Two More Minnesota Towns Rejects the New Minnesota Flag

When Minnesota officially retired its 1983 blue-and-gold flag in favor of the new "North Star" design, state leaders hoped for a unifying symbol. Instead, the move has divided residents, with many saying the new design fails to honor Minnesota's history.

Last week, another Minnesota community's City Council voted to keep the retired state flag flying over the city. According to KSTP, their decision was a direct response to a survey of residents in which 75% (more than 1,000 responded) supported displaying the old flag.

Why Was the Minnesota Flag Changed?

The decision to update the state's banner was primarily driven by concerns over the imagery on the 1983 seal. The former flag depicted a Native American riding away while a white settler plowed a field with a rifle nearby—a scene deemed offensive by many who felt it celebrated the displacement of Indigenous people.

The new "North Star" flag was designed to be more inclusive, featuring a dark blue shape resembling Minnesota, a white eight-pointed star, and a light blue field representing the state's abundant waters.

Which Communities Are Rejecting Minnesota's State Flag?

Just last week, Elk River's City Council voted 5-0 in favor of the old flag. A formal vote is expected at the next Elk River council meeting on April 20. If the resolution passes as expected, Elk River will join the list of communities below that choose to fly the old design.

And earlier this week, Plainview's city council voted 3-2 to fly the old flag.