The Minnesota State Senate approved the designs for the Minnesota Tartan and Dress Tartan on Feb. 4, 2002. The design was a gift to the people of Minnesota from the Minnesota Tartan Day Cooperative, a group of 14 Scottish Organizations in the State, The design team consists of Mark Osweiler, Designer; Mary Libhardt, Nydia Osweiler, Kelly Bray and Richard Cady, Design Team Members.

The colors represent the people, land and character of Minnesota. They are blue, for "water that reflects the sky" the meaning of the name Minnesota; green for the Norway Pine and conservation of forests and fields; pink for the Showy Lady Slipper and the heart of the people, black and white for the Loon; gold for fall colors and the golden opportunities found in Minnesota.