State Entry Monuments Map
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Entry Sign Quick Links
Type I Monument
(move cursor over image to see exit
monument)
(move cursor over image to see exit monument)
(move cursor over image to see exit sign)
State Entry Monuments
For most visitors and returning residents, a state entry monument is their first visual image of Minnesota as they arrive at the various border entry points throughout the state. MnDOT estimates that in 2008 nearly eighty-seven million vehicles entered the state at the 65 trunk highway entrances along the state borders. Since the 1930s, Minnesota has marked its borders to welcome travelers. The last major re-design of Minnesota’s state entry monuments was in 1996. See frequently asked questions.
Entry Monument Classification
Minnesota utilizes a "family" of monuments, scaled to the traffic volume of the various entry roads. MnDOT maintains the following three types of state entry signs:
Type I - Major Entrance Monument (12 total)
Monument-style signs located on interstate highways and the highway routes with the highest traffic volume.
Type II - Secondary Entrance Monument (20 total)
Historic and historic-style monuments of stone and wood, mostly located on highways with moderate traffic volume. Minnesota has 16 Type II entry monuments that are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
Type III - Minor Entrance Sign (33 total)
Metal signs located on highway entrance routes with the lowest traffic volume.
Exit Monuments
For each type of entry marker, there is a corresponding exit marker. Where road conditions allow, some Type I monuments and Type III signs have a companion exit marker on the opposite side of the road. Type II monuments have a “visit again” message on the reverse side of the wooden panel.