Why did Minneapolis bury Bassett Creek?
The waterway was used as an industrial dumping ditch. Then city leaders tunneled it out of sight.
Listen: Emptying state institutions was supposed to help fix mental health care. What happened?
The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses how the system for community mental health care did not get fully built.
Why did Minnesota erase much of its German culture?
Despite its "uff da" reputation, the state has more German than Scandinavian ancestry.
Introducing the Curious Minnesota Collection. Every question we've answered — now in one place
Our new searchable database is home to more than 260 stories about Minnesota history and culture, all inspired by reader questions.
'A total unicorn': How Pine City, Minn., became a pioneer in rural Pride
The nearly 20-year-old East Central Minnesota Pride has grown from a small picnic to a major event.
Listen: How did gambling develop into a major industry in Minnesota?
The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses how gambling had been largely illegal in the state until half a century ago.
Ask a question now: What are you curious about, Minnesota?
Help us answer questions that matter to you.
Curious Minnesota
Did Bundt cake originate in Minnesota?
The ring-shaped desserts have been a hit with bakers since the Bundt pan's debut in the 1950s.
Curious Minnesota
Listen: Searching for Snoopy: What happened to all the 'Peanuts' statues in St. Paul?
The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses how a tribute to the comic strip's creator became a sensation in the capital city.
- Listen: What Minnesota inventions have shaped modern life? • Curious Minnesota
- Searching for Snoopy: What happened to all the 'Peanuts' statues in St. Paul? • Curious Minnesota
- Why do so many Minnesota homeowners get free roofs after a hailstorm? • Curious Minnesota
- What are the financial pros and cons of retiring in Minnesota? • Curious Minnesota
- How did Faribault become home to Minnesota's deaf and blind academies? • Curious Minnesota
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Curious Minnesota
Curious Minnesota, a Star Tribune community-driven reporting project, puts readers' inquiries at the center of our newsroom's reporting.