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BIRCH BARK CANOE The papery bark of birch trees has been used for centuries
by the Ojibwe, the native Americans of Minnesota, to make canoes for traveling
on the thousands of lakes and rivers in our state. Baskets and other household
items for storage were also made from birch bark. |
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COMMON LOON, MINNESOTA STATE BIRD Dating back 60 million years, the
common loon is one of the earth's oldest living bird species. Its name
come from a Norwegian word that means "wild, sad cry." Loons
are large black and white birds with long black bills and red eyes. They
live on the lakes of Northern Minnesota. The mother loons carry the babies
on her back. The loon hat was worn by people at a special event connected
to the opening of a shopping center. The name of the shopping center is
Gaviidae Common. Gaviidae is the Latin name for loon. |
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THE EAGLE The eagle represents our country. It is the bird of the United
States of America. It represents freedom and nobility. It is on of many
of the nations coins, seals and medals. Eagles are majestic birds. They
may be three feet long and their wings may measure more than six feet from
tip to tip. (1 meter equals about 3 feet). |
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FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES We chose this because it represents our country.
The 50 stars represent our 50 states. The stripes represent the first 13
colonies. The color red represents blood, the color blue represents water
and the color white represents courage. Many people hang flags outside
of schools, office buildings and homes. If somebody important dies, we
lower the flag half way down the flag pole. |
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FLAG OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA Minnesota's state flag is royal blue
bordered with gold fringe. Around the state seal in the center is a wreath
of Lady Slippers (our state flower). Nineteen stars ring the wreath. The
largest star represents Minnesota, the nineteenth state to join the union
after the original 13, in 1858. |
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HISTORY WHERE IT'S HAPPENING BROCHURE This is a travel guide to popular
historic sites in Minnesota. |
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LICENSE PLATE We are going to tell you about a license plate. The license
plate is attached on the front and back of your car and says the car can
be driven on the road. Each state has their own design for their license
plate. Minnesota's plate says "Land of 10,000 lakes." |
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MINNESOTA STATE MAP This is a road map of the state which shows distances,
lakes, and cities. We have also included a smaller map of Minnesota which
shows Minnesota's relation to other states around us. |
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POLISHED LAKE SUPERIOR AGATES Lake Superior agates are the state gemstone.
These were taken from the North Shore of Lake Superior. They were tumbled
in sand and water to make them smooth and shiny. These quartz stones are
banded with read and orange, which comes from the iron ore in the soil. |
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ST. PAUL WELCOMES YOU PICTURE This is a photograph of our Minnesota
State Capitol Buildingwhere our state government takes place. |
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TIMBER WOLF PICTURE The timber wolf represents the Minnesota wolf population
as well as the importance of environmental issues for many Minnesotans.
Minnesota has some of the world's few remaining populations of timberwolves.
Throughout the world the wolf has been a source of fear and controversy.
Loved by some and hated by others it is well known as a symbol of the untamed
parts of our world. Even in Minnesota, some view the timber wolf as a vicious
predator. Many of our farmers in northern Minnesota don't like it when
wolves eat their cattle. However, other Minnesotans are concerned about
the future of the timber wolf as the forests they live in are being continually
destroyed. |
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WALLEYE PICTURE This picture represents fishing, boating, and lake
activity in general in the land of 10,000 lakes. Tourism is a key industry
in Minnesota. Tourists come to enjoy fishing and boating in our lakes and
seeing animals in the forests. Water, the gold of tomorrow, is abundant
in Minnesota. The mighty Mississippi River has its source in Minnesota.
Minnesota's vast lake resources, including the largest fresh water lake
in the world, are critical resources. Our water serves the needs of Minnesota
communities and is considered essential for industry and agriculture. |
