- Southeast Minnesota
Southeast Minnesota is the corner of
Minnesota south of the Twin Cities metropolitan area extending east, and part of the multi-state area known as theDriftless Area . Rochester is the largest city in the area; other major cities include Winona, Owatonna, Faribault, Northfield, Austin, and Red Wing.Southeast Minnesota is part of the state's First and Second Congressional Districts. Culturally, it is distinct from the Twin Cities in being generally more conservative and staid, with several more diverse areas, such as the college towns of Northfield and Winona. However, the area is becoming more diverse and more politically competitive. Until 2006, the state's only Independence Party legislator was from Southeast Minnesota,
Sheila Kiscaden (IP-Rochester, now DFL-Rochester). Formerly a Republican, Kiscaden is now officially a member of theMinnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party . The area is one of several distinct regions of Minnesota.Many places in Southeast Minnesota, like Lanesboro, are becoming popular tourist destinations. The scenic
Mississippi Valley to the Whitewater River and Root River in theDriftless Area (one of the few parts of the state not eroded by glaciers in the lastice age ) are among the most visited locations.
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