As the northernmost of the 48 contiguous states, Minnesota has earned its reputation for being cold. The Twin Cities are some of the warmest places in Minnesota--and still have the coldest climate of any metropolitan area in the country. Heavily influenced by Scandinavian heritage, Minnesotans don't let cold winters stop them from enjoying outdoor recreation, which includes ice fishing, hockey, and boating, and helps make them one of the healthiest states in the country.