1. On December 11, 1854, the Minnesota State Legislature designated Saint Anthony Falls as a site for the University of Minnesota. This decision ultimately led to the creation of the University of Minnesota in 1858, which has since become one of the largest and most prestigious public universities in the country.

2. December 11, 1916 marked the opening of the Grand Theatre in Minneapolis, one of the city's most iconic and historic venues. Over the years, the theatre has hosted a wide range of performances and events, including concerts, plays, operas, and film screenings.

3. On December 11, 1935, a blizzard struck Minnesota, leading to one of the deadliest snowstorms in state history. Over the course of three days, the storm dumped heavy snow and high winds across much of the state, causing widespread power outages, transportation disruptions, and numerous deaths.

4. December 11, 1941 was the day when the United States officially entered World War II, following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Many Minnesotans played a significant role in the war effort, serving in the military, working in defense industries, and supporting fundraising and volunteer efforts at home.

5. In 1978, the Minnesota Vikings played their final game at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, marking the end of an era for the team and the stadium. The Vikings went on to play at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome and, later, U.S. Bank Stadium, which opened in 2016.