Top Coolest Things Made in Minnesota
If you ask me what the coolest thing made in Minnesota is, I'm always going to go with Spam! I am a Spam freak! I just love the stuff.
But my favorite aside, there are a lot of other inventions that come from Minnesota that have made life easier or more enjoyable for a lot of us.
Post-It Notes
That's right these handy dandy little sticky notes that you have all over your office or home were invented in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Snowmobiles
Although other states claim they invented the snowmobile, the snowmobile industry was truly born in 1956 when a Polaris Industries mechanic built a prototype of the snow gliding machine in Roseau, Minnesota.
Pacemakers
A Minneapolis man came up with the idea for a wearable battery-powered pacemaker while working in his garage. He went on to create the largest medical device company in the world.
Automatic Thermostats
Yup, you have a Minnesotan to thank for all those arguments over whether it's too hot or too cold in the house or office!
Cortisone
This often lifesaving drug was discovered in 1929 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Rollerblades
Two Minnesota brothers were hanging out in their parent's basement (really) and came up with skates they thought would be great for off-season hockey practice. Voila! The rollerblades industry was born.
Water skis
The year was 1922 when a guy from Lake City, Minnesota strapped a couple of boards to his feet and used a clothesline as a towrope to waterski on Lake Pepin.
Baby diaper adhesives
That's correct not the diaper, but the adhesive that keeps your baby's diapers on, was invented by a Minnesotan.
Airplane black boxes
A University of Minnesota professor invented these cockpit recorders that are standard equipment in every airplane.
Nerf balls
Yes, Nerf balls, footballs, nerf guns, and clubs. . all this craziness began with the invention of the Nerf ball in --Minnesota.
Twister
One of the most simple, crazy fun, and sometimes naughty, games ever invented was created by two men who worked for a Minnesota design firm.
Sources: CBS News, MNopedia/Polaris Snowmobiles, New York Times, ThoughtCo, Wikipedia, Smithsonian Magazine
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Gallery Credit: Ben Davis