Southern Minnesota - Polly Jalinek is celebrating 150 years since her family moved to Mower County. Coincidentally, it's the same year Minnesota became a state. Jalinek says her family didn't come alone.

"There were clusters of different cultural groups," said Jalinek.

She says folks came from places like Sweden and Ireland to settle. Jalinek says most of them came from rough times.

"They came here for a new beginning," said Jalinek.

She says those immigrants hard work paid off.

"We're seeing the fruitation of labors now," said Jalinek.

Historian Pat Mulso in Freeborn County agrees. She says Freeborn was the model for many types of industry. Freeborn had the first industrial park in the state.

"Those types of things are part of our history that attribute to states history," said Mulso.

She says the states history started before it got statehood in 1858. Both Mulso and Jalinek agree Minnesota is a great state to live.

Click here to learn more about the 150 years celebrations.