Southeast Minnesota comprises the corner of the U.S. state ofMinnesota south of theTwin Citiesmetropolitan area extending east, and part of the multi-state area known as theDriftless Area.Rochester is the largest city in the area; other major cities includeWinona,Owatonna,Faribault,Northfield,Austin, andRed Wing.
Southeast Minnesota is part of the state'sfirst andsecond congressional districts.[1] Culturally, it is distinct from the Twin Cities in being generally more conservative and staid, with several more diverse areas, such as the college towns ofNorthfield andWinona. However, the area has become more diverse and more politically competitive. Until 2006, the state's onlyIndependence Party legislator was from Southeast Minnesota,Sheila Kiscaden (IP-Rochester, now DFL-Rochester). Formerly a Republican, Kiscaden is now officially a member of theMinnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. The area is one of several distinctregions of Minnesota. Additionally, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tim Waltz won the first congressional district in 2018.[2]
Many places in Southeast Minnesota, likeLanesboro, have become popular tourist destinations. The scenicMississippi Valley to the Whitewater River andRoot River in theDriftless Area (one of the few parts of the state not eroded by glaciers in the lastice age) are among the most visited locations.
