All 6 Minnesota state flag finalists on display at the Becker County Museum through Sunday

Detroit Lakes, Minn. (KDLM) – The six finalists for the new state flag of Minnesota are on display at the Becker County Museum in Detroit Lakes through Sunday, Dec. 17.

Anyone wishing to see the new flag prospects can check them out during the museum’s regular business hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Becky Mitchell, executive director of the Becker County Historical Society and Museum, said, even though changing the flag may be controversial to some, we’re living through a piece of Minnesota history and she’s happy the museum, and Detroit Lakes, is a part of it.

“This is living history,” said Mitchell. “We’re in a time, we don’t know what the end result will be, because the commission that has been tasked with submitting a proposal … it then goes to the legislature to get voted on. And, if it is voted through, it would take effect in May, but there are a few hurdles that would have to happen before that would occur. I think where people are struggling is that our current state flag is very traditional … but I think it’s that drastic difference between traditional and very graphic modern.”

She also said it’s opportunity for Greater Minnesota to give their informed opinion to decision makers. She hopes anyone checking out the flags read the statements from the flag’s artist to see what they were trying to go for before scanning the QR code and submitting their opinions.

“There is a lot of opinion surrounding the new state flag, correct?” she said. “This is really an opportunity for Greater Minnesota to give their opinion and to have an opportunity to see them life-sized, what they would look like on the fabric, so they can provide an informed opinion. I like, often time, in Greater Minnesota, we feel like unless you are living in the metro, we don’t get a lot of say. So, this is our opportunity and I hope people take advantage of it.”

However, the vice chair of the flag selection commission said they may select the final design as soon as Tuesday night.

Commission Vice-chair Anita Gaul said they’ve received a ton of input since narrowing it down to six finalists last month. 

She also reminded residents the design is not set in stone. Any of the finalists could be modified or possibly combined with elements from different flags.

All six designs feature a version of the North Star and are blue and green.

Gaul says the commission will adopt the final design and send it to the legislature by January 1st.