And the Happiest State in America Is…

Photo: Stocksy/Zheng Long

If you picture the happiest state in America being full of sandy beaches, luaus, and tropical hikes alongside picturesque volcanoes, prepare to pick up your jaw from the ground.

While Hawaii ranked number one last year in WalletHub's ranking of the happiest (and least happy) states, this year first place goes to—wait for it—Minnesota.

After looking at three key dimensions—from each state's emotional and physical well-being to its work environment—the Land of 10,000 Lakes ranked superior. In fact, Hawaii came in third this year, right behind Utah.

While catching waves and soaking up vitamin D might well be happiness boosters, they're not everything: According to WalletHub, people need a solid mix of factors to make them feel the happiest, and "good economic, emotional, physical, and social health are all key to a well-balanced and fulfilled life."

Curious if your home base landed on the list? Here are the top 10 happiest states in the country.

1. Minnesota

So glad we stopped. Just passed the boarder. #HighFalls #Hike #NatureIsCool

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2. Utah

[USA]. ?? Et voila le sublime, le divin Bryce Canyon! Si on avait eu un aperçu aux Ocres de Roussillon et au Colorado de Rustrel en Provence cet été, il faut bien vous avouer que nos yeux n'étaient pas préparés à telle beauté! Bryce canyon est en plus d'être Magnifique, très accessible et facile à explorer, parfait! Depuis notre lodge, on faisait 5 pas et on surplombait tout l'amphithéâtre de cheminées de fées. Inoubliable, @maxcoquard a eu un coup de ❤️ visuel pour toutes les petites fées ?. Merci @authentikusa de nous gâter avec ce road trip si haut en couleurs! #BestjobersInUSA #AuthentikUSA . . ??Let me introduce you to the most divine place on Earth: Bryce Canyon and its beautiful Hoodoos, carved by ice and rain over the million of years ago! Spectacular!! A natural masterpiece ❤️

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3. Hawaii

4. California

5. Nebraska

6. New Jersey

Old Barney

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7. South Dakota

8. Iowa

9. Wisconsin

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10. New Hampshire

attempted to go on a hike but after 25+ miles my legs went numb and i called it quits ?‍♀️

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You don't have to move to find happiness: These Buddhist-approved tips will do the trick. Or, you could get in a quick workout to achieve a similarly uplifting mood effect.

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