Fans of the 1980s TV show Golden Girls will recognize Minnesota as the storied hometown of character Rose Nylund, who was played by Betty White. Yet, the real Minnesota has much more to offer than the fictionalized version. This state has been home to a wide variety of familiar products, successful companies and talented people. Sears Imported Autos recommends you check them out. 

3M Company

The 3M Company, formerly known as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, has been based in Minnesota since 1902. The company produces adhesive products, laminates, car care products, medical and dental supplies, and much more. It now operates as a successful global corporation.

Best Buy

Originally called Sound of Music, Best Buy began as a music store in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The first store opened in 1966, and the name didn’t change to “Best Buy” until 1983. Today, Best Buy is one of America’s leading electronics retailers with chain stores found throughout the country.

Caribou Coffee

Though the idea for this coffee shop was inspired during a trip to Alaska, Caribou Coffee was opened in Edina, Minnesota, in 1992. Since its founding, Caribou Coffee has expanded to include over 400 chain stores in states throughout America.

Great Clips

Great Clips, a well-known hair salon, was founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1982 and now has locations all over the country. This familiar hair salon offers affordable haircuts and hair care products for the whole family.

Hormel Foods

Originally known for its canned Spam, the Hormel Foods Corporation was founded in Austin, Minnesota, in 1891 by George A. Hormel. Today, Hormel is better known for its chili, canned meat, packaged meat slices, refrigerated entrees, and party trays.

Land O’Lakes

Founded in 1921 in Saint Paul, Land O’Lakes is now headquartered in Arden Hills, Minnesota. This dairy company is known for producing delicious butter, cheese, eggs, milk, sour cream, and other dairy products. Land O’Lakes also sells cappuccino and cocoa drink mixes.

General Mills

As a Fortune 500 company, General Mills includes a wide range of familiar American brands, such as Betty Crocker, Green Giant, Nature Valley, Pillsbury, Progresso, and Yoplait. The company was founded in Minneapolis and is now headquartered in Golden Valley, Minnesota.

Target Stores

Based in Minneapolis, Target has grown to become one of the leading discount department stores in America. Though the stores are designed to save money, shoppers can find unique clothing and household items created specifically for Target by some of the country’s top designers.

Notable People from Minnesota

Minnesota has been home to many notable residents, such as former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale and cartoonist Charles Schultz. Many well-known actors also hail from Minnesota, including Richard Dean Anderson, Winona Ryder, Loni Anderson and James Aurness. Musical greats from Minnesota include singer and actress Judy Garland and singer/songwriter Bob Dylan. Baseball players Charles “Chief” Bender and Roger Maris were also born in Minnesota, as were writers F. Scott Fitzgerald and Sinclair Lewis.