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1. Research the State of Minnesota, the North Star State.  What was the year it became a state? Make a list of the state bird, flower, tree, fish, and gemstone.  What are the professional sports teams in Minnesota?
   
   
2. What foods are native to Minnesota?  What types of agriculture does Minnesota have?   

3. Minnesota is the "land of 10,000 lakes".   Research a Minnesota lake by visiting the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website (www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/index.html).  Click on "Lake Finder" and choose a lake by name or county.  Document data about water quality, fish stock, lake depth and infested water milfoil report. Draw a picture of the lake.

4. Visit a Minnesota landmark. This can be a building, structure, district or specific site.  Find out what year it was designated, what is the National Register number, where it is located and what condition is it in today.  Suggested places you could visit are the Minnesota State Capitol, Fort Snelling, the Paul Bunyan statue in Brainerd, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, the world’s largest ball of twine in Darwin, the world’s largest corn cob in Olivia, the Sandpaper Museum in Two Harbors, Great Lakes Floating Museum in Duluth, Jesse James Days in Northfield, Cabin of the Root beer Lady in Ely, Viking ship in Moorhead, etc.

5. According to American folklore, the tall tale of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox was a legendary hero of lumberjacks in the midwest. Read the story of "Paul Bunyan".  With a group discuss what is a "lumberjack"?  Make a list of what parts of the story are exaggerated, meaning tall tale. Discuss how tall tales were created and make one of your own.
   
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   Share what you’ve learned while earning this badge.  Make up a play or skit to present to your parents, or younger Girl Scout Troops about Minnesota.  You could include the history of Minnesota, animals that are native to Minnesota, recreational activities that are enjoyed here, etc.

6. Research the town/city in which you live.  You can do this by visiting your town’s official website or through the Minnesota Historical Society.  Some town names were used to establish identity or honor those who came before them.  Who were your town’s original settlers?  Where did your town’s name come from?  What were the first schools and churches?  Do any original buildings still exist?  Visit the town’s cemetery and find the oldest tombstone.  What are common names in your town/city?  Share with your troop.
   
   
7. Create a Minnesota word search puzzle.  You can do this yourself or with the help of this website; www.puzzlemaker.school.discovery.com.  Use at least 20 words that refer to Minnesota such as the state capitol, state flower, bird, etc.  Share it with your family or friends.
   
   
8. Minnesota is known for its winters, nice people, and large mosquitoes.  But the state is also the breeding ground for major companies and famous people.   Make a list of famous people who were either born in Minnesota or made their home here.
   
   
9. Make a list of Minnesota born companies.  Learn whether the companies are privately held companies, or publicly held.  What kinds of things do they produce?  Take a tour if the company offers one.
   
   
10. Attend a college or professional sporting event.  Many teams offer special Girl Scout Days.  Check with your council for dates.

Minnesota Nice Badges are available for purchase from the GSCCV Council Shop.

Cost is $1.00 each.  To order, please contact Virginia Weaver
507-645-6603 ext 22, or Virginia@gsccv.org

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1. Taste foods native to Minnesota either that grow here native or food companies that started in Minnesota.
1. Native Foods- Wild Rice, Corn, Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Pin Cherries, Cranberries, Chokecherries, Wheat
2. Food Companies started in Minnesota- Pearson Candy Company, Malt-o-Meal, Pillsbury, Hormel, General Mills, Famous Dave’s, Land-o-Lakes, Schwan’s Food Company

2. Folklore is a big part of all societies.  Paul Bunyan is one of Minnesota’s great folk heroes.  Read a story of Paul Bunyan to learn his legend.

3. Many companies started in Minnesota – learn about some of them – Pearson Candy Company, Pillsbury, Honeywell, 3M, Hormel, General Mills, Alliant Tech Systems, Aveda, Best Buy, Cargill, Carlson Companies, Famous Dave’s, Land-o-Lakes, Bongard Cheese Factory, Medtronics, Northwest Airlines, Sears, Schwan’s Food Company, Target, Simon Delivers, Artic Cat, Red Wing Shoe Company, Red Wing Pottery.  Look into taking a tour if the company has one.

4. Play Minnesota Bingo!  Create bingo cards depicting the following:

5. Learn to sing our state song, “Hail Minnesota”.

6. Learn the geography of Minnesota.  What are the 3 major rivers in Minnesota?  What states, countries border Minnesota?  Where is the state capitol of Minnesota?  Make a Map of Minnesota showing these things.

7. Learn about the history of our great state.  When did Minnesota first become a territory?  When did it become a state?  What other big events have occurred in the history of our state?  What is the history of our state flag?

8. Minnesota has lots of native berries – learn about all the berries native to Minnesota.  Then, using beads the same colors as Minnesota berries, make yourself a Berry Bracelet.

9. Minnesota is known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes".  Research your favorite lake or a lake close to your home by visiting the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.  Find out information on water clarity & quality, types of fish in lake, data on milfoil infestation, lake depth, etc.   Go to:   www.dnr.state.mn.us click on "Lake Finder" for information.

10. Visit a historical or unusual site in Minnesota.  You could go to the State Capitol, Fort Snelling, the Paul Bunyan statue in Brainerd, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, the world’s largest ball of twine in Darwin, the world’s largest corn cob in Olivia, the Sandpaper Museum in Two Harbors, Great Lakes Floating Museum in Duluth, Jesse James Days in Northfield, Cabin of the Root beer Lady in Ely, or the Viking ship in Moorhead.
    
    
    

Minnesota Nice Try-its are available for purchase from the GSCCV Council Shop.

Cost is $1.50 each.  To order, please contact Virginia Weaver
507-645-6603 ext 22, or Virginia@gsccv.org

Developed by Shakopee Girl Scout Troop 1601 in 2006