The Historic Horticultural Exposition in Dakota County
For the first time in history, the United States is set to host an international horticultural exposition, and Dakota County will be at the forefront of this significant event. Expo 2031 Minnesota USA is anticipated to attract millions of visitors and generate substantial tourism revenue over its six-month duration, running from May 1 to October 15, 2031.
A Vision for the Future
Wendy Meadley, CEO of Expo 2031 Minnesota USA, expresses her excitement about the event, stating, “It’s the ‘American dream’ story, right? It’s the story of ‘You can build it in America in a unique way.’” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of what the exposition hopes to achieve—a celebration of human ingenuity, nature, and global community. The expo is expected to create a lasting legacy, including the development of a pollinator-shaped lake that will serve both environmental and recreational purposes.
Federal Support and Planning
The planning phase for this monumental event has gained momentum with formal support from the Trump administration. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick emphasized the administration’s pride in backing this historic exhibition, highlighting its cultural, diplomatic, and economic significance. The expo has been described as “the horticulture world’s equivalent of a World’s Fair” by Joe Atkins, a member of the Dakota County Board of Commissioners, emphasizing its status on a global stage.
Global Recognition for Minnesota
Meadley’s vision aligns with the idea that this expo will put Minnesota on the world map. “If you’ve heard of the Seattle Needle, that’s the World’s Fair legacy of Seattle,” she explains. This event will draw approximately 60 leaders from different countries to Dakota County, facilitating new business opportunities and partnerships.
The last U.S. World’s Fair occurred in New Orleans in 1984, making this upcoming exposition particularly noteworthy for its rarity and potential impact. The proposed location for the event includes farmland in Rosemount, which was discussed at a recent Port Authority meeting. Though no final decisions have been made, the groundwork is being laid as plans evolve.
Timing and Preparation
The journey to secure this expo began in earnest last September during the 77th Annual International Association of Horticulture Producers Congress in Belgium. It was there that members provisionally approved Expo 2031 Minnesota USA as the host for the A1 International Horticultural Exposition, a category that carries international prestige.
A Six-Month Celebration of Horticulture
Set to run for six months, the expo will focus on themes such as plants, people, and innovation. During this time, global leaders will converge in Dakota County, showcasing the future of horticulture, resilient energy, food systems, and health and wellbeing.
In a recent social media update, Commissioner Atkins clarified that Dakota County has not been asked for any tax dollars to fund the expo, indicating careful financial planning. Projections suggest that the event could bring in approximately 6 million visitors and over $1 billion in economic activity, benefiting local businesses and creating thousands of jobs in construction, hospitality, and tourism.
Creating Lasting Infrastructure
Expo sites often leave behind more than just memories; they frequently develop permanent infrastructure such as parks, gardens, trails, and educational facilities. The 2031 theme—“Human/Nature: Where Humanity and Horticulture Meet”—speaks to a vision of harmony between nature and human innovation. Planned features include climate-aligned biodomes, country pavilions, and a “legacy smart city district” set to thrive well beyond the exposition.
A Festival for Everyone
Meadley likens the event to a theme park, saying, “Think about it being a theme park without the rides.” The expo will offer various attractions for the general public, from scenic shuttle rides to delightful culinary experiences.
Before making its way to Minnesota, the expo will be hosted in Japan in 2027 and Thailand in 2029, setting the stage for a series of global interactions.
For further details, visit expo2031.org.