Minnesota is a state.
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 .