Minnesota Weather and Clothing

During the winter, warmer clothing is necessary because the weather in Minnesota can sometimes be below zero Fahrenheit (below -20 Celsius) in mid-winter. It would be wise to purchase warmer clothing in early September, depending on your tolerance for the cold. Cost of each item varies widely from store to store so it is beneficial to shop around before purchasing. Also, very good used clothing is often available at much reduced costs.

Items that you may need for winter include:

• Warm sturdy boots ($25-$100+)
• A coat with hood ($30-$200+)
• Mittens or warm gloves ($5-$10)
• Warm hats and scarves ($10-$20)

In the fall and spring, jackets and sweaters can keep you warm. A raincoat and/or umbrella could be useful during the rainy days. In the summer this part of the country becomes quite humid. 

Second-Hand Stores

• Ragstock (Rosedale Mall)
• Goodwill Stores (Snelling Avenue and County Road B, south of Hwy. 36)
• Goodwill Outlet (2505 University Avenue West, Saint Paul, MN; pay by the pound of clothing!)
• Thrift Stores/Consignment shops (Off Fairview Avenue, West on Hwy. 36 on the Frontage Rd.)
• Savers (2124 East Lake Street, Minneapolis)

Discount/Retail Stores

• Marshall's in Har Mar Mall
• T.J. Maxx
• Goodwill (used clothing)
• Burlington Coat Factory in Har Mar Mall
• Target
• Wal-Mart

Retail Outdoor/Sports Stores

• REI—Outdoor Store: Camping/sports/kayaks (1955 W County Road B2)
• Dick’s—Sports Store (1645 County Road B2 W)
• The Outdoor Store—On the U of M St. Paul Campus
• Joe’s—Outdoor Sports and Recreation (Hwy. 36 and Rice Street)