The Growing List of Minnesota Communities Ditching The State Flag

Minnesota law does not currently mandate that cities fly the state flag, nor does it forbid communities from choosing which version to display - for now. A bill introduced in April would cut state aid by 10% for any community that refuses to fly the updated Minnesota flag.

DFL Rep. Mike Freiberg, the bill’s sponsor, told WCCO: "I've been a little disappointed in the cities around Minnesota that have been kind of manufacturing this culture war over this state flag. I felt like it was important for there to kind of be a statement legislatively in support of the new state flag, which is the official state flag."

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More Minnesota Towns Join the Flag Resistance

The flag rebellion seems to be picking up steam across the state. Chatfield is among the latest communities to formally join the growing number of local governments rejecting the new banner in favor of the 1983 version. Historical tradition is typically the reason given for refusing to fly the new state flag.

The Minnesota Communities Defying the State Flag Redesign

When Minnesota officially retired its 1983 blue-and-gold flag in 2024, state leaders hoped the new "North Star" design would become a unifying symbol. Instead, a wave of local resistance has swept across the state. Here is the current list of Minnesota cities and counties that have formally opted to stick with old design.

Gallery Credit: Troy Dunken

If you notice a community missing from our list, please email me, and I will update the story immediately.

Why Was the Minnesota Flag Changed?

The former Minnesota flag depicted a Native American riding away while a white settler plowed a field with a rifle nearby. A scene many deemed offensive, as it appeared to celebrate the displacement of Indigenous people.

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The new "North Star" flag, adopted in May 2024, was intended to be more inclusive. It features a dark blue silhouette of Minnesota, a white eight-pointed star, and a light blue field representing the state's waters.