Best shops to show your Minnesota love

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(photo courtesy of Truly...)

I’m not sure exactly what it is about Minnesotans, but we have a fierce pride for our state that is unmatched. We love our lakes, embrace the cold, humbly brag about our hometown legends Prince and Judy Garland, and stand by our sports teams even when they’re not, ah, doing so well. Whatever it is, Minnesotans love their state. And when my coworker walked in wearing a ‘Duck, Duck, Gray Duck’ shirt, I practically ambushed her. I had to know where to get to one! So I scoured the cities to find great shops where you can show off your state pride and by the end of this shopping spree no one will doubt your love for Minnesota.

Uffda Shop

Main & Bush Street, Red Wing · uffdashoponline.com

If the name Uffda Shop doesn’t shout Minnesotan, I’m not sure what does. It is the perfect destination for all things Minnesotan where you can really get in touch with your Scandinavian roots. Around since 1977, the Uffda Shop carries all things lutefisk, Ole and Lena books, apparel, mugs, and more that sport quintessential Minnesotan phrases like ‘uffda’ and ‘you betcha.’ At Uffda Shop you can support Minnesota made products and browse the vast selection of beautifully crafted Norwegian, Viking, Icelandic, and Finnish jewelry, dinnerware, linens, and glassware. It’s definitely worth the trip and certain you’ll enjoy every moment trying to choose which unique products to bring home.

Truly…

2175 4th Street, White Bear Lake · trulyonline.com

Some of my favorite items in my closet are from this store. In fact, this is where I found my own ‘Duck, Duck, Gray Duck’ shirt! (And yes, it is always duck. Never goose.) This is just one item Truly… carries as part of their MN Love collection alongside tote bags, ‘MN Nice’ shorts, ‘MN Drink Local’ shirts, and ‘SKOL’ dishtowels. And after you find the perfect fit for your ‘Midwest is Best’ T-shirt, you’ll find it hard to resist the exceptional selection of handbags, winter knitwear, scarves, bath products, and jewelry made by independent designers, crafters, and artists.

Askov Finlayson

204 North First Street, Minneapolis · askovfinlayson.com

Inspired by timeless tradition and outdoors exploration, Askov Finlayson mens store is the epitome of everything North. You can show off your Minnesota ruggedness with their ever-expanding line of North products. From stylish ‘North’ stocking hats to classic T-shirts, sweatshirts, and caps, each purchase also helps the Askov Finlayson’s ‘Keep the North Cold’ campaign. This campaign combats climate change through donations to Climate Generation which supports the education of high school students who aim to become leaders in environmental causes. Note to my family and friends: you should not be surprised this year if all your birthday gifts are North products!

John Henry

4764 Banning Ave. White Bear Lake · johnhenryco.com

For all the stylish, distinctive, and bearded men out there, John Henry is the store for you. You’ll find classic, simple style St. Paul, Minneapolis, and North T-shirts alongside the popular Minnesota cap. You can choose from several designs each with the signature state of Minnesota on the front.

I Like You

501 1st Ave. NE. Minneapolis · 416 Snelling Ave. So. St. Paul · I-like-you-minneapolis.myshopify.com

Every corner of I Like You is full of Minnesota Love. Collaborating with over 200 artists, I Like You’s original products are locally or independently made. My friend had to practically drag me out of the store as I kept discovering new unique items. This store is jam-packed from MN mugs and pins, to cheeky T-shirts and cozy knit MN hats. They also boast a wide selection of clever cards, Minnesota artwork, and beautiful Wood from the Hood pieces.

Bibelot

Grand Ave. St. Paul · Linden Hills, Minneapolis · Como Ave. St. Paul · University Ave. Minneapolis · bibelotshops.com

Around since 1966, Bibelot stores know their Minnesota community. You will be sure to find something delightfully Minnesotan for every room in your household. They carry Minnesota ‘Home’ state T-shirts and sweatshirts, winterware, soaps, socks, candles, jewelry, towels, artwork, and so much more. With an emphasis on locally crafted and fair-trade, Bibelot’s selection is always expanding so you can go back again and again and find something new every time!

Love From Minnesota

Roseville · Bloomington · Minneapolis · lovefromcompanies.com

If someone asked you to describe the typical Minnesotan, you wouldn’t have to utter a word but just point them to this store. Politely, of course. From humble beginnings as a small kiosk at the shops on St. Anthony Main, Love From Minnesota has grown immensely to give us all the Minnesotan goods. A few of my favorites include their Minnesota wild rice, Paul and Babe Blueberry Jam, Mosquito Bites Jelly Beans, Chocolate Moose Poop, and their handmade Minnesotan pottery. I’d also be remiss not to include their extensive Minnesota apparel line including shirts, sweatpants, messenger bags, hats, and of course the high-quality hand-crafted Minnetonka moccasins.