Can you still fly the historic Minnesota state flag?
Yes. You can still fly the historic Minnesota state flag. Minnesota retired its previous state flag on May 11, 2024 and adopted a new design, but no law stops private citizens, businesses, or even cities from flying the older flag on their own property. If you grew up with the 1957 banner and want to keep it on your pole, you are free to do so. This guide explains what changed, where each flag stands legally today, how to display a Minnesota flag with the U.S. flag, and where to buy either version made in the USA.
What changed when Minnesota redesigned its flag in 2024?
Minnesota replaced a busy state-seal flag with a simpler two-panel design. The change was about both legibility and the imagery on the old seal.
The previous flag, adopted in 1957 and revised in 1983, placed the full state seal on a medium blue field. A State Emblem Redesign Commission recommended a change for two stated reasons: the detailed seal was hard to read at a distance, and commission members raised concerns about scenes shown in the old seal. The legislature accepted a new design, which took effect on Minnesota Statehood Day, May 11, 2024.
The new flag uses a dark navy shape on the hoist side that traces the outline of the state, with a white eight-pointed North Star inside it, set beside a lighter blue field that represents the state's water. It is a cleaner, more modern banner that reads clearly from a distance.
| Feature | Historic flag (1957–2024) | New flag (2024–present) |
|---|---|---|
| Adopted | 1957, revised 1983 | May 11, 2024 |
| Design | Full state seal on a blue field | Navy state-shape with a white North Star, plus a light blue panel |
| Flies on state buildings? | No longer the official flag | Yes, the current official flag |
| Often chosen for | Tradition, heritage displays, residents who prefer the older look | Civic buildings, schools, and households that want the current design |
| FlagStars price (3' x 5', Made in USA) | $44.99 | $30.99 |
Is it legal to fly the old Minnesota flag?
For individuals and private property, yes. There is no penalty for flying the historic Minnesota flag at home or at a business. The redesign changed which flag state agencies fly, not what private citizens are allowed to display.
- Homeowners and businesses: Free to fly the historic flag, the new flag, or both.
- Cities and counties: Decide for themselves. Through 2025 and into 2026, several Minnesota communities passed resolutions to keep flying the historic flag on city property, while many others moved to the new design.
- State agencies and the Capitol: Fly the new official flag. The original Capitol flag is preserved by the Minnesota Historical Society.
In short, the official flag of the state has changed, but the older flag has not been banned for personal or local use.
Historic vs. new Minnesota flag: which should you fly?
Both are legitimate choices, and many residents own one of each. Pick based on what the flag means to you and where you plan to fly it.
- Choose the Historic Minnesota State Flag if you want the design you grew up with, you are decorating a heritage or commemorative display, or your town has voted to keep the older flag.
- Choose the new Minnesota State Flag if you want the current official banner, you are outfitting a school or civic building, or you simply prefer the cleaner North Star design.
- Fly both on separate poles or brackets to show the state's history alongside its present.
How do you display a Minnesota state flag with the U.S. flag?
The U.S. flag always holds the position of honor. The state flag is flown in a clearly secondary spot, whichever version you choose.
- Separate poles: Place the U.S. flag on its own right, which is the viewer's left as you face the flags.
- One pole, two flags: Fly the U.S. flag at the top and the Minnesota flag below it, with at least six inches of separation. A set of spinning rings keeps both flags from wrapping around the pole.
- Size: The state flag should never be larger than the U.S. flag flown with it. A 3' x 5' state flag pairs well with a 3' x 5' U.S. flag.
- Indoors or on a porch: A wall-mounted flagpole bracket and a 6 ft flagpole handle a 3' x 5' flag cleanly.
For multi-flag setups and order of precedence, see our guide on how to fly multiple flags on one pole.
What should you look for when buying a Minnesota flag?
Two things matter most: where the flag is made and what it is made of. Both FlagStars Minnesota flags are 100% made in the USA in a 3' x 5' size, with a choice of nylon or polyester.
- Nylon: Lightweight, so it flies in a light breeze, and it dries fast. A strong all-around pick for everyday residential display.
- Polyester: Heavier and more abrasion resistant, which suits windy, open, or coastal-style locations where flags take more punishment.
- Made in the USA: Domestic flags use U.S. bunting and U.S. labor end to end. Very cheap imports often fade and fray within a season.
To get the most life out of whichever flag you choose, follow our flag care guide. Routine washing and bringing the flag in during severe weather add months of service.
What should you do with the old flag if you switch?
If you move to the new design, you do not have to throw the historic flag away. If it is still in good shape, store it flat and dry, or display it indoors as a keepsake. Our guide on how to store a flag correctly covers folding and protection for every flag type. A worn flag that is past use should be retired respectfully rather than tossed in the trash.
Whether you stand by the historic Minnesota state flag or fly the new North Star design, both are available made in the USA so you can show your Minnesota pride with a flag built to last.