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I actually think parts of Northern Minnesota fit in better with Alaska and "the Arctic" then they do with the Midwest. Subarctic forest, glacial lakes, moose, bears, extremely low population density, northern lights and dog sledding are found in both Minnesota and Alaska. Parts of extreme northern MN (above 48 degrees north) even experience 18 hours of daylight for a brief period in the summer.
I haven't read most of these responses, so this has probably been said somewhere in those 24 (!) pages, but given the sheer number of people (retired, mostly) who have two homes -- one in AZ, one in MN -- I'd say there are a lot of people out there who have decided to enjoy both. The snowbirds all head south for the winter, then back up north after the snow melts.
As to the hill versus mountain thing: MN doesn't have what I consider mountains, but there are definitely hills and some dramatic scenery, especially along the north shore of Lake Superior.
It's a tradeoff for me being an Arizona resident who transferred from Michigan's upper peninsula 14 years ago.
When I lived in Michigan I was always dreading the bitter cold winters but loving the short but beautiful summers.
In Arizona I dread the relentless heat of the summer months but the rest of the year is mild and beautiful.
Of the two I would pick Arizona, even considering the awful scorching summers. The reason is Arizona gets a monsoon season in July and August that brings refreshing thundershowers every so often, this provides some temporary heat relief and cleans the air nicely.
Hey, I know MN isn't Alaska, but they draw a lot of similarities. Just check out the AK threads with all the MN posters in there.
Still doesnt change the fact its flat as a pancake. But on other accounts like Forests and Lakes, it does bare some resemblance to Alaska.
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I've got to see that! How about a photo to prove that Minnesota has mountains and then prove that they "look like Alaska"!
