Minnesota Quarter

The second design in 2005’s lineup honors the state of Minnesota. This design, which is the thirty-second design in the 50 State Quarters Program, features a lake scene and a textured outline of the state behind its nickname, “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” The state is actually home to many more lakes than that! The name “Minnesota” comes from the Dakota Sioux word for “cloudy water.”

The pine trees, lake, and people fishing on the coin speak of Minnesota’s natural beauty and recreational resources. Floating on the lake is Minnesota’s state bird, the loon. By its name, you might think this bird would be a little…well, loony. But it’s actually quite graceful, swift, and beautiful.

The design was announced at the Governor’s Fishing Opener, a celebration held every year at the start of the state’s tourist season.

Minnesota Facts

Nickname: Land of 10,000 Lakes
Capital: St. Paul
Statehood: May 11, 1858