclusion
Minnesota’s quirky habits, traditions, and customs are part of what makes the state so unique. While they might seem bizarre or confusing to outsiders, they’re a reflection of the state’s rich cultural heritage and the values of its people: friendliness, resilience, and a deep love for their home.
So, if you ever find yourself in Minnesota, be prepared for some strange (but lovable) experiences. And remember, when in doubt, just say “Uff da!”—you’ll fit right in!
