“Hail! Minnesota,” written by University of Minnesota students Truman E. Rickard (music and first verse, in 1904) and Arthur E. Upson (second verse, in 1905), was adopted as the state song in 1945. The University of Minnesota Alumni Association, owner of the copyright to the song, released its copyright to the words and music for the purpose of permitting the legislature to adopt it as the state song. The original U of M version of the song is pictured here. The state song replaces the phrase “Hail to thee our college dear” with “Hail to thee our state so dear.” In 2006, an official recording of the State Song was commissioned and performed by the Mahtomedi High School Chamber Singers. The recording can be downloaded and played here.

Official Song of the State of Minnesota - Hail! Minnesota

Sheet Music