Curious Minnesota
When did wild bison disappear from Minnesota?
Once on the verge of extinction, the American bison is no longer an endangered species. Minnesotans can now visit the iconic animal in three locations around the state
Curious Minnesota
Does Minnesota really have the worst winters in the country?
The land of 10,000 (frozen) lakes has a nationwide reputation for brutal, relentless winters. But are they the worst in the United States?
Curious Minnesota
What does Ski-U-Mah mean and how do you pronounce it?
It's part of the popular fight song for the University of Minnesota, but many students and alumni don't know a whole lot about the history of the phrase.
Curious Minnesota
Why is Minnesota's Democratic Party called the DFL?
"If you look at Minnesota's political history, a lot of people call us the 'Maverick State' just because we never were really Republican or Democrat," Brian Pease said.
Curious Minnesota
Is Minnesota actually more German than Scandinavian?
A reader wants to know: Why do Scandinavians get all the attention when there are more Minnesotans of German descent?
Curious Minnesota
Our new podcast will make you smarter in 15 minutes
Our new Curious Minnesota podcast answers your questions about "Minnesota Nice," the Stone Arch Bridge and beyond. Tell us what questions you want answered.
Curious Minnesota
Why are felons stripped of voting rights, and what other rights do they lose?
Minnesota passed disenfranchisement of felons with statehood in 1858, but the practice didn't become commonplace nationally until after the Civil War — when newly emancipated African-Americans gained the right to vote.
Curious Minnesota
How did Minnesota's early settlers make it through the dark, cold winters?
Early Minnesotans had to get creative to stay warm in frigid temperatures.
Curious Minnesota
Zipper merge vs. northern lights: Your top questions this year answered
Minnesotans had a lot of questions about one another – particularly about why everyone seems to hate Edina and zipper merging.
Curious Minnesota
Why do inland cities like St. Paul have so many seagulls?
In the Midway neighborhood of St. Paul — more than a thousand miles from any sea, more than a hundred miles from a Great Lake and a few miles from the Mississippi River — seagulls gather in large numbers.
Curious Minnesota
Podcast: What exactly is 'Minnesota Nice' anyway?
Tracing the roots of "Minnesota Nice" is difficult, partly because people don't agree on what the term means.
Curious Minnesota
Why doesn't Minnesota require vehicle emissions tests any more?
In the 1990s, drivers had to pay to have vehicles tested for carbon monoxide and other pollutants before renewing license tabs. A reader wants to know why the program ended.
Curious Minnesota
Minnesota takes in millions each year from tobacco, but where does the money go?
All rolled up, taxes on every tobacco product in the state since 1957 total $11.75 billion. A reader wants to know what happens to the money.
Curious Minnesota
Why doesn't Minnesota's governor pardon the ceremonial turkey?
Iowa pardons a turkey. So does North Dakota. And President Trump pardoned two, named Bread and Butter. But Minnesota's ceremonial turkey is destined for a needy family's table.
Curious Minnesota
Why do we have water towers and what do they do?
Some cities — usually large ones — don't use water towers, but they are an unmistakable part of the Minnesota landscape. What do they do and why do we have so many of them?
Curious Minnesota
Who are all those people hanging out on sidelines during Vikings games?
Accounting for the full perimeter of the field during a Vikings' home game, there are roughly 300 people with their feet on the turf. But who are they all?
Curious Minnesota
Why isn't it a crime to punch someone if you're playing pro hockey?
Players have been charged for NHL fights, including one notorious Minnesota incident in 1975, but those cases are the exception. Why aren't hockey fights considered assault?
Curious Minnesota
Why does the Stone Arch Bridge cross the Mississippi at such an odd angle?
Older than most historic buildings still standing in the Twin Cities, the 136-year-old bridge has long been Minneapolis' de facto welcome mat. But why was it built the way it was, with such a long angle?
Curious Minnesota
How did Minnesota become the Gopher State?
It appears Minnesotans have been misled about their beloved gophers. We try to unravel the gopher mystery.
Curious Minnesota
![KYNDELL HARKNESS • kharkness@startribune.com] Traffic moved through the roundabout on 66th Street near Hwy 77 in Richfield.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/DWJKQI52DFPWEZDEEVK2K2K5ZE.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Are roundabouts really safer than traditional intersections?
With only about 5,000 roundabouts on the nation's roads — making them still somewhat uncommon — it's natural for drivers to initially be confused.
Curious Minnesota
Why do so many Fortune 500 companies call Minnesota home?
The country's 16th largest metro doesn't dominate the Fortune 500 list because of its size.
Curious Minnesota
![Jack Weber drove his wheat combine on his field. The wheat doesn't bring much cash but it does improve the health of his soil. ] GLEN STUBBE ¥ glen.s](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/Q52DDKM4VPGMHUNPCJC6RT27QI.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Is Minnesota part of the Midwest? Should it be?
Sure, it's roughly in the middle of the country, but some think of the Midwest as more than a location.
Curious Minnesota
Why are Honeycrisp apples still so expensive?
One of the University of Minnesota's most profitable inventions continues to be a best-seller despite its top-priced status.
Curious Minnesota
Playing favorites: What's the story behind the Twins' game jersey picks?
Pitchers generally pick the game jerseys worn for home games, but each one goes about the selection process differently.
Curious Minnesota
Why is it so much harder for U students to graduate debt free compared to the '60s?
Fall college tuition bills are coming due, and if the number behind that dollar sign seems high, well, it is.
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Curious Minnesota
Curious Minnesota, a Star Tribune community-driven reporting project, puts readers' inquiries at the center of our newsroom's reporting.
