Black Minnesotans less likely to travel ‘up north’
While most Minnesotans travel to northern Minnesota regularly, Black residents are evenly split on whether they make the annual trip
Note: This post is based on a 2024 survey
The snapshot: While most Minnesotans (62%) say they travel to northern Minnesota at least once a year, Black Minnesotans are evenly divided, according to a Minnesota Community Survey of 3,399 adults conducted July 20 to Nov. 22, 2024.
Why this counts: Going “up north" is a defining Minnesota tradition, but our survey reveals sharp disparities in participation.
The backdrop: Economic barriers like equipment costs, entrance fees, and lack of paid vacation time create obstacles, according to the Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Task Force (2021). The task force also identified factors that especially impede Black, Indigenous, and people of color: safety concerns, lack of representation in outdoor marketing, and historical exclusion from public lands.
Local organizations like BIPOC Outdoors Twin Cities work to create more welcoming pathways for people of color to connect with nature.
About this Minnesota Community Survey
Survey type: Mail-to-online survey with address-based sampling
Respondents: 3,399 Minnesota adults
Field dates: July 20 to Nov. 22, 2024
Our extended field period ensures we reach a representative sample of Minnesotans, not just the quickest responders.
Margin of error: ± 2.2 percentage points
Languages: English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali
Our terminology page has definitions of income tiers, racial and ethnic groups, education levels and geographic regions.
QUESTION WORDING
ASK ALL
How many trips do you usually take to northern Minnesota each year?
4 or more
3
2
1
0
I already live in northern Minnesota
The breakdown:
Who goes ‘up north’ at least once per year?
By race and ethnicity:
- 70% of Asian Minnesotans
- 64% of White Minnesotans
- 62% of Hispanic Minnesotans
- 43% of Black Minnesotans
By household income:
- 74% of upper-income households
- 71% of upper-middle income households
- 67% of lower-middle income households
- 46% of lower-income households
By education:
- 70% with college degree
- 62% with some college
- 51% with high school or less
Reading between the lines: The survey only tells us who visits northern Minnesota. For a deeper look at the reasons behind these trends, read the Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Task Force’s report.
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