That's So Minnesota

You've probably heard the phrase "Minnesota Nice." Turns out, it can mean very different things. Minnesota natives see it as a representation of being polite and welcoming. People not from Minnesota often don't see it that way, and often have a hard time adapting to life here. Why is that? Host Ellery McCardle talks with Corey Bonnema and Jerilyn Veldof, authors of "Minnesota Nice?: A Transplant's Guide to Surviving and Thriving in Minnesota." They have tips on how to decode Minnesota life (including our passive-aggressive behavior), and be successful while living here.

Where else can you stand at the start of a major river? That's something Connie Cox of the Minnesota DNR asks us all to think about. The Mississippi River begins at Itasca State Park in Minnesota, which also happens to be the state's oldest park. But preserving this land didn't come easy. Host Ellery McCardle talks with Connie about the park's history and how it went from doomed to protected.

Minnesota is known for its abundance of public land, including it's 75 state parks and recreation areas. Each one has its claim to fame, and the park system as a whole has a variety of landscapes from waterfalls to high cliffs to prairies, lakes and more. Host Ellery McCardle talks with DNR Naturalist Connie Cox about the history of Minnesota state parks, and she reveals some hidden gems you need to check out.

The Northern Lights are mystical, magical and hard to find. Yet, they attract people to Northern Minnesota, specifically, to Cook County, which has some of the darkest skies in our nation. So, how can you view them yourself? Host Ellery McCardle gets insight from Visit Cook County's Kjersti Vick. 

Minneapolis vs. St. Paul. It's a divide that has raged on for more than a century. Today, it's more a lighthearted debate, but back in the day, things got contentious on either side of the Mississippi River. So, how did this rivalry form? Host Ellery McCardle talks with two representatives from the Minnesota Historical Society. Dave Stevens works at the Mill City Museum in Minneapolis, and Jessica Sutherland is with the James J. Hill House in St. Paul, to square off in a friendly debate, and give some historical insight.

Hayes Scriven is only a few months into his job as the new Lighthouse Keeper at Split Rock, but he’s already discovering new things about this iconic park along the North Shore. He still can’t believe he got the job, but at the same time he’s finding a connection to this place in a way he never imagined. Host Ellery McCardle talks with Hayes about his vision for the park, and living a lifestyle few Americans have ever experienced.

For decades, Northwest Airlines was the hometown airline for Minneapolis-St. Paul, employing thousands of people. But by 2009, it fell into bankruptcy and merged with Delta Air Lines. For many Minnesotans, NWA brings a sense of nostalgia as it opened up this part of the country to global travel, and so much more. Host Ellery McCardle talks with Bruce Kitt, Executive Director of the Northwest Airlines History Center, to talk about the company's legacy. Put two aviation nerds in one room, and they won't stop talking!

Every summer, millions of people go to the Minnesota State Fair, also known as "The Great Minnesota Get-Together." The fair is massive with a seemingly endless amount of food, music and events. So, how did this annual festival that started in the 1800's become a world-renown 12-day affair? Host Ellery McCardle talks with General Manager Jerry Hammer about how the State Fair became a staple of the summer, a big change at the gates starting this year, and he talks about the biggest food flop.

News about COVID-19 is constantly changing. The number of patients infected in the U.S. is rising every day. There's a lot of uncertainty in this world right now, and we're all finding ways to cope. This week, we take a break for our regular show to talk about how Minnesotans are staying positive through it all. We want you to join our campaign of positivity. Tell us the good that's happening in your community by using the hashtag #SendTheLove.