Natural World

Minnesota’s landscapes and scenic places are renowned for their number and diversity. The borders of the state encompass rolling hills of farmland, the beauty of the Mississippi, Minnesota, St. Croix, and Red River valleys, the beginning of the Great Plains to the west and the wild splendor of the arrowhead region including the north shore of Lake Superior. There is much to explore in Minnesota's natural world, and many opportunities to connect with the environment around us.

Read below for quotes about experiencing Minnesota’s natural world.


“Nearness to nature… keeps the spirit sensitive to impressions not commonly felt and in touch with the unseen powers.”

Charles Eastman

Wilderness to the people of America is a spiritual necessity, an antidote to the high pressure of modern life, a means of regaining serenity and equilibrium.

Sigurd F. Olson

Laura and Mary stayed near the wagon, where Jack was. They looked at the prairie grasses swaying and bending, and yellow flowers nodding. Birds rose and flew and sank into the grasses. The sky curved very high and its rim came neatly down to the faraway edge of the round earth.

Laura Ingalls Wilder, On the Banks of Plum Creek

Winter is not a season, it's an occupation.

Sinclair Lewis

Spring, in addition to many other things, is a time for renewal of memories that may have grown dim during the winter…

Sigurd F. Olson

The Sweet William is in bloom today and the yellow rose. The bittersweet vines are more loaded with blossoms than ever before.

Ernest C. Oberholzer, Diary entry from July 4, 1954

Instead of paying a psychiatrist, I go out there and get better.

Walter Mondale

Explore more of the exhibit using the page links below.