When you think about cactus plants, you probably don't think about Minnesota. Believe it or not, Minnesota is home to not one but two cactus plants, and you'll find one of them here in Central Minnesota, while the other is more often spotted in Southern Minnesota. YupI was today years old when I found out that Minnesota is home to not one but two different cactus plants. Get our free mobile appThe Plains Prickly Pear can be found in Southwestern Minnesota and parts of the Minnesota River Valley. According to the Minnesota DNR, the Plains Prickly Pear is bigger than the Brittle Prickly Pear; "its pads are wider and taller, green, pear-shaped pancakes.