What To Do In Mankato - T-Tees - Your Answers Await, Life's Questions Unraveled

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Mankato holds a dear place in my heart. I lived here for several years and still have many friends and family who live there.

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Mankato is less than 90 minutes from the Twin Cities making it a perfect destination for a weekend getaway.

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Mankato has activities for all interests and ages. So yes, Mankato is absolutely worth visiting. Keep reading for the ultimate list of 39 things to do in Mankato MN.

The list includes our top 10 things to do in Mankato, free things to do, winter activities, and indoor activities.

Mankato is a town located in South Western Minnesota. It is the 5th largest city in the state of Minnesota. Mankato is known as a college town as the state’s second largest university, Minnesota State University is located in Mankato.

Mankato has many activities to do within the city and surrounding towns along with easy access to lots of parks.

1. Minneopa State Park

Minneopa is our top thing to do in Mankato MN. This is a beautiful state park that has a lot of different outdoor activities. You can fish, hike, snowshoe, camp, play horseshoes, and play volleyball.

Walking to Minneopa falls is a must-do and we recommend walking to the base. Another must-do is the Bison Drive. It is open from Thursday – Tuesday from 9 a.m – 7 p.m. You can see bison roaming.

It is $7.00 for a one-day parking pass. If you want a year pass for all of Minnesota state parks it is $35.00. Pets are allowed. The park is open from 10 AM to 10 PM.

2. Red Jacket Trail, Free

3. Mankato Sculpture Tour, Free

Website: https://www.cityartmankato.com/tours/walking-sculpture-tour/

Each year Mankato picks various artists to display their sculptures around the town. Usually, there are around 25 sculptures. This is a great way to get out and around the city and to experience some unique art.

This is a free activity and it is open all of the time.

4. Sibley Park, Free

This park has options for all ages and interests. There is softball fields, tennis courts, fishing, sledding hill, gardens, place for picnics, playground and a barn filled with farm animals you can see.

Additionally, this park has 2 miles of walking trails and outdoor exercising equipment.

Sibley Park is a great place to spend the afternoon.

5. Reconciliation Park, Free

Address: 100 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, MN 56001

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This park is the site of the largest mass execution in U.S History. Let that sit with you. The largest mass execution in U.S history. 38 Dakota Indians were hung by the U.S government. This site is a dedication to allow reflection, meditation, and remembrance.

This would be a great stop on your Mankato journey to honor a big event in Minnesota and Mankato history. If you have kids at an appropriate age this event would be a great conversation for you to have as a family.

6. Mankato Annual Pow Wow

Website: https://www.mahkatowacipi.org/

To continue honoring and recognizing Mankato and its Native American history there is an annual Pow Wow every September.

This is a 3-day event that includes dancing, traditional music, delicious food and beautiful crafts. Native Americans from different tribes along with non-natives gather.

7. Tourtellotte Park

This park has an outdoor swimming pool with a lifeguard and concessions.

Additionally, the park has a playground, picnic shelters, grills, sand volleyball and tennis courts.

Pets are not allowed. The park is open everyday from sunrise to dusk. The pool is open on Wednesdays from 1pm-8pm and all other days of the week from 1pm – 6:30pm

8. Mom and Pop’s Ice Cream Shop

Who doesn’t love a great ice cream cone? This ice cream shop is amazing. They offer 32 different flavors of ice cream plus a lot of other goodies.

They are open daily from 12-9 pm and there is plenty of on street parking.

9. Golfing

Mankato has several great golf courses in the area. We would recommend the Mankato Golf Club and Minneopa Golf Course. Both are excellent.

10. BentRiver Outfitters

You can rent canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. In the winter you can rent snow shoes.

The price depends on if you want the rental for 24 hours or 3 days. Refer to their website for the most up-to-date information. We always find their prices very reasonable.

11. LocAle Brewing Company

Great Brewery with delicious beer. You can buy Von Hanson’s pretzels if you want a snack. You can also bring your own food or have food delivered to the brewery.

12. August Schell Brewing Company

August Schell Brewing was the first brewery in Minnesota to serve craft brews. Their beer is good and this brewery is totally worth seeing.

Technically in New Ulm, but only 35 minutes outside of Mankato. They offer tours of their amazing facility, check with their website on times and reservations.

13. Mankato Brewery

A fun brewery located in North Mankato. All of their beers are excellent.

14. Javens Family Vineyard and Winery

Address: 311 Kennedy St, Mankato, MN 56001

This is a great family winery. Enjoy the afternoon trying wines and enjoying the atmosphere.

15. Morgan Creek Vineyards

Morgan Creek Vineyards is another great winery to visit in the Mankato area. Technically this winery is in New Ulm but it is only a 35-minute drive outside of Mankato. Spend an afternoon sipping on the wine and enjoying the grounds.

16. Chankaska Ranch and Winery

Only 15 minutes outside of Mankato in Kasota, MN this great winery is a great place to spend the afternoon. They are closed Monday and Tuesdays but open the rest of the week. Check with their website for their most up to date hours.

Chankaska Ranch and Winery not only has wines but also spirits. Their flights start at $7.

17. Indian Island Winery

This winery is located in Janesville, MN which is 20 minutes outside of Mankato.

Indian Island Winery hosts many events such as “paint and sip” and live music. Head to their website to check their most up to date calendar.

Wine tastings are $10 for 5 different wines. You get a free wine glass from the tasting.

They serve lots of different food.

Make sure you check out our blog post on Northeast Minneapolis breweries if you are into craft brews! The Best Northeast Minneapolis Breweries

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18. Kiwanis Holiday Lights, Free

Address: Sibley Park at 900 Mound Ave Mankato, MN 56001

This is a holiday light display that you can drive or walkthrough. This is during the Holiday season running from late November to the end of December.

Find more information on their Facebook page “Kiwanis Holiday Lights”.

This is a community loved event and often people make an annual tradition out of going.

19. Mount Kato

If you love skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing this is the place for you. It’s a small ski area but you are guaranteed to enjoy your time here.

At most you will pay $50 for lift tickets on holiday and weekends but cheaper options for certain day and times. Snow Tubing is $20 for 2 hours.

20. Ice Skating, Free

Ice rinks are available during the winter season at the following parks: Alexander Park, Dotson Park, Thomas Park and Stoltzman Park.

Bring your own ice skates.

21. Sledding, Free

There are a couple of good sledding hills in Mankato located at Sibley and Spring Lake Park. Bring your own sleds.

22. ISG Field

ISG field is home to the Mankato Moondogs which is an amateur baseball team. There are concessions and bathroom facilities. Spend a summer afternoon or evening enjoying a baseball game.

Refer to their website to see their upcoming schedule.

23. Disc Golf (Frisbee Golf), Free

A great way to spend a few hours in the summer is playing disc golf. If you don’t know what disc golf is, it is a lot like normal golf but you are throwing a frisbee down a fairway into baskets.

There are two fun courses in Mankato that you can try your skills at.

You do need to bring your own frisbees. You can purchase them if needed at Target or Walmart for a few dollars.

24. Flandrau State Park

Technically in New Ulm, which is 35 minutes outside of Mankato but it is worth the drive.

This is an amazing state park that has a lot to do. There is a swimming pond, cabins to rent, camping options, picnic shelters, hiking and cross country skiing.

This state park is a great place to bird watch. On their website, you can download a bird checklist and you can see how many you can spot.

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. The cost is $7 per car or $35 for a year long pass for all state parks.

25. German Park, Free

Here is one more great park in New Ulm. This is a beautiful park a quick walk from down town. During the summer there is a free outdoor concert series.

There is a great playground if you have kids.

26. Riverfront Park, Free

Riverfront park has a great amphitheater which was ranked by the Star Tribune as Minnesota’s fourth best outdoor music venue.

This park has beautiful views of the river and has a fun playground. Additionally, there is a canoe and kayak access point.

27. Seven Mile Creek Park, Free

Located between North Mankato and St. Peter this park has a lot to do.

There are 10 miles of multi-use trails. You can bike, hike, or horseback ride. Additionally, there are picnic areas, a playground, volleyball courts, a ball diamond, and a boat landing.

Seven Mile Creek is a designated trout stream. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash.

The park is open dawn until dusk.

Address: 20th St S & Valley St, New Ulm, MN 56073

This is a 9 hole Mini Golf course that is focused around taking care of the earth.

Their website says, “To teach sustainability, or how to manage natural resources to meet our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.”

There is a picnic area and a river trail.

29. Sakatah Singing Hills Trail, Free (unless riding horse)

Website: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/sakatah/index.html

30. Drive A Tank

If you are looking for a one of a kind thing to do on your Mankato trip, this is the place for you. Drive A Tank is a company located in Kasota, MN, only 15 minutes outside of Mankato.

Drive a Tank is a civilian tank driving experience. You can crush cars, crush a house and even shoot machine guns.

They offer different packages that allow different combinations. Check out their website.

Whether it’s too hot, rainy, or too cold outside there is plenty of things to do inside in Mankato.

31. Kato Escape

It’s always a good time to do an escape room. Kato Escape has 5 different room options and you need to solve it within 60 minutes.

It is $75 for 6 players and than $15 for each additional person.

Kids are allowed and you can have up to 10 people in all rooms and 12 people in the Mayan Room.

32. WOW Zone Family Entertainment Center

There is bowling, laster tag, black light mini golf and full arcade. Additionally, there is a snack bar, sports bar and a restaurant.

There is live music on Friday nights. Check the website for details and an up to date calendar.

33. River Hills Mall

If you like to shop this is the place for you. There is also a movie theater and a carousel.

34. Carnegie Art Center

This is for art lovers or people who want to get into art. Carnegie Art Center features local artists and it has amazing reviews. highly recommend!

35. The R. D. Hubbard House

Price is $7.00 / adult

R.D Hubbard founded one of the largest flour mills in Minnesota. This house is completely in the original form from the late 1800s. If you are into architecture and history this is a great plate to visit.

36. Blue Earth County Historical Center

Open Tuesday-Saturday 10-4 pm

$7.00 / adult and $3.00/kid

Lots of hands-on history. There is an interactive pioneer cabin that is fun to explore. Other things you can do there include a barn with animals, a diorama of 1880s Mankato, and treasures from Local author Maud Hart Lovelace

37. Mankato Symphony Orchestra

Enjoy beautiful music at the Mankato Symphony. This Orchestra has amazing reviews. Check their website for their schedule and to get tickets.

38. Mankato Craft Co.

Website: Mankatocraftco.com

This idea is for the craft individuals, or for the people aspiring to be! Here you can do art classes to create various projects. Check out the events calendar on their website for upcoming events.

39. Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota

This museum is excellent. You can easily spend a few hours exploring all of their different exhibits. There are 14 Different Exhibits including an Ag and Nature Lab and a Farm Animal Experience.

There is stuff to do for kids of all ages from newborn to age 10. For any one over 1 years of age it is $9.00/ticket.

The Boulder Tap House

The Boulder Tap House has excellent burgers. They do a burger of the month which is always good.

They are known to have good service and a good atmosphere.

Pappageorge Restaurant and Bar– American Food

Viewed as a hidden gem in Mankato with both excellent food and service.

Both the ribs and steaks are recommended.

Bosphorus Gyros and Kebabs– Mediterranean

Pagliai’s Pizza

Classic pizza joint that has the reputation of being the best pizza in Mankato and some even say Minnesota.

Lots of choices for pizza and don’t forget the cheesy bread as a side- you won’t be disappointed!

El Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant

If you are looking for Mexican look no further. El Mazatlan is known for their great food and great service.

Grizzly’s Wood-Fired Grill – Mankato

A great place to grab dinner. Wide variety on the menu. Make sure you try the cheese curds- no meal is complete without those!

Tokyo Sushi & hibachi

If you want sushi, you found your place. They have a wide variety of food options and great service.

Airbnb

Definitely check out Airbnb. There is not a ton of options but you will find very good prices and you may find a spot that fits your needs. Almost all stays are under $100 and most are around the $50 price point.

Hotels

There are several good hotel options at all different price points in Mankato. These are our top three based on price, location, and reviews.

Motel 6 Mankato – lower budget

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Mankato East – mid budget

Hilton Garden Inn Mankato Downtown- higher budget

You will probably want a car to get around Mankato but there are options if you need them. There are three different taxi services. Additionally, there is both Lyft and Uber. Finally, there is a city bus if the routes work for your itinerary.

There are a ton of things to do in Mankato, MN whether you are with kids, wanting to do outdoor activities, learning history, or experience the arts. Mankato is a perfect place for a day trip or weekend getaway.

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