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Minnesota Land

Where is all the Minnesota land in a "land of 10,000 lakes"? The 32nd state of the union coined this numerical phrase in a time before the official count could be made: 11,842 lakes over 10 acres in size. Lake Itasca boasts a role of being the headwaters to the mighty Mississippi. Even the Mississippi itself is fed by the St. Croix, Minnesota and Red rivers. Between these abundant sources of water, it's hard not to find great land in Minnesota.

Outside of the urban center of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota is divided into three distinct geographical regions. The eastern portion of the state is a vast swath of prairie, used predominantly for agricultural purposes. In the North lies a thick, sparsely populated Boreal Forest (a.k.a. Taiga). The Boreal is a harsh climate for flora, but provides a great habitat for bears and other hardy mammals. The far southwest is a much more reliefed region due to the lack of glacial drift during the ice age. This lack of glaciations caused hard ruts to be carved in the bedrock of streams and rivers. It is important to consider this geography when choosing a plot of Minnesota land.

Hunting is plentiful year round, but deer hunters should be aware of where they're purchasing land. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources defines four zones within the state that determine seasons. Zone 1 in the aforementioned southeast has the longest firearm deer season (3 full weeks in 2007). However, the vast zone 4 - which covers Minnesota from Leroy in the Southeast, up to Hallock near the Canadian Border - only had 5 total days of rifle hunting. Be sure to check which zone your property is in when making a hunting land purchase.

Deep in the Boreal Forest of the north, prospective investors will find the most unspoiled land. To the Northeast lies the state-owned boundary waters, a natural phenomenon that visitors travel to in order to completely escape civilization. Though much of the forest has been heavily logged in the past, the coniferous forests are making a very strong comeback through numerous conservation efforts. While not ideal for agriculture, the undisturbed lands of the north can make for a great hunting or fishing getaway.

Minnesota also maintains a rich diversity of fauna throughout the state. Within the United States, Minnesota's population of timber wolves is second only to Alaska. In addition to white tail deer, Minnesota also continues to have a healthy population of moose and elk. In the past Minnesota even had herds of Bison, although not in the great numbers that prevailed in other prarie states.

Agriculture boasts a long and varied status throughout Minnesota. Though topsoil is poor in the northern forests, the vast deciduous land provides ample opportunity for the hobby farm. In fact, from the 12 soil classifications put forth by the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Minnesota has 7. With such variations, the potential Minnesota hobby farm will also see variations in the number of growing days - from almost 150 in the south, to less than 100 in the far north. Because of this, it's important for potential land owners to discuss such qualities with locals before making a purchase.

Much like its neighbor, Wisconsin, Minnesota protects its shoreline from dangerous building practices. The Environmental Services Department (ESD) of a given county defines setback areas on a per-lake basis, so be sure to check the local ESD office when purchasing land situated on a waterfront. On Lake Barnum in Cass County, for example, the setback is regulated at 100 feet. This can be further complicated if your shoreline contains a bluff - a rise of 25 feet or more, with at least a 30% grade going into the Ordinary High Water Line (OHWL).

Certain exceptions to the setback rules apply. In many places, the clearing of dead trees and vegetation is allowed up to 50' from your home. A twelve foot wide access-path, leading to the water is acceptable, barring bluff restrictions. Structures covering less than 100 square feet are also generally allowed, but per-county regulations still apply.

The rules governing Minnesota land use varies from county to county. It is important to check with the county offices with regard to specific regulation for your zoned lands. It may be necessary to contact ESD, DNR, and the County Clerk to ensure compliance with state and local regulations.

For those looking for a permanent relocation Minnesota provides an incredible tax break. Forms can be filed with the state IRS declaring your building and property your homestead. This will give you a tax credit of up to $1,705, if your annual income was under $93,000. Even if you don't qualify for the credit, the property will be taxed at a lower homestead rate. This gives a sizable incentive to cashing in the 401k early and turning the vacation property into a dream home.

It's easy to get lost in Minnesota. Since the days of the Dakota Indians habitation of this land, it has offered a bounty of natural treasures to its settlers. People who own land in Minnesota, it seems, are never far from great fishing, great hunting or great people.