- Hotdish (casserole): tater tots, cream soup, and protein in one dish
- Wild rice soup: Minnesota speciality with local wild rice
- Walleye fish fries: local freshwater delicacy
- Jucy Lucy cheeseburgers: cheese stuffed inside the patty
- Minnesota Nice: legendary politeness and friendliness
- Winter sports: ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area: pristine wilderness paddling
- Mall of America: massive shopping and entertainment complex
Midwestern accent distinctive of Minnesota; polite, indirect communication style ("Minnesota Nice").
- "Minnesota Nice" is real: expect genuine politeness and helpfulness
- Tipping 15-18% is standard
- Winter preparedness is a given: dress appropriately
- Outdoors and nature are central to culture