Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Minneapolis, United States

1. Minnehaha Falls

A beautiful waterfall in Minneapolis with hiking trails and picnic areas, promoting eco-friendly recreational activities.

Green Space Preservation: The park is maintained using sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact.
Natural Attraction: Minnehaha Falls provides a unique opportunity to enjoy nature within the city limits.
Public Transit Accessible: The park is easily accessible via public transit, reducing carbon footprint.

An eco-friendly riverwalk with bike rentals and numerous restaurants, promoting sustainable transportation and local dining.

Sustainable Transportation: The riverfront offers bike rental stations to encourage active transportation.
Local Dining Options: Restaurants along the riverfront prioritize locally sourced, organic ingredients.
River Cleanup Efforts: Organizations host regular cleanup events to preserve and protect the Mississippi River.

A beautiful botanical garden showcasing native plants and sustainable landscaping practices.

Sustainable Gardening Practices: The Arboretum promotes environmentally friendly gardening techniques.
Native Plant Species: The Arboretum focuses on growing native plant species to support local ecosystems.
Educational Programs: The Arboretum offers educational programs on sustainable gardening and landscaping.

A picturesque lake with walking paths, offering opportunities for eco-friendly exercise and birdwatching.

Nature Preservation: The lake and its surroundings are protected to preserve local wildlife.
Birdwatching Opportunities: Lake of the Isles is home to a variety of bird species, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching.
Walking Trails: The lake features walking trails that are accessible year-round for eco-friendly exercise.

An outdoor museum featuring over 40 sculptures, many of which are environmentally themed.

Environmental Art: The garden features sculptures that address environmental issues and promote sustainability.
Native Landscaping: The garden uses native plant species in its landscaping to reduce water consumption.
Public Art Accessibility: The sculpture garden is free and open to the public, encouraging appreciation of art and sustainability.

A world-renowned art museum with a focus on sustainable practices and exhibitions.

Sustainable Exhibitions: The MIA showcases exhibitions that address environmental issues and promote sustainability.
Green Building Practices: The museum employs green building practices to minimize its carbon footprint.
Community Engagement: The MIA engages the community in sustainability discussions and initiatives.

A vibrant arts district showcasing sustainable art practices and eco-friendly businesses.

Sustainable Art Practices: Artists in the district prioritize environmentally friendly materials and processes.
Eco-Friendly Businesses: Many businesses in the district prioritize sustainability in their operations.
Community Engagement: The district hosts events and workshops promoting sustainable art practices.

A year-round market offering fresh, locally grown produce and sustainable products.

Locally Grown Produce: The market features produce grown by local farmers within a certain radius.
Sustainable Products: The market offers a variety of sustainable products such as reusable bags and bulk goods.
Community Engagement: The market hosts educational events on sustainable farming practices and food systems.

A series of lakes offering opportunities for eco-friendly activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

Water Recreation: The Chain of Lakes provides ample opportunities for eco-friendly water recreation.
Wildlife Observation: The lakes are home to various bird and fish species, offering opportunities for wildlife observation.
Urban Paddling: Kayaking or canoeing on the Chain of Lakes provides a unique urban paddling experience.

The largest lake in Minneapolis with bike rentals, walking trails, and beaches, promoting eco-friendly recreational activities.

Sustainable Recreation: Lake Calhoun offers a variety of eco-friendly recreational opportunities such as biking and walking.
Urban Beach: The lake features an urban beach where visitors can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the outdoors.
Public Transit Accessible: Lake Calhoun is accessible via public transit, reducing carbon footprint.

A trendy neighborhood with eco-friendly restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.

Sustainable Dining Options: Restaurants in Uptown prioritize locally sourced, organic ingredients.
Eco-Friendly Shops: Shops in the neighborhood offer sustainable and eco-friendly products.
Live Music Venues: Uptown is home to several live music venues, many of which promote sustainable practices.

A community park with gardens, trails, and a farmstand offering locally grown produce.

Locally Grown Produce: The farmstand features produce grown by local farmers within a certain radius.
Community Gardens: Lyndale Farmstead Park has community gardens for residents to grow their own food.
Nature Preservation: The park preserves natural habitats and promotes wildlife conservation.

A large park featuring hiking trails, a golf course, and a nature center promoting eco-friendly recreational activities.

Sustainable Recreation: Theodore Wirth Park offers a variety of eco-friendly recreational opportunities such as hiking and golfing.
Nature Education: The nature center provides educational programs on local ecosystems and conservation efforts.
Wildlife Observation: The park is home to a variety of bird and wildlife species, offering opportunities for observation.

A scenic parkway with bike rentals, running trails, and picnic areas, promoting sustainable transportation and local dining.

Sustainable Transportation: The parkway offers bike rental stations to encourage active transportation.
Local Dining Options: Restaurants along the West River Parkway prioritize locally sourced, organic ingredients.
River Cleanup Efforts: Organizations host regular cleanup events to preserve and protect the Mississippi River.

A LEED-certified building with green roofs, solar panels, and a bike sharing program promoting sustainable office practices.

Green Building Practices: The Thompson Reuters headquarters employs green building practices to minimize its carbon footprint.
Bike Sharing Program: The building has a bike sharing program to encourage sustainable transportation.
Green Roofs and Solar Panels: The building features green roofs and solar panels, reducing energy consumption.