Minnesota isn't known as the site of many historic events but the North Star State is home to some of the quirkiest cities in the entire country. One such city is Moorhead, the county seat of Clay County. Originally settled as a lively frontier town, the city of Moorhead enjoys a colorful local history while still retaining its repuation as one of the best cities to live in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Known as an energetic "gate city" that sits west of the woods and lakes of Minnesota but is east of the Dakota prairies, Moorhead sits on the border between North Dakota and Minnesota. Sitting across the Red River from Fargo, North Dakota, Moorhead has then feel of a college town. That's because the city is home to three institutions of higher learning: Minnesota State University Moorhead, Concordia College, and Minnesota State University and Technical College.

Named after the director of the Northern Pacific Railway, William G. Moorhead, Moorhead can trace back its modern roots to its founding on September 22, 1871. Originally gaining a reputation as "Sin City" due to its numerous bars and the fact that neighboring Fargo did prohibited the sale of alcohol, Moorhead is still one of the most energetic cities to live in the country.

Full of colorful characters, a gorgeous landscape, a laid back atmosphere, and a commitment to progressive politics, Moorhead is one of the best representations of the unique energy that runs through Minnesota.