Minnesota Geography Basics Quiz
Location, borders, capital, regions (10 questions).
Minnesota Geography Basics Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Explore the essential geographic features of Minnesota with these quick study notes. From its position in the heart of the Midwest to its unique borders, vibrant capital, and diverse regions, Minnesota offers a rich tapestry of natural and human geography. Test your knowledge or brush up on the fundamentals of the ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes’.
Key Geographic Points
Situated in the Upper Midwest of the United States, bordering Lake Superior to its northeast.
Shares land and water borders with North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Canadian provinces Manitoba and Ontario.
Saint Paul is the state capital, located along the Mississippi River, forming part of the ‘Twin Cities’ metro area.
Features diverse areas like the Northeastern Iron Range, dense northern forests and lakes, and the agricultural Red River Valley in the west.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota is a prominent state in the Upper Midwest region of the U.S.
- It holds a unique position, bordering two Canadian provinces: Manitoba and Ontario.
- To its west, Minnesota shares borders with North Dakota and South Dakota; to its south, it borders Iowa.
- The state’s eastern boundary is primarily defined by the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers, separating it from Wisconsin.
- Saint Paul is the established state capital, famously located on the Mississippi River.
- Geographically, it includes key areas like the mineral-rich Northeastern Iron Range and the highly populated East Central Twin Cities region.
- A significant portion of Minnesota’s northeastern perimeter lies along the shores of Lake Superior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Minnesota located in the U.S.?
Minnesota is located in the Upper Midwest region of the United States.
Which states and provinces border Minnesota?
Minnesota borders the U.S. states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, and the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario.
What is the capital of Minnesota?
Saint Paul is the capital city of Minnesota.
What are some notable geographic regions of Minnesota?
Significant regions include the “Iron Range” in the northeast, the Twin Cities metropolitan area in the east-central part, the heavily forested northern lakes region, and the agricultural Red River Valley in the northwest.
Which Great Lake does Minnesota border?
Minnesota borders Lake Superior, one of the five Great Lakes, along its northeastern edge.

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