Keeping them out side year round is a no. I live in Syracuse NY and we get 120 inches of snow a year I know Minnesota gets cold there so you'd have to have a place inside as long as you have a good heat lamp you should be good......think of this you set the thermostat in your house so the heat lamp will do the rest and make sure you have a UV balb so the tort gets essential vitamins from the light
I see no reason why you can't have a Russian tortoise in Minnesota. They hibernate, so a cold winter wouldn't bother him at all. You would just have to learn about hibernating this species before the end of the year.
Hi Jessica,
I live in Minne'snow'ta as well with my Russian. I just give my little guy as much good weather time outside as much as possible and when winter comes around he will try to hibernate anyways. There is nothing unrealistic about it! Good luck!!
Welcome from WI! WI probably doesn't get nearly as bad as MN but close enough, and I have a Russian! Just let him get his exercise outside when weather permits and make sure he has a lot of space and correct lighting when he's inside! You'll love it here!