Green Living in the North Star State

Enjoy the best of Minnesota while prioritizing sustainability with this eco-friendly itinerary

Minnesota is known as one of the most eco-friendly states nationwide—from having one of the highest recycling rates to boasting one of the most bike and pedestrian-friendly cities, Minnesota is a haven for the environmentally cautious. Whether traveling in or to the state or looking to incorporate more green practices into your daily routine, you’re sure to find a plethora of activities, eateries, and programs that prioritize a sustainable future for our great state.

Things To Do

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a great way to support a sustainable attraction, as the garden boasts a cistern that saves the Mississippi River Basin from polluted runoff every year, a fresh meadow that supports native plants and wildlife, and much more. In addition, the garden recently collaborated with the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization to update its north-end in a way that better supports plants, wildlife, and art.

Visitors to Mall of America might be unaware of just how sustainable it really is; the Bloomington attraction gives food waste to hog farmers for feed, donates all lost-and-found items to local nonprofits, and boasts 1.7 square miles of skylights that keep the mall at a comfortable 72 degrees.

More interested in spending the day in the outdoors? Minnesota is home to a plethora of parks and green spaces that are actively protecting the state’s biodiversity. Voyageurs National Park is a designated dark sky area, boasting some of the best views internationally of the night sky unaffected by light pollution. City dwellers are never far from mother nature, too, with Minneapolis’ Minnehaha Regional Park only a short drive from the city center.

Voyageurs National Park

Photo by NPS/Dimse

Where To Shop

Shopping local is always best, and fortunately our state is blessed with many shop owners who keep thing close to home. The Twin Cities region boasts several of these storefronts like Tare Market which sells products in zero waste or plastic-free packaging. Northland Visions—a Native owned gallery and retailer—features art and gifts made by Natives from the Woodland and Plains tribes of the upper Midwest.

Make sure to stop by one of Minnesota’s over 350 farmers’ markets and support local farmers and tribal nations while also reducing food waste and transportation pollution.

Courtesy of Meet in Minneapolis

Where To Eat

Courtesy of Vikre Distillery

Minnesota is chalk full of farm-to-table eateries, with restaurants like Angry Trout Café sourcing its catches of the day right from Lake Superior. Duluth’s Vikre Distillery also depends on this Great Lake for the water it uses to create its vodkas and whiskeys.

Looking for a good brunch spot? Farmers Kitchen + Bar is owned and operated by members of the Minnesota Farmers Union. The restaurant sources its ingredients mainly from local farms, boasting delicious options from harvest bowls and hashes to griddle pancakes and seasonal granolas. Other Twin Cities farm-to-table hot spots include Spoon and Stable, Tullibee, and France 44 Meat & Cheese Shop.

Get Involved  

There are so many ways to get involved in and support sustainable practices and eco-friendly initiatives across the state. The city of Minneapolis boasts several programs, including its air monitoring project which asks city residents to identify areas of concern for air pollution and then installs PurpleAir sensors in these locations. Don’t know how to de-ice salt? Take a course via the city on how salt impacts the environment and snow removal and de-icing best practices.

In addition, Minneapolis is known as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country. Take advantage of one of city’s many bike rentals and explore Minneapolis along its 98 miles of bike lanes and 101 miles of off-street bikeways and trails.

Courtesy of City of Minneapolis