Flag of Minnesota (US state)

The flag of the state of Minnesota, officially adopted in 2024, is a modern and minimalist design that marks a significant departure from its predecessor. It is a powerful symbol of a new era for the state, embracing a forward-looking and inclusive identity while honoring its natural beauty and history. The new flag’s design is a clear and simple representation of what Minnesota truly is: the "North Star State" and the "Land of 10,000 Lakes."

Flag Design, Symbolism, and Colors

The Minnesota state flag is a two-color design with a prominent star.

• Colors and Arrangement: The flag is divided into two distinct sections. The fly end is a solid field of light blue, representing the state's sky and its famous lakes. The hoist end features a stylized shape of the state of Minnesota, filled with a rich dark blue. This dark blue represents the state's deep waters and forests. A thin, white border outlines the state shape, creating a subtle contrast.

• The North Star: A single, prominent, eight-pointed star is placed within the dark blue shape of the state. The star is a lighter blue than the field it is placed on, creating a striking and elegant visual effect. The star’s eight points symbolize the eight geographic regions of Minnesota. This star is the central element and is a direct reference to the state's motto, "L’Étoile du Nord" (The Star of the North), a phrase that highlights Minnesota’s historical and geographical position as the northernmost state of the contiguous United States.

• Dimensions: The official dimensions of the flag are not strictly defined by law, but it is typically produced in a standard ratio of 2:3 or 3:5.

A Brief History of the Flag's Creation and Adoption

The new Minnesota flag is the result of a long-standing movement for change and a dedicated effort to create a more representative symbol.

• The Old Flag (1893-2024): The previous state flag, in use since 1893, featured a complex state seal on a light blue field. The seal included imagery that was seen as outdated and controversial, such as a Native American on horseback riding off into the sunset and a pioneer farmer plowing the land. This imagery was criticized for promoting colonial narratives and was difficult to distinguish from many other state flags.

• The Redesign Commission (2023): In 2023, the Minnesota State Legislature established a commission to redesign the state flag and seal. This was a response to widespread dissatisfaction with the old flag's design and its problematic symbolism.

• Design Competition and Adoption: The commission received over 2,000 public submissions for a new design. The final version was a refinement of a design submitted by a Minnesota citizen, Andrew Preimesberger, and was officially approved by the commission in late 2023. The new flag became official on May 11, 2024, marking a historic moment for the state.

Historical Context and the State of Minnesota

The new flag is a powerful statement about Minnesota's modern identity. By moving away from the colonial imagery of the old flag, the state is embracing a more inclusive narrative. The simple, clean design with the shape of the state and the north star is a unifying symbol that is easy for all residents to recognize and take pride in. It speaks to Minnesota's natural environment—its vast blue skies and deep lakes—and its historical motto, which has been a part of the state’s identity since its founding. The flag is a testament to the state’s commitment to progress and its rich, diverse heritage.

Significance for Residents

For residents of Minnesota, the new flag is a symbol of a fresh start. It represents a collective decision to move beyond a controversial past and to embrace a symbol that is universally appealing and proudly "Minnesota." The clean design and powerful symbolism of the North Star and the state's shape serve as a unifying force, reminding residents of their shared values, their beautiful landscape, and their place as a northern beacon of the nation. It is a symbol that resonates with a sense of community, progress, and pride in the state's unique character.

Interesting Facts

• The state motto, "L’Étoile du Nord," is French, a tribute to the state's early French explorers and fur traders.

• The eight points of the North Star on the new flag were chosen to represent Minnesota's eight different geographical regions, from the northern forests to the southern prairies.

• The old flag was often criticized by vexillologists (flag experts) for being a classic example of a "seal-on-a-bedsheet" design—a complex and unmemorable flag style. The new flag is praised for adhering to the principles of good flag design, such as simplicity and meaningful symbolism.

• The new flag was designed to be easily reproducible and recognizable, a significant improvement over the old flag's complex seal which was often indecipherable from a distance.

• The light blue color of the fly end is a direct reference to the state’s nickname as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes." The number of stars on the old flag, which was 19, represented Minnesota as the 19th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, which was historically inaccurate. The new flag's star has a much more meaningful and modern symbolism.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.