SHOCKING Facts About Minnesota They Don’t Want You To Know!

🤪 You won’t believe these WILD Minnesota “facts”! #5 will have you questioning reality! Buckle up and grab a lutefisk latte, you’ll need it! 🤯 #MinnesotaMischief #LOL #DontBelieveEverythingYouRead 📖😉

Five Shocking Facts About Minnesota

Are you ready to learn five absolutely SHOCKING facts about the Land of 10,000 Lakes? We hope so, because these are little-known facts that may just have you saying, “Uff da!”

1. Paul Bunyan was the first Governor of Minnesota

We’ve all heard of the giant lumberjack and his pal Babe, but did you know the folk hero was the first Governor of Minnesota? That’s right! Before Henry H. Sibley, there was the lovable logger in the red plaid shirt. He was a champion for workers’ rights and fought tirelessly to develop the forests of northern Minnesota.

That got us thinking…who do you think would win in a wrestling match: Governor Paul Bunyan or Governor Jesse Ventura?

2. Bob Dylan and Prince collaborated on a gospel album

In the early 1990s, Star Tribune writer Jon Bream announced an exclusive: Bob Dylan and Prince had teamed up and were working on a gospel album. The duo was said to be writing songs that were, “not quite folk and not quite funk…but somewhere in the middle”. 

Record labels and fans were shocked at news of the unlikely collab, but sadly, fans would have to wait: as of today, no release date has ever been announced and the music sits gathering dust in a vault in Chanhassen, Minnesota.

3. Lutefisk and hotdish is served instead of communion at some Lutheran churches

Bread and wine, the Lord’s Prayer. It’s a tradition well-known by churchgoers around the world, but did you know in some Lutheran churches in Minnesota the sacred meal has been replaced by more regional favorites? It’s true!

In these communities, “This is my body given to you…and this is my blood shed for you…” is followed by a spoonful of tater tot hotdish, washed down with a bite of lutefisk. 

The practice was first proposed by Pastor Ole Bjornson on April 1, 1969. A large snowstorm had prevented the arrival of wine and bread, so Pastor Ole had to improvise. His wife Lena Bjornson was making tater tot hotdish and they always had lutefisk on hand. That’s when desperation turned to inspiration!

Parishioners were reluctant at first, but soon the practice was embraced by all. The tradition spread throughout the region and is still practiced by some Lutherans today.

4. There’s an underground tunnel beneath the Mississippi River

Did you know that the University of Minnesota built an underground tunnel, or in this case, an under-river tunnel well below the Mississippi River? It’s true! Constructed in 1851 and dubbed the Alexander Ramsey Tunnel, it connects the East Bank and West Bank campuses. Although not used by students, it is a convenient way for professors and other staff members to safely avoid walks in cold weather.

5. The Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge is powered by mirrors

A landmark in the northern Minnesota port city of Duluth, the Aerial Lift Bridge is iconic. Many a selfie has been taken with the historic bridge as a cheery background. Built in 1905 and reconstructed in 1929, it’s a charming sight. But there’s a shocking secret in the chilly waters of Duluth: it’s not a bridge at all!

Architects Thomas F. McGilbray and C.A.P. Turner worked with the City of Duluth to install a vast network of mirrors spanning the Duluth Ship Canal, which simply give the illusion of movement. The Aerial Lift Bridge has never lifted a day in its life: it simply looks like it does. Genius! 

Conclusion

Well, there you have it. Our list of shocking little-known facts about Minnesota. Thanks for reading and have a super (April Fools’) day!

🗣 Which of these “facts” was the most shocking? Were we able to fool you today? Hehe. We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️

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