The Minnesota quarter was the 32nd state quarter to be released by the U.S. Mint. Minnesota became a state on May 11, 1858, and the Minnesota quarter was the second one to be released in 2005. The design for this quarter was chosen by Governor Tim Pawlenty. On the state quarter you will see a tree-lined lake of red pines, two people fishing, the outline of Minnesota, and a common loon. This is important in the state of Minnesota because the common loon is Minnesota’s state bird and the red pine is Minnesota’s state tree. You will also see the words “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” It is important to the state of Minnesota because the state has over 10,000 lakes.