Minnesota State Flag Size Guide: What Size Minnesota Flag Should You Fly?

Choosing the right Minnesota state flag size is the difference between a display that looks balanced and respectful… and one that looks awkward, oversized, or puts excess strain on your flagpole. Whether you’re flying the Minnesota flag at a Minneapolis home, a St. Paul business, a Duluth lakefront property, a Rochester office, a Brainerd cabin, or a rural farm in southern or western Minnesota, the flag and pole must be properly matched — especially in a state known for strong winds, heavy snowfall, summer thunderstorms, and lake-effect weather.

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Many Minnesotans assume “bigger is better,” but an oversized flag can create too much wind load — a major issue near the Great Lakes, the Boundary Waters, open farmland, and wide lake regions. This guide explains which Minnesota flag sizes work best for homes, cabins, farms, and commercial properties, and which materials hold up best in Minnesota’s four-season climate.

Quick Answer — Standard Minnesota Flag Sizes

Here are the most common Minnesota flag sizes and their best use cases:

For larger sizes, see our Flag Size Chart & Buying Guide.

Choosing the Right Minnesota Flag Size for Your Location

House-Mount (Wall-Mounted) Minnesota Flags

For most Minnesota homes — whether in Minneapolis neighborhoods, St. Paul suburbs, lakeside towns like Stillwater or Excelsior, or Northwoods cabins — the classic setup is a 3' × 5' Minnesota flag on a 5'–6' house-mount pole.

• Standard choice: 3' × 5' on a 5'–6' pole.
• Smaller homes/cabins: A 2' × 3' flag works well in tight spaces.
• Clearance: Ensure the flag won’t catch on siding, deck rails, or nearby trees.

Minnesota’s gusty winds — especially near lakes, prairies, or during winter storms — make a properly sized flag essential for durability.

Residential In-Ground Flagpoles

Follow the standard rule: flag length ≈ one-quarter of pole height.

A 3' × 5' looks proportional on a 20' pole. Lake homes and rural properties may prefer a 4' × 6' for greater visibility.

Commercial, Schools & Government Buildings in Minnesota

Common sizes for Minnesota institutions include:

• 5' × 8' on 25'–30' poles
• 6' × 10' on 30'–35' poles
• 8' × 12' on 40'–50' poles

Locations in the northern and western parts of Minnesota — where wind exposure is higher — should use commercial-grade poles and heavy-duty flag materials.

Best Material for the Minnesota Climate

Minnesota’s environment includes harsh winters, strong winds, humidity, and sunny summers — making material selection just as important as size.

Nylon Minnesota Flags — Best Overall for Most Homes

Nylon is the most versatile choice for Minnesota because it:

• Flies well in gentle to moderate winds
• Dries quickly after snow or rain
• Displays the Minnesota state seal clearly on its blue field

Excellent for suburban homes, inland areas, and moderate-wind regions.

Polyester Minnesota Flags — Best for High-Wind, Lakefront & Rural Areas

Choose 2-ply polyester if you live near:

• Lake Superior (Duluth, Two Harbors, Grand Marais)
• Lake Minnetonka or Lake Mille Lacs
• Prairie regions (Marshall, Willmar, Moorhead)
• Open rural farmland across western and southern Minnesota

Polyester is heavier, more durable, and ideal for long-term exposure to strong winds and storms.

Minnesota Flag Material Guide: Nylon vs Polyester

Cotton Minnesota Flags — Indoor Use Only

Cotton flags are best suited for:

• Courtrooms
• Government interiors
• Ceremonial displays

The fabric absorbs moisture and fades faster outdoors, making it unsuitable for Minnesota’s climate.

Browse our Minnesota State Flags — Nylon, Polyester & Indoor Sets, proudly Made in the USA.

Flying the U.S. Flag with the Minnesota Flag

When flying both flags together, follow U.S. flag code:

• The U.S. flag always flies in the highest position of honor.
• The Minnesota flag must be the same size or smaller when sharing a pole.
• Additional flags (tribal, city, military) fly beneath the state flag.

A standard setup: 3' × 5' U.S. flag with a 3' × 5' Minnesota flag underneath.

How to Care for Your Minnesota Flag

Cleaning

• Wash gently in cold water with mild soap
• Air dry — never use heat, especially in winter
• Rinse well to remove road salt or lake moisture

Weather Protection

• Bring flags down during blizzards, severe thunderstorms, or high-wind advisories
• Rotate between two flags if flying daily
• Trim frays early to prevent tearing

Storage

• Fold neatly or store flat
• Use breathable fabric covers
• Avoid damp basements or hot attics

When to Replace or Retire a Minnesota Flag

Replace the Minnesota flag if you notice:

• Severe fading, especially in the blue background or state seal
• Fly-end frays or loose threads
• Tears around the grommets
• Thin or worn fabric from prolonged wind exposure

VFW and American Legion posts throughout Minnesota provide flag retirement services.

FAQs — Minnesota Flag Size & Display

What size Minnesota flag is best for a house?
A 3' × 5' Minnesota flag on a 5'–6' house-mount pole works best for most homes.

What size Minnesota flag fits a 20' pole?
A 3' × 5' flag is ideal; choose 4' × 6' for large or set-back homes.

Best material for Minnesota?
Nylon for most homes; 2-ply polyester for lakefront or high-wind regions.

Can I fly the Minnesota flag with the U.S. flag?
Yes — the U.S. flag must fly above the Minnesota flag.

Shop Made-in-USA Minnesota Flags & Flagpoles

Ready to choose the right Minnesota flag for your home or business? Browse our full collection of Made-in-USA Minnesota state flags in nylon, polyester, indoor, and outdoor styles.

Need help choosing the right size? Contact our flag experts — we’re happy to help you get it right.