Minnesota’s state government finalized a purchase of nearly 57 acres of vacant land near Interstate 35 in Lakeville on September 21, 2024, to host the United Nations‑sponsored Expo 2031. The deal, announced by Expo 2031 CEO Wendy Meadley, is the first step toward a six‑month horticultural fair that will run from May to October 2031.
The 57‑acre tract, owned by the United Christian Academy Foundation, will form the core of a 180‑acre complex that includes a 200‑room hotel, a 1,300‑space parking structure, an expo hall and a community welcome centre. Planning also calls for a 1,500‑person amphitheatre, a media studio and a ‘secret garden’ wedding venue.
Meadley said the project’s budget sits just under $1 billion, a figure that more than doubles the estimate presented to Dakota County in 2024. The higher cost reflects the construction of a USA Pavilion with ‘Bellagio‑style’ fountains, a legacy feature intended to remain long after the fair.
Lakeville residents, including auto‑repair shop owner Dan Mullin, have expressed mixed feelings. Mullin, who has seen other stalled projects on the site, cautions that the timeline and traffic impact remain uncertain, but he is open to hearing more. The city plans public open houses to explain the impact and invite community input.
Expo 2031 officials have outlined a phased construction schedule that is expected to begin in early 2025, with ground‑breaking ceremonies slated for March 2025. The event’s approval by the U.N. Council on July 5, 2024, sets the stage for finalizing logistics and securing additional land through leasing.