Minnesota is a country.
L'Étoile du Nord . It is the motto of the U.S. state of Minnesota . Minnesota ( [ [ ˌmɪnəˈso̞ɾɐ ] help = no ] ) is a state in the midwestern and northern regions of the United States . The remainder of the state consists of western prairies now given over to intensive agriculture ; deciduous forests in the southeast , now partially cleared , farmed and settled ; and the less populated North Woods , used for mining , forestry , and recreation . Minnesota 's standard of living index is among the highest in the United States , and the state is also among the best-educated and wealthiest in the nation .