Minnesota State Symbols: Complete List, Meanings, and History

Minnesota has official state symbols that represent its wildlife, natural resources, agriculture, history, culture, and identity. From the common loon and walleye to the Honeycrisp apple and Lake Superior agate, each symbol highlights a different part of Minnesota.

The state has 22 official symbol categories, including a state bird, flower, tree, fish, gemstone, motto, song, sport, flag, seal, and newer designations such as the Ursa Minor constellation and giant beaver fossil.

Complete List of Minnesota State Symbols

This list is based primarily on the current Minnesota Secretary of State’s official state-symbols page.

Minnesota State Bird: Common Loon

The common loon (Gavia immer) is Minnesota’s official state bird. It became the state bird in 1961.

The loon is strongly associated with Minnesota’s lakes. It is an excellent swimmer and diver, and its distinctive call is one of the sounds commonly associated with Minnesota’s summer lakes. The bird spends its winters along coastal areas and returns to inland lakes during the warmer months.

Minnesota State Flower: Pink and White Lady’s Slipper

Minnesota’s official state flower is the pink and white lady’s slipper, also known as the showy lady’s-slipper (Cypripedium reginae).

It was adopted as the state flower in 1902. This native orchid grows in habitats such as bogs, fens, swamps, and damp woods. It is a slow-growing plant that can take several years before producing its first flower. Minnesota law has also protected the wildflower from being picked or collected since 1925.

Minnesota State Tree: Norway Pine

The Norway pine, also called the red pine (Pinus resinosa), is Minnesota’s official state tree.

It became the state tree in 1953. The red pine is important to Minnesota’s forests, environment, and timber history. Some of the state’s oldest and tallest red pines can be found at Itasca State Park.

Minnesota State Fish: Walleye

The walleye is Minnesota’s official state fish. It was designated in 1965.

Walleye are an important part of Minnesota’s fishing tradition and are found throughout the state’s lakes and rivers. Their popularity among anglers makes the walleye a natural symbol of Minnesota’s strong connection to freshwater recreation.

Minnesota State Bee: Rusty Patched Bumblebee

The rusty patched bumblebee (Bombus affinis) became Minnesota’s official state bee in 2019.

It gets its name from the distinctive rusty-colored patch on its abdomen. The species is associated with grasslands and prairies and is important as a pollinator. Minnesota’s designation of the rusty patched bumblebee as a state symbol also helps highlight the importance of pollinator conservation.

Minnesota State Butterfly: Monarch

The monarch butterfly became Minnesota’s official state butterfly in 2000.

Monarchs are recognizable by their orange-and-black wings and remarkable seasonal migration. Minnesota is part of the monarch’s migration range, and monarchs can be seen across the state during the warmer months.

Minnesota State Constellation: Ursa Minor

One of Minnesota’s newest official symbols is Ursa Minor, which became the state constellation in 2025.

Ursa Minor is Latin for “little bear” and is commonly known as the Little Dipper. It contains Polaris, the North Star, which has historically been used for navigation. The connection to the North Star also fits Minnesota’s long-standing association with the motto L’Étoile du Nord, meaning “Star of the North.”

Minnesota State Drink: Milk

Milk is Minnesota’s official state drink. It was adopted in 1984.

The designation reflects the importance of dairy farming and agriculture in Minnesota.

Minnesota State Fire Museum

Minnesota’s official state fire museum is the Bill and Bonnie Daniels Firefighters Hall and Museum.

The state designated a state fire museum in 2023. It recognizes Minnesota’s firefighting history and preserves objects and stories connected with firefighters and fire service.

Minnesota State Fruit: Honeycrisp Apple

The Honeycrisp apple became Minnesota’s official state fruit in 2006.

The variety has a particularly strong Minnesota connection because it was developed through the University of Minnesota’s apple-breeding program. The state DNR notes that students from Anderson Elementary School in Bayport helped petition for the Honeycrisp to become the state fruit.

Minnesota State Gemstone: Lake Superior Agate

The Lake Superior agate is Minnesota’s official state gemstone. It was designated in 1969.

These agates are a type of quartz known as chalcedony and are recognized for their attractive bands, often featuring shades of red, brown, gray, and white.

The stones formed more than a billion years ago through geological processes associated with the Lake Superior region. Glaciers later transported agates across parts of Minnesota, where they can still be found.

Minnesota State Grain: Wild Rice

Wild rice is Minnesota’s official state grain and was adopted in 1977.

Wild rice naturally grows in Minnesota’s lakes and wetlands and has deep historical and cultural importance. It has traditionally been harvested by Indigenous peoples, including Dakota and Ojibwe communities.

Wild rice is also represented in Minnesota’s current Great Seal.

Minnesota State Motto: L’Étoile du Nord

Minnesota’s official state motto is L’Étoile du Nord, a French phrase meaning “Star of the North.”

The motto was adopted in 1861. It was selected by Henry Sibley and approved by the Minnesota Legislature. The North Star theme continues to appear in Minnesota’s modern state symbols, including the state flag.

Minnesota State Muffin: Blueberry Muffin

The blueberry muffin is Minnesota’s official state muffin. It was adopted in 1988.

The symbol reflects Minnesota’s connection to blueberries and local food traditions.

Minnesota State Mushroom: Morel

The morel mushroom became Minnesota’s official state mushroom in 1984.

Morels have a distinctive sponge-like appearance and are popular with mushroom hunters. They grow in and around deciduous forests and typically appear above ground during spring and early summer.

Minnesota State Photograph: “Grace”

“Grace” is Minnesota’s official state photograph.

It was adopted as the state photograph in 2002. The photograph was taken in 1918 by Eric Enstrom at his photography studio in Bovey, Minnesota. It shows an elderly man sitting at a table with his head bowed in prayer before a simple meal.

The image became widely recognized and has been reproduced in homes, restaurants, churches, and other locations across the United States.

Minnesota State Fossil: Giant Beaver

The giant beaver is one of Minnesota’s newest state symbols. It became the official state fossil in 2025.

This prehistoric animal is an extinct giant relative of today’s beavers. Its addition gives Minnesota an official fossil symbol representing the state’s ancient natural history.

Minnesota State Soil: Lester

Lester soil became Minnesota’s official state soil in 2012.

It is named after the city of Lester Prairie. The soil developed from glacial deposits and is known for being fertile and useful for agriculture.

Minnesota State Song: “Hail! Minnesota”

“Hail! Minnesota” is the official state song of Minnesota. It was adopted in 1945.

The song celebrates Minnesota and its people and is traditionally associated with state events and ceremonies.

Minnesota State Sport: Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is Minnesota’s official state sport. It was designated in 2009.

The idea received support from Minnesota students, and a group of sixth-grade students from Minnetonka Middle School East collected more than 600 signatures supporting the proposal. The legislation was eventually signed into law in 2009.

Minnesota State Flag

Minnesota’s current state flag was adopted on May 11, 2024, replacing the previous flag.

The modern flag features a dark blue shape representing Minnesota and an eight-pointed white star. The star connects to the state’s North Star identity and motto. The bright blue portion represents Minnesota’s abundant water, including its lakes and rivers.

The redesign process began after the Minnesota Legislature created the State Emblem Redesign Commission in 2023. The commission received 2,128 flag design submissions before selecting a finalist and developing the final design.

Minnesota State Seal

Minnesota’s current Great Seal was adopted on May 11, 2024.

The seal includes several elements associated with Minnesota, including wild rice, the common loon, the Norway pine, water, and an eight-pointed star. It also includes the Dakota phrase “Mni Sóta Makoce,” connected to the origin of the state’s name.

The outer circle contains 98 rectangular gold bars, representing Minnesota’s 87 counties and 11 federally recognized American Indian tribes within the state.

The Secretary of State is the keeper of the Great Seal and uses it to authenticate official state documents.

Why Are Minnesota State Symbols Important?

Minnesota’s state symbols provide a snapshot of the state’s identity.

Natural symbols such as the loon, walleye, monarch butterfly, rusty patched bumblebee, lady’s slipper, red pine, wild rice, and Lake Superior agate represent Minnesota’s wildlife, forests, lakes, wetlands, and geological history.

Other symbols highlight different parts of Minnesota life. The Honeycrisp apple represents agricultural research, hockey represents the state’s sporting tradition, and “Grace” represents an important part of Minnesota’s cultural history.

The newer Ursa Minor constellation and giant beaver fossil, both adopted in 2025, also show that Minnesota’s official collection of symbols can continue to evolve over time.

Minnesota State Symbols vs. Minnesota Nicknames

It is important to distinguish an official state symbol from a nickname.

Minnesota is widely known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” and it is also associated with the “North Star State.” However, these are nicknames rather than separate entries in the Secretary of State’s current list of official state symbols.

The “North Star” identity is closely connected to Minnesota’s official motto, L’Étoile du Nord, meaning “Star of the North.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota State Symbols

What are Minnesota’s official state symbols?

Minnesota’s official symbols include the rusty patched bumblebee, common loon, monarch butterfly, Ursa Minor, milk, Bill and Bonnie Daniels Firefighters Hall and Museum, walleye, state flag, pink and white lady’s slipper, giant beaver, Honeycrisp apple, Lake Superior agate, wild rice, L’Étoile du Nord, blueberry muffin, morel, “Grace,” state seal, Lester soil, “Hail! Minnesota,” ice hockey, and Norway pine.

What is Minnesota’s state bird?

Minnesota’s state bird is the common loon, which became the official state bird in 1961.

What is Minnesota’s state flower?

Minnesota’s state flower is the pink and white lady’s slipper, also known as the showy lady’s-slipper. It became the state flower in 1902.

What is Minnesota’s state tree?

The Norway pine, also called the red pine, is Minnesota’s official state tree. It was designated in 1953.

What is Minnesota’s state fish?

The walleye is Minnesota’s official state fish. It was designated in 1965.

What is Minnesota’s state gemstone?

The Lake Superior agate is Minnesota’s official state gemstone and was designated in 1969.

What is Minnesota’s state fruit?

The Honeycrisp apple is Minnesota’s official state fruit. It was designated in 2006.

What is Minnesota’s state constellation?

Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Dipper, became Minnesota’s state constellation in 2025. It includes Polaris, the North Star.

What is Minnesota’s state fossil?

The giant beaver became Minnesota’s official state fossil in 2025.

What is Minnesota’s state sport?

Ice hockey is Minnesota’s official state sport. It was designated in 2009.

What is Minnesota’s state motto?

Minnesota’s state motto is L’Étoile du Nord, which means “Star of the North.” It was adopted in 1861.

Final Thoughts

Minnesota’s state symbols represent far more than a collection of official designations. They tell stories about the state’s lakes, forests, wildlife, agriculture, geology, history, culture, and people.

The common loon, walleye, showy lady’s-slipper, Norway pine, wild rice, Lake Superior agate, and Honeycrisp apple represent some of Minnesota’s best-known natural and agricultural connections. Meanwhile, the 2024 state flag and Great Seal and the 2025 additions of Ursa Minor and the giant beaver show how Minnesota’s official identity continues to develop.

For the most authoritative and up-to-date information, the Minnesota Secretary of State and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are the primary sources for Minnesota’s official symbols.

John Carter

I am John Carter, a lifelong enthusiast of language and modern slang. I explore how words evolve and shape culture, and I enjoy uncovering the stories behind everyday expressions. I have authored “Slang and Society: The Language of Youth” and “Modern Words, Modern Worlds”, where I dive into how informal language impacts communication and identity. My goal is to make language accessible, fun, and insightful for everyone who loves words as much as I do.