Curious Minnesota

Star Tribune
  • 4.9 (222)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
Curious Minnesota

What do you wonder about the people, places and culture of Minnesota? Listen to our community-driven reporting project, which invites listeners to ask questions that our newsroom researches and answers.

  1. Why are Minnesota’s roadside rest areas so nice?

    NOV 14

    Why are Minnesota’s roadside rest areas so nice?

    Rest areas are a common site on roadways across Minnesota. While they are easy to overlook, rest areas also serve an important purpose for driver safety. And it turns out that Minnesota has some of the nation's most exceptional rest areas. Reporter Erica Pearson joined host Eric Roper to discuss the history, function and design of these facilities. LINKS: Why are Minnesota’s roadside rest areas so nice?

    18 min
  2. What’s behind the stereotype that Minnesotans don’t like spicy food?

    OCT 31

    What’s behind the stereotype that Minnesotans don’t like spicy food?

    After Gov. Tim Walz joked about the state's low spice tolerance in a campaign video, a reader asked Curious Minnesota about the origins of the idea that Minnesotans don't like spicy food. The cultural stereotype is so pervasive in the state that many restaurants include menu warnings or simply offer versions of dishes with extremely minimal seasoning. Reporter Susan Du joins host Erica Pearson to unpack the geography, cultural history and science behind it. LINKS: What’s behind the stereotype that Minnesotans don’t like spicy food?

    24 min
  3. How did Old Dutch potato chips get started in St. Paul?

    OCT 10

    How did Old Dutch potato chips get started in St. Paul?

    The Old Dutch potato chip company is a regional icon in the Midwest, known for its twin pack box. They have been frying potatoes for 90 years. And it all began in a kitchen in St. Paul. Reporter Brooks Johnson joins host Erica Pearson to talk about the company's history and what it was like when he toured their Roseville plant. LINKS: How did Old Dutch potato chips get started in St. Paul?

    15 min
  4. How Quonset huts helped solve the post-WWII housing crisis in the Twin Cities

    SEP 26

    How Quonset huts helped solve the post-WWII housing crisis in the Twin Cities

    A surplus of military Quonset huts after World War II provided a unique solution to a housing shortage in Minnesota and across the country. Steph Quinn joins host Eric Roper to discuss these temporary neighborhoods. LINKS: How Quonset huts helped solve the post-WWII housing crisis in the Twin Cities

    21 min
  5. How did the Minnesota Star Tribune get its start?

    AUG 29

    How did the Minnesota Star Tribune get its start?

    This special episode of Curious Minnesota was recorded at the State Fair on August 28th. Erica Pearson and Eric Roper discussed the origins of the Minnesota Star Tribune, which dates back to Minneapolis' incorporation as a city in 1867. The Strib is a descendant of three very different papers. The conversation also delved into what life was like on Minneapolis' Newspaper Row. LINKS: How did the Minnesota Star Tribune get its start?

    30 min
  6. Fairgoers tell us their questions about Minnesota

    AUG 28

    Fairgoers tell us their questions about Minnesota

    We had a blast chatting with fairgoers on Curious Minnesota Day at the Minnesota Star Tribune's State Fair building. Today's episode is a roundup of the questions we recorded. LINKS: Why Wisconsin claims — incorrectly — to have more lakes than the Land of 10,000 Lakes Why is Minnesota's Democratic Party called the DFL? How Mayo Clinic became one of the world's most famous medical centers

    7 min
  7. Why Wisconsin claims — incorrectly — to have more lakes than the Land of 10,000 Lakes

    AUG 22

    Why Wisconsin claims — incorrectly — to have more lakes than the Land of 10,000 Lakes

    Minnesota takes great pride in its lakes. "10,000 Lakes" is even emblazoned on the state's license plates. But at least some people in Wisconsin think their state has more lakes than Minnesota. It's because there's not one standard for what defines a lake.  A reader wanted to know more about why the states are measuring their lakes differently. Erica Pearson, who wrote a story on this topic for Curious Minnesota, digs into the details with host Eric Roper. LINKS: Why Wisconsin claims — incorrectly — to have more lakes than the Land of 10,000 Lakes Why does Minnesota have so many lakes?

    17 min
  8. Curious Minnesota at the State Fair! 8/24 (Saturday) and 8/28 (Wednesday)

    AUG 19

    Curious Minnesota at the State Fair! 8/24 (Saturday) and 8/28 (Wednesday)

    Curious Minnesota will be hosting events at the Minnesota Star Tribune's State Fair building on Saturday, August 24th and Wednesday, August 28th.

    3 min
See All (101)

4.9
out of 5
222 Ratings

About

What do you wonder about the people, places and culture of Minnesota? Listen to our community-driven reporting project, which invites listeners to ask questions that our newsroom researches and answers.

Information

  • Creator
    Star Tribune
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2024
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ℗ & © 2020 Star Tribune 386829
  • Show Website
    Curious Minnesota

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