1. The largest snowfall in Minnesota history occurred on December 16, 1990, with 37.1 inches of snow falling in Duluth. The snowstorm was named the "Edmund Fitzgerald Storm" after the song by Gordon Lightfoot, which tells the story of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior.

2. On December 16, 1862, the largest mass execution in U.S. history took place in Mankato, Minnesota. 38 Dakota men were hanged after being found guilty of war crimes and murder during the Dakota War of 1862.

3. The Mall of America, located in Bloomington, Minnesota, opened its doors on December 16, 1992. It is currently the largest mall in the United States with over 520 stores and attractions.

4. On December 16, 1952, the first successful open-heart surgery was performed by Dr. C. Walton Lillehei at the University of Minnesota. The patient, a 5-year-old girl named Carol Ann Pietz, went on to live a long and healthy life.

5. The Minnesota Vikings played their first home game at the H.H.H. Metrodome in Minneapolis on December 16, 1982. The Vikings beat the Atlanta Falcons 31-27 in front of a crowd of 59,332 fans. The Metrodome served as the home of the Vikings until 2013 when it was replaced by U.S. Bank Stadium.