What Makes Minnesota The Top Turkey State In America?

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving in Minnesota without our most famous feathered friend taking center stage. As the holiday approaches, here are 10 fun and surprising facts that prove no one does turkeys quite like the North Star State.

Minnesota Is the Undisputed Turkey Capital of America

Did you know that no other state has as many turkeys as we do in Minnesota? I'm always a little surprised when I'm reminded that Bold North is currently ranked first in the country when it comes to turkey production. That's right, no other state raises more turkeys than we do here in the Land of 10,000 ~~Turkeys~~ Lakes.

That might be because turkeys aren't exactly top of mind for most of Minnesota's population. I mean, there aren't a lot of turkey farms directly in our backyards in the Bold North's biggest cities, like Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, or Duluth.

These Minnesota Counties Raise the Most Turkeys in the U.S.

In fact, none of the seven counties that make up the Twin Cities metro area, nor Olmsted County, where Rochester is located, is at the top of the list of turkey-raising counties in Minnesota. For those, you have to head to outstate Minnesota and pay a visit to Kandiyohi, Stearns, Morrison, Lyon, Ottertail, Rice, Meeker, Becker, Redwood, and Brown Counties-- because they are the counties with the biggest turkey production in Minnesota.

JUST REVEALED: Minnesotans Now Crave This Comfort Food The Most

But it's no surprise to the gang over at the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association. They know that Minnesota's number-one ranking is due to the tireless work of the 450 family farmers in Minnesota who raise approximately 46 million turkeys each and every year.

10 Fun Minnesota Turkey Facts the Average Minnesotan Doesn't Know

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Hoo boy, that's a lot of gobbling! So, keep scrolling to see 10 more amazing Minnesota turkey facts (you probably didn't know.) And while turkey is likely the most popular dish in Minnesota for Thanksgiving, it's not the only uniquely Minnesota food we enjoy. Keep scrolling to see how many of the following Only-In-Minnesota foods you've tried!