Anyone who’s ever been to Minnesota can agree that it is absolutely beautiful. Geological wonders pepper every region of the state, from the magnetic rock up north to the giant boulders in the southwest to the oldest rocks on Earth in south-central Minnesota. But aside from geological wonders, you can also find a few geographic - or cartographic - wonders in the state. In fact, the Land of 10,000 Lakes is home to a geographic wonder that has raised questions for many. It’s an exclave in Minnesota known as the Northwest Angle, and it’s one of the only places of its kind in the United States. Read on below to learn more about the strange Northwest Angle, Minnesota, and its geographic challenges.

Have you ever heard of this exclave in Minnesota? What other unique spots in Minnesota - geographic, geologic, or otherwise - should we know about? Let us know in the comments, or by filling out our nomination form.

The Northwest Angle is a small section of land on the northwestern shore of Lake of the Woods. It also happens to be home to the northernmost point in the Lower 48 states.

This fact, on its own, makes it an interesting geographic topic of conversation. But there’s something else that is quirky about this particular spot: There is no land that connects the Northwest Angle to the rest of Minnesota.

The Northwest Angle is an exclave. That is, it is a part of a country that can only be entered by traveling through another country. It's separated from the rest of Minnesota -- and the U.S. -- by Lake of the Woods.

This is due to an old mapping error dating back to the 1790s. An explorer believed Lake of the Woods was oval-shaped, which informed how the border was drawn.

However, the land portion of the Northwest Angle is only a partial exclave. This is because the remainder of the Northwest Angle in Minnesota is comprised of water, in the form of Lake of the Woods.

Contrary to that old cartographer's assumption, Lake of the Woods is not at all oval-shaped. It's a large, oddly-shaped lake, formed from many interconnected bays and dotted with islands. It’s a popular fishing spot for Minnesotans and Canadians, alike. And it’s also the only way to reach the Northwest Angle without crossing into Canada.

Of course, boat crossings are not always possible. For one thing, the lake freezes in the winter. For another, it’s not always practical to travel by boat. In some years, wily entrepreneurs have even constructed and maintained an ice road between the Northwest Angle and mainland Minnesota, charging a toll for its use.

Luckily, there’s another way to reach the Angle by road. Those who would like to visit by car will need their passports, because you’ll have to travel on Canadian roads to get there.

Entering and leaving requires a stop at Jim’s Corner, a famous spot along the way for Northwest Angle travelers.

It's located in Angle Inlet, the exclave's only community, and you’ll be required to check in virtually with customs and immigration. You’ll be asked a few questions about who you are and why you’re traveling, and then you’ll be on your way.

The Northwest Angle, Minnesota, is a geographic curiosity that you can only find in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Not only is it the northernmost point of the Lower 48. It's also one of the only exclaves in the whole nation. It sure makes living in Minnesota all the more interesting, doesn't it?

Have you ever heard of this exclave in Minnesota? What other unique spots in Minnesota – geographic, geologic, or otherwise – should we know about? Let us know in the comments, or by filling out our nomination form.

Want to see Minnesota from the sky? Book a Helicopter Tour over Duluth and Lake Superior's North Shore!