Flag of Minnesota

State of Minnesota

Use	Civil and state flag
Proportion	3:5
Adopted	December 19, 2023 (effective on May 11, 2024; 3 months ago (2024-05-11))
Design	A light blue field with a dark blue K-shaped figure on the hoist side bearing a white eight-pointed star
Designed by	Andrew Prekker (base design) Minnesota State Emblems Redesign Commission (final design)[1]

The state flag of the U.S. state of Minnesota consists of a dark blue field representing the night sky and the state's shape, an eight-pointed star representing the North Star, and a bright blue field representing the state's abundant waters; the star is based on one prominently featured in the Minnesota State Capitol rotunda.

The flag of Minnesota has undergone 3 redesigns since its inception in 1893. Initially created for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, the first flag featured a white obverse side with the state seal surrounded by moccasin flowers, while the reverse was solid blue. The design incorporated significant dates and the state motto, "L'Étoile du Nord." The flag was modified, with a major redesign in 1957 that standardized the color to royal blue on both sides, and simplified the central design for cost-effectiveness and durability.

In 1983, it underwent another redesign to update the state seal and lighten the blue field. This version of the flag retained the circular arrangement of stars and the state's name but faced criticism over its complexity, similarity to other state flags, and its depiction of Minnesota's history. These criticisms, particularly concerns about the depiction of Native Americans and compliance with vexillological standards, led to calls for a redesign.

In 2022, the Minnesota Legislature established the State Emblems Redesign Commission to propose new designs for the state flag and seal. After extensive public input and deliberation, the commission selected the current flag design in December 2023. This new design was officially adopted on May 11, 2024. The flag has been praised by vexillologists for its simplicity and distinctiveness. It has been criticised for its perceived similarity to the flag of Somalia and its plainness, and it faced opposition from rural counties. This flag change occurred amid multiple American states changing their flags.