Why is Minnsesota referred to as the North Star State?

Question

Why is Minnsesota referred to as the North Star State?

Answer 1

That's likely because it is the northernmost state in the US outside of Alaska.

Answer 2

I believe you can see it very clearly up there. I thought it was called the Big Sky State though?

Answer 3

Minnesota's motto is "The star of the north".  This phrase evolved into one of the state's nicknames, "The North Star State".  Minnesota also goes by "The land of 10,000 lakes."

Answer 4

Why is Texas called the Lone Star State?

Before Alaska was admitted to the Union, Minnesota was the fartherest northern state so they adopted the name "The North Star State."

(BTW, They actually have more that 11,000 lakes but they round it off to the nearest 10,000s.  They don't brag like Texans do.   Montana is the Big Sky State.)