National Minnesota Day is observed annually on March 1 to recognize Minnesota as the 32nd state to join the Union and to celebrate its unique history and culture. Established in 2017 by National Day Calendar, the day highlights Minnesota's rich heritage, including its nickname as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” which reflects the state's abundance of over 14,000 lakes larger than 10 acres. The state has a diverse history, with the Dakota and Ojibwe tribes as its original inhabitants, followed by French fur traders in the 17th century. Minnesota officially became a separate territory in 1849 and was admitted as a state in 1858. While National Minnesota Day celebrates the state's cultural identity, it should not be confused with Minnesota Statehood Day, which commemorates the anniversary of its statehood on May 11. Celebrations of National Minnesota Day are part of the National State Days project, which honors each U.S. state in the order of their admission to the Union.