Best known as the home of the Mayo Clinic and IBM, Rochester is also southeastern Minnesota's largest community with approximately 137,000 residents in the city and Olmsted County. Money Magazine recently said it best: "One thing to remember about Rochester is that it has the sophistication of a larger metro area, but not the congestion or the complications." Named "Best Small City" in America, Rochester merges a cosmopolitan atmosphere with Midwestern hospitality.

Green and Sustainble Living Resources for Northfield, Minnesota

Northfield, MN is located 35 miles south of the Twin Cities, 6 miles east of I-35. Population: 18,256 (2003 estimate), includes 5,000 college students

On the banks of the Cannon River sits Northfield, Minnesota, well known for its defeat of Jesse James and as the home of Malt-O-Meal. Northfield is also emerging as a model green community.

Green and Sustainable Living Resources for Duluth, Minnesota

Duluth, Minnesota is part of the Twin Ports (Duluth, MN and Superior, WI), Approximately 150 miles northeast of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area. With a population of 100,000, Duluth is a city actively involved with sustainable issues.

Rochester and Region

pic: Wind turbine on a southern Minnesota farm. Ami Voeltz

Find a compilation of regional listings in the articles below:

• Dakota Valley Region
• Rochester and Region
• Duluth
• Northfield

Just south of the Minnesota River in northern Dakota County lie the cities of Burnsville, Eagan and Apple Valley, often collectively referred to as Dakota Valley. Burnsville, a city of 59,118, has garnered national acclaim for its environmental initiatives. The Natural Resources Defense Council's Smarter Cities Project ranks Burnsville 5th in the nation for environmental sustainability and livability for cities under 100,000. Residents enjoy the city's numerous wild spaces, including the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge along the city's north border.