By Scout Nelson
Minnesota is officially chosen to host America’s first A1 International Horticultural Expo in 2031, marking a milestone for the United States. The decision is made by AIPH members during their 77th Annual Congress in Belgium after a positive site inspection confirmed strong planning and widespread support.
AIPH Secretary General Tim Briercliffe stated, “Provisional approval for Expo 2031 Minnesota affirms its place in 2031 and reflects the significant progress already made by the organizers. With the final stage of U.S. federal recognition to come, Minnesota is on course to welcome the world to its first-ever A1 International Horticultural Expo.”
The six-month exhibition expects more than four million visitors to a 67-hectare core site near the Mississippi River. “This is more than a milestone; it is a celebration,” said Wendy Meadley, CEO of Expo 2031 Minnesota. “What began as an application has become a movement, uniting leaders and communities across the United States and the world. With our federal partners, investors, and horticultural community, we are ready to build a legacy event that connects cultures through the power of plants.”
Visitors will explore five ecological zones—tropical, arid, temperate, continental, and North Star—featuring biodomes and outdoor landscapes representing plant life from around the world. “Visitors will be invited into a discovery horticultural experience unlike anything previously staged in the United States,” explained Meadley.
Expo 2031 highlights all USDA agricultural zones and seven key sectors, including agriculture, food production, energy, water, health, and technology. Strong regional support and partnerships with universities, research centers, and global horticultural groups ensure lasting benefits.
Infrastructure planning includes efficient transport from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport and new park-and-ride hubs. Permanent green spaces and educational facilities will remain after the event, creating a long-term legacy of environmental innovation and tourism growth for Minnesota and the nation.
Photo Credit:pexels-greta-hoffman
Categories: Minnesota, General