Minnesota Ranks 6th Best State in America for Working Dads

Minnesota Ranks High for Working Dads

Minnesota has added another honor to its growing list of bragging rights.

According to a recent WalletHub study (Best & Worst States for Working Dads 2026), the Land of 10,000 Lakes ranks as the 6th best state in the nation for working dads. The study compared all 50 states across 22 key indicators designed to measure how easy it is for fathers to balance career responsibilities with family life.

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Being a dad is a full-time job all by itself. Add in an actual full-time job, and the balancing act can become pretty challenging. WalletHub looked at factors including employment opportunities, work-life balance, health, childcare, and overall family support systems to determine which states are making life a little easier for fathers.

What Makes Minnesota Stand Out?

Minnesota performed especially well thanks to its strong job market, high median family income, quality schools, and family-friendly policies. The state also scores highly in health and safety measures, helping create an environment where families can thrive.

The rankings suggest that Minnesota offers something many parents are searching for: the ability to build a successful career while still having time and resources to be present at home.

Juggling Responsibilities: Minnesota's Unique Challenges

While no state can completely eliminate the chaos of juggling soccer practices, school events, work deadlines, and the occasional mystery stain on the living room carpet, Minnesota appears to be doing a better job than most.

So if you're a working dad in Minnesota, you may already know what WalletHub just confirmed: life there provides a pretty solid foundation for both career success and family life.

Not bad for a state that's also famous for snowstorms, mosquitoes, and saying goodbye for 45 minutes at the front door.

Source: Wallet Hub

Minnesota's Must See World's Largest Roadside Attractions

If you are making some family summer vacation plans maybe check out Minnesota's Roadside Attractions like the World's Largest Otter, Pelican, Babe The Blue Ox, and more!

Dives Worth a Drive in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota

Almost every small South Dakota town has a watering hole. It’s where the locals go to kick back a few brews and engage in conversation.

Some of these establishments are located in buildings almost as old as the town itself. There might be a fresh coat of paint on the walls or new vinyl on the booth seats, but the ambiance is still reminiscent of a good ol’ dive.

If you think a "dive" is all about the sketchy clientele, the smell of the Devil’s lettuce, and stale Grain Belt, you’d be wrong. Not every dive has a bad reputation.

What makes a dive, a dive?

A dive has character. Neon beer signs and local memorabilia adorn the walls.

You might find a pool table, dart board, and a few video lottery machines.

The bartender knows the regulars by name and they know what you drink.

Some dives don't even serve food except for bags of chips and pickled eggs that sit in a jar of brine on the bar.

Dives aren't fancy. You might see 70's-style wood panels on the walls and wobbly tables leveled with a folded napkin.

Finally, the bathrooms. The bathrooms in dives are in a class by themselves and could be a whole topic on its own.

There are several small-town dives in our area with friendly faces, cheap booze with a burn, and even really good food! We use the term "dive" in the most affectionate way.

Here are some of the best and why you should go there.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown