In a state blessed with stunning natural features—from lush orchards to historical riverfronts to glistening lakes—you might start to wonder, why don’t more corporate and nonprofit event planners take advantage of them? Well, many do. Planners are increasingly seeking venues that blend business with nature.
“In Minnesota, we have winter over half of the year,” says Lucie Jane Ashe, senior event manager at Do Good Events in St. Louis Park, whose recent work includes events at the Nicollet Island Pavilion and Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens, both in Minneapolis. “When we can be outside, we really want to be outside.”
For your next corporate meetup, you might incorporate sales presentations on the riverfront or brainstorming sessions in a 100-year-old barn. And when the workday is over, go beyond cocktail hour and incorporate yoga, ax throwing, boat rides, or scavenger hunts. These open-air and natural venues offer undeniable advantages. Earthy environments are often relaxed, keeping conversations open and creative exchanges flowing. The flexible options available at natural venues, ranging from indoor spaces with lush views to fully outdoor setups, can accommodate almost any contingency, weather-related or otherwise.
It’s no secret that Minnesota has plenty of beautiful spots—but to meeting planners, it’s not just about the aesthetics. It’s about crafting experiences that invigorate teams, encourage creativity, and promote wellness at work and in life. It can be a challenge, of course. Some employees won’t be used to talking about sales and marketing in the great outdoors, and the practical aspects of events like technology, sustainability, and logistical planning can be tricky to navigate without the comforts of a traditional venue. But venues and planners around Minnesota have found some nifty ways to make the experience as smooth as possible.
At Madden’s on Gull Lake, a family-owned resort in Brainerd known for its “up north” feel, Digital Marketing Manager Casey King emphasizes how its setting changes the usual pace of corporate meetings. “Being situated on a peninsula and having views of Gull Lake all around provides a welcome break from the city/suburban hustle and bustle most corporate groups are used to,” King says. This full-scale immersion in nature often prompts folks to step back from daily tasks and gain fresh perspectives on work and life—giving rise to strategic thinking and team cohesion.
Closer to the Twin Cities, Minneapolis’ Nicollet Island Pavilion is a prime example of a venue that merges urban spaces with nature, which Ashe points out is something Twin Cities venues do particularly well. “The pavilion is really unique,” says Ashe. “It’s a beautiful outdoor park right in the middle of the city.” Its garden terrace and patio offer spectacular views of downtown Minneapolis and the Stone Arch Bridge. The historic charm of the pavilion combines with modern sound, light, projection, and wireless technologies to provide meeting planners with the best of both worlds.
Braving the Elements
The logistical challenges of meeting outdoors do exist and have to be met. After all, it is not always easy to find a spot to charge your iPhone in the serene northern woods. At venues like Madden’s on Gull Lake, the blend of nature with necessary technology is seamless. “We have a fairly extensive inventory of in-house audiovisual equipment and a knowledgeable team on hand to assist,” King says, adding that Madden’s is all about keeping the natural vibe of the venue without sacrificing those digital necessities.
Beyond the technological concerns, there’s also the unpredictable element of weather—it is Minnesota, after all. “You always need a backup when you have an outdoor event, and that can impact your budget,” says Ashe. “It’s almost like you need to plan for two events.” If there is no indoor space at your venue, there is always the option of tenting, Ashe notes. These weatherproof options are especially necessary when technology comes outside. “Another thing people don’t think about is screen glare, so work with your audiovisual team to make sure what you’re bringing outside is meant to be outside,” she adds. “Always have those A and B plans—plan for rain, wind, and cold.”
Madden’s on Gull Lake offers a proactive and flexible approach with multiple backup plans that maintain the charm and functionality of events, rain or shine. King says with locations like Wilson Bay, an area at the resort that offers both expansive views and indoor comforts, Madden’s shows a commitment to delivering top-notch experiences regardless of any unpredictable elements guests might have to face. Similarly, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska has indoor/outdoor spaces.
Spano also highlights how The Confluence Hotel balances high-tech needs with its natural setting. “We have state-of-the-art sound systems and audiovisual capabilities like any hotel facility used for meetings and events,” she says. While attendees at the hotel are reveling in the calm of nature, they remain connected to the digital tools they need.
Turning Toward Nature
Sustainability is always a crucial consideration in meeting planning, but at these natural venues, it is particularly prominent, with each venue taking strides to minimize its environmental impact. Madden’s on Gull Lake, for instance, has integrated sustainability into its core values. “The resort has a Green Initiative Program that includes different approaches for each department,” King notes, pointing out its commitment to eco-friendly practices, from recycling and composting to the use of hybrid vehicles.
Strauser says that Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery’s vineyard manager channels their passion for sustainability into using natural cleaning products to keep the grounds and event areas pristine while reducing harm done to the environment due to the use of harsh chemicals.
“We are seeing a bigger focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness, and how we connect to the Earth,” says Ashe. “[People are being] a little bit more conscious of sustainability. I think people are more connected to the world as a whole nowadays.” She thinks that in the future, due to the rise of remote work and the focus on sustainability, connecting with nature will become more than just a “nice-to-have” for meetings—it will be a must-have. “One trend I’m seeing more of is people are looking for spaces that aren’t entirely indoors, even if it’s just a room with big windows,” Ashe adds.
Of course, these days, the lines between work and leisure tend to be blurrier, and that suits these venues fine. Spano notes that The Confluence’s setting invites people to stay longer and linger, and they often do, combining meetings with leisure vacations. She says this trend of combining work with play has grown in popularity since 2020.
These natural settings are more than just meeting places—they are retreats offering authentic experiences in nature, inviting attendees to stay, explore, and enjoy long after they check off that final agenda item.
arb.umn.edu
chankaskawines.com
confluencehotel.com
dogoodevents.com
maddens.com
mintahoe.com
