Minneapolis is halfway between the equator and the North Pole

By Judy J. Beasley Last updated Mar 28, 2022

Did you know that Minnesota is home to more than a few map sights? It’s true! Several spots across the country of 10,000 lakes exist in our state simply because of mapping errors. For example, the northwest corner in northern Minnesota is the result of a mapping error in the 1700s. And the Lost 40 is an old growth forest in Minnesota that would not exist without a mapping error. Today we would like to introduce you to another interesting geographic oddity in Minnesota. This one isn’t the result of a mistake, but it’s a nice claim to fame nonetheless. Read below to find out which city in Minnesota is halfway between the equator and the North Pole!

In these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list at a later date.

The 45th parallel is a circle of latitude – an invisible line that stretches around the globe – that runs through many cities and towns around the world. In the United States, it crosses several states, including Oregon, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

The 45th parallel, at 45 degrees latitude, is halfway between the equator (0 degrees) and the North Pole (90 degrees). This means that any city on the 45th parallel has this as a claim to fame! Here in Minnesota, the 45th parallel runs through many small communities.

He also happens to pass through Minneapolis. This makes Minneapolis the largest city in North America halfway between the equator and the North Pole!

You can visit a few places in the Twin Cities where this geographic claim to fame is marked, each just outside of Minneapolis. There’s a marker in Roseville somewhere along Cleveland Avenue. A rock and sign commemorate the 45th parallel, noting that visitors are 3,102 miles from the North Pole and the Equator!

There is another rock marker in Golden Valley, this one just off Golden Valley Road. It notes the latitude and longitude, as well as the average elevation above sea level.

Although the 45th parallel is not visible, these markers bear witness to this unique fame of Minnesota! Next time you’re wandering around Golden Valley or Roseville, be sure to pay them a visit. As long as you are there, you can say that you are halfway between the equator and the North Pole! And if you know of any other interesting Minnesota landmarks or sights, be sure to let us know by name them!

Address: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Address: Roseville, MN 55113, USA

Address: Golden Valley, MN, USA