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| Minnesota Monthly | |
|---|---|
| Title | Minnesota Monthly |
| Category | Regional interest |
| Frequency | Monthly |
| Firstdate | 2001 |
| Country | United States |
| Based | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| Language | English |
Minnesota Monthly is a regional lifestyle magazine covering Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Duluth, Rochester and the broader Minnesota area with reporting on Minnesota State Fair, Mall of America, Boundary Waters, and local culture. The magazine publishes features on food, travel, politics, and arts, alongside service journalism related to Target Corporation, 3M, UnitedHealth Group, and regional institutions such as the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Orchestra.
Minnesota Monthly launched in the early 2000s amid regional magazine growth that included publications like Texas Monthly, Philadelphia-based magazines, and New York magazine competitors. Founders and early editors drew on traditions established by historic outlets such as The Atlantic and The New Yorker while focusing on Minnesota-centric subjects like the North Shore, Voyageurs National Park, and the cultural scene around Uptown. Over time the title chronicled political events involving figures such as Jesse Ventura, Tim Pawlenty, Amy Klobuchar, and Randy Demmer and covered social issues tied to institutions like Mayo Clinic and Fairview Health Services.
The magazine’s pages routinely profile chefs from restaurants in Minneapolis–Saint Paul, restaurateurs connected to Surly Brewing Company and Spoon and Stable, and artists associated with the Walker Art Center and Guthrie Theater. Regular departments examine regional travel to destinations like Itasca State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse, and Lake Superior, while lifestyle packages highlight design from firms linked to Target Field projects and entrepreneurs working with Ecolab or General Mills. Investigative or long-form pieces have covered public policy topics involving Minnesota Legislature debates, local initiatives tied to Metropolitan Council, and civic stories about Minneapolis Police Department reform efforts. Service journalism includes annual lists such as “best restaurants,” “best neighborhoods,” and guides referencing institutions including Minnesota State Capitol, Mill City Museum, and Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.
Distribution has targeted suburban and urban markets spanning Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Olmsted County, and outstate readership in regions like Duluth, Bemidji, and Mankato. The magazine’s circulation strategy parallels other regional titles such as Chicago magazine and Boston magazine, with subscriptions, newsstand sales, and partnerships for bulk distribution at venues like Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport and cultural partners such as State Theatre and Ordway. It has pursued demographic targeting that advertisers from Best Buy, US Bank, and local health systems value.
Ownership has involved media entrepreneurs and companies with footholds in regional publishing similar to groups that own titles like Emmis Communications and Gannett. Editors-in-chief and publisher roles have drawn talent from editorial backgrounds at outlets such as Conde Nast Traveler, Esquire, and The Washington Post. Management has coordinated with sales teams engaging corporate partners including Target Corporation and philanthropic institutions like the McKnight Foundation for sponsored content and event underwriting.
The magazine and its contributors have been recognized in contests run by organizations such as the Society of Professional Journalists, City and Regional Magazine Association, and regional press clubs including the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists. Individual reporting and photography have won awards alongside peers from National Magazine Awards finalists and journalism prizes given by the Pulitzer Prize-awarded outlets when collaborative projects involved statewide investigations with partners like Star Tribune and Pioneer Press.
The publication maintains an online edition and social feeds to reach audiences engaged with platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Digital initiatives include searchable archives, dining guides, and subscriber newsletters modeled after digital strategies used by The Atlantic and Vox. The title also produces live and virtual events ranging from wine tastings and book signings to panel discussions featuring local figures such as representatives from Minnesota Historical Society, chefs from Spoon and Stable, and civic leaders from City of Minneapolis government.
Category:Magazines published in Minnesota Category:Monthly magazines published in the United States