Minnesota State Maps
These maps show Minnesota State's Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregions.

The 87 Counties of Minnesota and Their Name Origins
- Aitkin County: Named after William Aitkin, a fur trader with the Ojibwe people.
- Anoka County: Derived from the Dakota word "anokatan," meaning "on both sides."
- Becker County: Named for George Loomis Becker, a prominent lawyer and politician.
- Beltrami County: Named for Giacomo Beltrami, an Italian explorer who searched for the source of the Mississippi River.
- Benton County: Named for Thomas Hart Benton, a Missouri Senator and advocate for westward expansion.
- Big Stone County: Named after Big Stone Lake, which is part of its western boundary.
- Blue Earth County: Named for the blue clay found along the Blue Earth River.
- Brown County: Named after Joseph Renshaw Brown, a politician, pioneer, and entrepreneur in early Minnesota.
- Carlton County: Named after Reuben B. Carlton, a state legislator who was instrumental in the development of northern Minnesota.
- Carver County: Named after explorer Jonathan Carver, who was one of the first white men to explore the Minnesota River Valley.
- Cass County: Named after Lewis Cass, an American military officer, politician, and Secretary of War under President Andrew Jackson.
- Chippewa County: Named for the Chippewa (Ojibwe) Native American tribe.
- Chisago County: Derived from "Ki-Chi-Saga," which means "fair and lovely lakes" in the Ojibwe language.
- Clay County: Named for Henry Clay, a prominent American statesman from Kentucky.
- Clearwater County: Named for the Clearwater River, which runs through the county.
- Cook County: Named for Michael Cook, a Civil War veteran and state legislator.
- Cottonwood County: Named for the cottonwood trees in the area.
- Crow Wing County: Named for the Crow Wing River, which is named after the crow, a bird revered by the Ojibwe people.
- Dakota County: Named after the Dakota Sioux Native American tribe.
- Dodge County: Named for Henry Dodge, the first governor of Wisconsin Territory.
- Douglas County: Named for Stephen A. Douglas, a prominent American politician known for his debates with Abraham Lincoln.
- Faribault County: Named after Jean Baptiste Faribault, a fur trader and early settler.
- Fillmore County: Named after Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States.
- Freeborn County: Named after William Freeborn, a pioneer and politician in Minnesota.
- Goodhue County: Named for James Madison Goodhue, the first newspaper editor in Minnesota Territory.
- Grant County: Named after Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and Civil War general.
- Hennepin County: Named for Father Louis Hennepin, a French explorer and Catholic missionary who was among the first Europeans to see St. Anthony Falls.
- Houston County: Named for Sam Houston, a prominent American statesman and politician from Texas.
- Hubbard County: Named for Lucius Frederick Hubbard, a Civil War veteran and former governor of Minnesota.
- Isanti County: Named for the Isanti, a subgroup of the Dakota Sioux tribe.
- Itasca County: Named after Lake Itasca, the source of the Mississippi River.
- Jackson County: Named for Henry Jackson, one of the first settlers of Saint Paul.
- Kanabec County: Named after the Snake River, known as Kanabec in the Ojibwe language.
- Kandiyohi County: Named for a Dakota word meaning "where the buffalo fish come," referring to a local fish species.
- Kittson County: Named after Norman Kittson, a fur trader and railroad entrepreneur.
- Koochiching County: Named after the Ojibwe word "Gojijiing," meaning "at the place of inlets," referring to Rainy Lake and Rainy River.
- Lac qui Parle County: French for "Lake that speaks," referring to the sound made by the water as it rushes through the lake's outlet.
- Lake County: Named for Lake Superior, which forms its eastern border.
- Lake of the Woods County: Named for the large body of water, Lake of the Woods, located in northern Minnesota.
- Le Sueur County: Named for Pierre-Charles Le Sueur, a French explorer who traveled the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers.
- Lincoln County: Named for Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States.
- Lyon County: Named for Nathaniel Lyon, a Union general in the American Civil War.
- Mahnomen County: Named for the Ojibwe word for wild rice, "mahnomen," which grows abundantly in the area.
- Marshall County: Named after William Rainey Marshall, the fifth governor of Minnesota.
- Martin County: Named after Henry Martin, an early settler of the county.
- McLeod County: Named for Martin McLeod, an early pioneer and fur trader.
- Meeker County: Named after Bradley B. Meeker, a territorial associate justice in Minnesota.
- Mille Lacs County: French for "thousand lakes," referring to the many lakes in the region, especially Mille Lacs Lake.
- Morrison County: Named for William and Allan Morrison, early fur traders in the area.
- Mower County: Named for John Edward Mower, a territorial legislator and pioneer.
- Murray County: Named for William Pitt Murray, an influential attorney and politician in Minnesota.
- Nicollet County: Named after Joseph Nicollet, a French explorer and cartographer who mapped the upper Mississippi River.
- Nobles County: Named for William H. Nobles, an early settler and explorer who helped establish the Nobles Trail.
- Norman County: Named after Norwegian settlers who lived in the area, originally called Norman by immigrants from Scandinavia.
- Olmsted County: Named for David Olmsted, the first mayor of St. Paul and early settler in Minnesota.
- Otter Tail County: Named after Otter Tail Lake and the Otter Tail River, so named because of its resemblance to an otter's tail.
- Pennington County: Named after Edmund Pennington, a railroad executive for the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railway.
- Pine County: Named for the abundant pine trees in the region.
- Pipestone County: Named for the red pipestone, a type of catlinite found in the county, traditionally used by Native Americans to make pipes.
- Polk County: Named after James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States.
- Pope County: Named after John Pope, a U.S. Army general who fought in the Dakota War of 1862.
- Ramsey County: Named for Alexander Ramsey, the first governor of the Minnesota Territory and second governor of the state.
- Red Lake County: Named for Red Lake, a large lake located in the northern part of the state.
- Redwood County: Named for the Redwood River, which runs through the county and is bordered by redwood trees.
- Renville County: Named after Joseph Renville, a French-Canadian fur trader and interpreter who worked with the Dakota Sioux.
- Rice County: Named after Henry Mower Rice, a U.S. Senator and a significant figure in Minnesota's statehood.
- Rock County: Named for its rocky landscape and for the Sioux Quartzite outcrops found in the county.
- Roseau County: Named for the Roseau River, which flows through the county. "Roseau" is French for "reed" or "bulrush."
- St. Louis County: Named for the St. Louis River, which flows into Lake Superior.
- Scott County: Named after General Winfield Scott, a U.S. Army general and 1852 presidential candidate.
- Sherburne County: Named for Moses Sherburne, an associate justice of the Minnesota Territorial Supreme Court.
- Sibley County: Named for Henry Hastings Sibley, the first governor of Minnesota.
- Stearns County: Named after Charles Thomas Stearns, a prominent local politician and businessman.
- Steele County: Named for Franklin Steele, an early settler and businessman in Minnesota.
- Stevens County: Named after Isaac Ingalls Stevens, the first governor of Washington Territory and a hero of the Mexican-American War.
- Swift County: Named for Henry Adoniram Swift, the third governor of Minnesota.
- Todd County: Named for John Blair Smith Todd, a delegate to Congress from Dakota Territory and brigadier general in the Civil War.
- Traverse County: Named for Lake Traverse, a large lake on the Minnesota-Dakota border.
- Wabasha County: Named after Chief Wapasha, a Dakota Sioux leader.
- Wadena County: Named for the Dakota word "Wadena," meaning "little round hill."
- Waseca County: Derived from a Dakota word meaning "rich" or "fertile."
- Washington County: Named after George Washington, the first President of the United States.
- Watonwan County: Derived from a Dakota word meaning "fish bait" or "plenty of fish."
- Wilkin County: Named for Col. Alexander Wilkin, a lawyer and soldier who was killed in action during the Civil War.
- Winona County: Named for a Dakota word meaning "first-born daughter" or for the legendary Dakota figure Winona.
- Wright County: Named for Silas Wright, a governor of New York and prominent political figure.
- Yellow Medicine County: Named for the "yellow medicine" plant (likely a type of wild indigo) used by the Dakota people for medicinal purposes.

Minnesota State County Sizes Map
Smallest County in Minnesota State
Ramsey County: 167 sq miles
Largest County in Minnesota State
St. Louis County: 6,720 sq miles
Mean and Median Area of Counties in Minnesota State
Mean Area: 771 sq miles
Median Area: 614 sq miles

Major Cities of Minnesota State and Their Locations
Minnesota’s major cities are distributed across the state, with many located along rivers or historical transportation routes. The state is known for its vibrant urban centers, cultural hubs, and proximity to natural landscapes. Below are examples of Minnesota's largest and most significant cities:
1. Minneapolis
Minneapolis, the largest city in Minnesota, is located along the Mississippi River. Known for its thriving arts scene, vibrant neighborhoods, and numerous lakes, Minneapolis is an economic and cultural hub. It is part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area along with St. Paul, the state capital, and is home to Fortune 500 companies, major sports teams, and world-class theaters and museums.
2. St. Paul
St. Paul, Minnesota’s capital city, lies east of Minneapolis along the Mississippi River. It is known for its historic architecture, government buildings, and vibrant cultural institutions. St. Paul is home to the Minnesota State Capitol, the Science Museum of Minnesota, and the Xcel Energy Center, where major concerts and sporting events are held. The city's historic charm and connection to the river make it a popular tourist destination.
3. Rochester
Rochester is located in southeastern Minnesota and is internationally known as the home of the Mayo Clinic, one of the top medical research and healthcare institutions in the world. As a result, the city has a strong healthcare industry and a vibrant economy. Rochester also offers parks, riverside trails, and a growing arts and cultural scene, making it one of Minnesota’s fastest-growing cities.
4. Duluth
Duluth, located on the shores of Lake Superior in northeastern Minnesota, is a major port city. It serves as a gateway for shipping and industry, particularly for iron ore and grain shipments. The city is also a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic lake views, the historic Aerial Lift Bridge, and access to outdoor recreation like hiking, skiing, and boating along the North Shore.
5. Bloomington
Located just south of Minneapolis, Bloomington is home to the Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the United States. The city is a major retail and entertainment hub, drawing millions of visitors annually. It is also known for its proximity to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, offering a mix of urban and natural attractions.
6. St. Cloud
St. Cloud is situated along the Mississippi River in central Minnesota. It serves as a regional hub for education, healthcare, and commerce in the area. The city is home to St. Cloud State University, one of Minnesota’s largest public universities. St. Cloud offers access to scenic river views, parks, and cultural events, making it an important center for the surrounding region.
7. Mankato
Mankato is located in southern Minnesota along the Minnesota River. It is known for its regional university, Minnesota State University, Mankato, which brings a youthful and academic atmosphere to the city. Mankato is also a center for agriculture and manufacturing and offers recreational activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking in nearby parks and along the river.
8. Moorhead
Moorhead is situated in western Minnesota, directly across the Red River from Fargo, North Dakota. It is an agricultural hub and a key gateway to the Great Plains. Moorhead is home to Concordia College and offers a mix of suburban living, access to outdoor recreation, and cultural institutions, benefiting from its proximity to Fargo’s amenities and industries.
9. Burnsville
Burnsville, a suburb of Minneapolis, is located along the Minnesota River and is known for its suburban neighborhoods and access to nature. The city features parks, lakes, and the Buck Hill ski area. Burnsville serves as a residential and commercial hub within the Twin Cities metropolitan area and offers easy access to urban amenities while maintaining a suburban character.
10. Eden Prairie
Located southwest of Minneapolis, Eden Prairie is a prosperous suburb known for its high quality of life, excellent schools, and strong business community. The city is home to numerous corporate headquarters and offers parks, lakes, and recreational opportunities, making it a popular place for families and professionals.

Topographic Tour of Minnesota
Minnesota features varied topography, shaped by glaciers and its location in the northern part of the Central Lowland. From the lowland plains to the Superior Upland, the state boasts a range of landscapes that include lakes, forests, rolling hills, and fertile farmland. The diversity of landforms provides a range of natural habitats and resources.
1. Central Lowland
The Central Lowland region dominates much of southern and central Minnesota. It consists of flat to gently rolling plains, including rich farmlands that contribute to the state’s agricultural output.
2. Superior Upland
Northern Minnesota is part of the Superior Upland, an ancient landscape of forests, lakes, and rocky terrain formed by glaciation. This area includes the state's highest elevations and the iconic Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Physiographic Regions of Minnesota
Central Lowland, Dissected Till Plains
This region covers much of the southern part of Minnesota. It features a landscape shaped by glaciation and later erosion, leading to rolling hills and valleys. The fertile soils in this area make it ideal for agriculture, especially for growing crops like corn and soybeans.
Central Lowland, Western Lake
Western Lake, part of the Central Lowland, encompasses the western and central regions of Minnesota. This area is known for its large number of lakes and wetlands, as well as gently rolling terrain that provides fertile farmland.
Central Lowland, Wisconsin Driftless
The Wisconsin Driftless area, located in the southeastern part of Minnesota, is unique in that it was not glaciated during the last Ice Age. This has resulted in a landscape of steep bluffs, deep valleys, and rolling hills. The area is known for its scenic beauty and is popular for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
Superior Upland
The Superior Upland region encompasses the northeastern part of Minnesota, including areas near Lake Superior. This region is characterized by rugged, rocky terrain formed by ancient volcanic activity and shaped by glaciation. It is covered in dense forests and is home to many lakes and rivers, including the iconic Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Notable Federal Lands: Some of the Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations in Minnesota
1. Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is named after the French-Canadian fur traders who once paddled its waterways. The park covers over 218,000 acres and is dominated by interconnected lakes, including Rainy, Kabetogama, and Namakan Lakes. It is a haven for boating, canoeing, fishing, and wildlife watching. The park's remote location and vast water networks make it a popular destination for backcountry camping and stargazing.
2. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a vast, federally protected wilderness area located within the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. Covering over 1 million acres, it contains over 1,000 lakes and rivers, making it one of the best canoeing and kayaking destinations in the country. The BWCAW is known for its pristine wilderness, rich biodiversity, and opportunities for solitude, with only minimal human impact allowed. The area also provides excellent fishing, camping, and hiking opportunities.
3. Superior National Forest
Superior National Forest spans 3.9 million acres in northeastern Minnesota, encompassing the Boundary Waters and vast tracts of boreal forest. The forest is home to hundreds of lakes, rivers, and streams, and it offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, canoeing, and snowmobiling. Visitors can also enjoy exploring the scenic byways that pass through the forest, offering breathtaking views of Minnesota's rugged northern landscapes.
4. Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
This 72-mile-long river corridor runs through the heart of the Twin Cities, following the path of the Mississippi River. The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area encompasses over 54,000 acres and protects both natural and historic sites along the river, including the St. Anthony Falls, Fort Snelling, and Minnehaha Park. It provides urban recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and birdwatching, while preserving important cultural and historical landmarks.
5. Chippewa National Forest
Located in north-central Minnesota, Chippewa National Forest covers over 1.6 million acres and is named after the Ojibwe (Chippewa) people who have lived in the area for centuries. The forest is known for its extensive lakes, wetlands, and pine forests, offering a variety of recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. The forest is home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the lower 48 states.
6. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
This urban wildlife refuge stretches along the Minnesota River and covers over 14,000 acres near the Twin Cities. The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge protects important habitats for migratory birds, waterfowl, and other wildlife species, offering a unique blend of nature and urban environments. The refuge has several visitor centers, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife observation and environmental education.
7. Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge
Located in northwestern Minnesota, Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge covers over 61,000 acres of marshes, lakes, and grasslands. It is named after the prehistoric Lake Agassiz, which once covered much of the region. The refuge is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including moose, wolves, and migratory birds, making it a prime destination for birdwatching, wildlife photography, and hiking.

Ecoregions of Minnesota
Lake Agassiz, Aspen Parklands Section
The Lake Agassiz, Aspen Parklands Section is located in the northwestern part of Minnesota. It is characterized by a mix of grasslands and aspen forests, shaped by the remnants of glacial Lake Agassiz. This area supports a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and waterfowl, and is known for its flat terrain, wetlands, and scattered groves of trees. The region also provides important migratory habitats for birds, making it a key area for conservation and wildlife observation.
North-Central Glaciated Plains Section
This ecoregion covers central Minnesota, where the landscape was heavily shaped by glacial activity. It is marked by rolling plains, lakes, and wetlands, with soils that support a mix of agricultural lands and forests. The glaciated plains are known for their diverse habitats, including prairies, woodlands, and wetlands, and are important for farming, particularly crops like corn and soybeans.
Northern Minnesota & Ontario Section
This section spans the northern part of Minnesota and extends into Canada. It is dominated by boreal forests, including spruce, pine, and fir, and features numerous lakes and rivers. The area is home to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and offers critical habitats for species like moose, wolves, and black bears. The rugged, forested terrain is ideal for outdoor activities such as canoeing, hiking, and wildlife observation.
Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains Section
The Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains Section covers much of the north-central region of the state, characterized by glacial deposits and numerous lakes. This ecoregion is a transition zone between forested areas and agricultural lands, with mixed hardwood forests, wetlands, and open fields. The area supports diverse plant and animal species, and recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping are popular here.
Northern Superior Uplands Section
This section encompasses the northeastern part of Minnesota, where the landscape is dominated by rugged terrain and large bodies of water like Lake Superior. The area is known for its boreal forests, rocky outcrops, and numerous lakes and rivers. The Northern Superior Uplands support timber production and offer excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation, including camping, hiking, and fishing.
Red River Valley Section
The Red River Valley Section, located in western Minnesota, is part of the broader floodplain of the Red River of the North. This region is characterized by flat, fertile plains that are ideal for agriculture, particularly for crops like wheat and sugar beets. The rich soils are a result of the historic glacial Lake Agassiz, and the valley plays a crucial role in the state's agricultural output.
Southern Superior Uplands Section
The Southern Superior Uplands Section, located in the northeastern part of the state, features rugged, forested terrain with high elevations. This region is dominated by rocky outcrops, dense forests, and numerous lakes. It supports a diverse range of wildlife and provides important timber resources. The area is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities.
Western Superior Section
This section is located along the western shores of Lake Superior, where the landscape is shaped by glacial activity and features rocky coastlines, forests, and wetlands. The Western Superior Section is home to diverse ecosystems, including boreal forests and freshwater habitats. It is a key region for conservation and recreation, with many protected areas offering opportunities for boating, hiking, and wildlife observation.
North Central U.S. Driftless and Escarpment Section
The Driftless and Escarpment Section, found in southeastern Minnesota, is unique for its lack of glaciation, which has resulted in a rugged landscape of bluffs, valleys, and escarpments. The area is known for its karst topography, with numerous caves and sinkholes. The region supports oak savannas, prairies, and hardwood forests, and is a popular area for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and trout fishing in its cold-water streams.
Minnesota & NE Iowa Morainal, Oak Savannah Section
This section covers parts of southern Minnesota and extends into northeastern Iowa. It is characterized by rolling hills, moraines (glacially formed ridges), and oak savannas. The mix of prairie and oak woodlands creates a diverse ecosystem that supports a wide range of wildlife. Historically, this area was shaped by fire and grazing, which maintained the savanna landscapes. Today, conservation efforts focus on preserving these unique habitats.