Some Minnesotans are still nostalgic for the Mall of America’s original, Peanuts-themed amusement park. Here’s why it became Nickelodeon Universe.
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Curious Minnesota
What are Minnesota’s weirdest laws?
Statutes about collecting gopher bounties and chasing greased pigs are on the books. But some of our most oft-repeated loony laws are simply tall tales.
November 1, 2024
Curious Minnesota
Minnesota’s ghost towns are a relic of grand visions gone awry
Many of the state’s abandoned places vanished without a trace. But some still attract visitors.
October 25, 2024
Curious Minnesota![A major threat to the goblin fern is the invasive earthworms destroying the forest floor that are being spread by anglers improperly dumping bait and movement from ATV tires. ] Brian Peterson ¥ brian.peterson@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/IOZS3EQGUTRADS3QMGWYSQOWXU.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
How did earthworms invade Minnesota?
They aren’t native to the state. And the toothless, wriggly creatures are destroying our forest floors.
October 18, 2024
Curious Minnesota
What’s behind the stereotype that Minnesotans don’t like spicy food?
Conventional wisdom holds that many of the state’s residents just can’t handle the heat.
October 11, 2024
Curious Minnesota
Why are Minnesota’s roadside rest areas so nice?
The state was ‘ahead of the curve’ installing these facilities, which serve an important safety function.
October 4, 2024
Curious Minnesota
Why is Minnesota the top state for pulltab gambling?
Most states allow pulltabs. But the game has become a unique part of our bar culture.
September 27, 2024
Curious Minnesota
A 1940 inferno remains the deadliest fire in Minneapolis history. Why was it so lethal?
The Marlborough Hotel blaze on a freezing morning in 1940 left 19 people dead.
September 20, 2024
Curious Minnesota
What does Aquatennial have to do with Minneapolis’ bloody 1934 Teamsters strike?
The summertime celebration aimed to unite the city and restore its image.
September 13, 2024
Curious Minnesota
Where to find State Fair food favorites after Labor Day
Many vendors once offered an only-at-the-fair experience. That is changing.
September 7, 2024
Curious Minnesota
How did Old Dutch potato chips get started in St. Paul?
The company with the twin pack box created ‘one of Minnesota’s most beloved snack products.’
September 6, 2024
Curious Minnesota
What happened to the frozen whale that used to visit the State Fair?
One of the strangest attractions to ever hit the fairgrounds, ‘Little Irvy’ made a big impression.
August 30, 2024
Curious Minnesota
How the State Fair’s mascot was inspired by a real-life Fairchild
Fairchild and his nephew Fairborne have become enduring symbols of the fair.
August 26, 2024