Things to Do in Mankato (2024)

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Minneopa Falls / Dave Tapia

Things to Do // Southern Minnesota // Article

By Caitlin Hannah

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Just a short drive from Minneapolis — about 75 minutes — Mankato is a bustling college town with many opportunities to get outside, shop, dine, and participate in everything from a pond hockey tournament to a four-day Ribfest.

Here is how to make the most of Mankato....

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WHERE TO SHOP

Old Town

This charming walkable neighborhood offers dozens of boutiques and local shops to explore. Some popular spots include Lakota Made, Salvage Sisters, Bumbelou, Hazelkin & Co., Pond Road Market, and more.

River Hills Mall

Find your favorite new major retailers like Target, Scheels, H&M, American Eagle, Maurices, Tradehome Shoes, and more at this large mall complex.

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THINGS TO DO

Mankato is a thriving hub of regional theater, music, dance and visual arts programs. Applaud a rousing theater production, peruse a gallery full of work by popular local artists, or reconnect under the stars at an outdoor concert.

Public Art

In 2020, the internationally recognized, Australian-based artist Guido Van Helton also traveled to the heart of southern Minnesota to help tell the story of Greater Mankato through a massive mural at the Ardent Mills Grain Silos. The largest structure in the City Center portrays a community with a rich heritage, a thriving present, and a future that's full of limitless potential. Find out more about Mankato's CityArt programming here.

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History and Heritage

Mankato is located at the confluence of the Minnesota and Blue Earth Rivers. It was originally named “Mahkato” (meaning greenish-blue earth) by its early inhabitants, the Dakota. Today, many memorials and buildings exist to commemorate the diverse and important history that has shaped the Greater Mankato area, including such must-sees as the R.D. Hubbard House, Blue Earth County Historical Society, Betsy-Tacy Houses and Land of Memories Park.

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Family-Friendly

Visit the Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota to expand the minds of kids of all ages. Looking to enjoy the warm sunshine? Splash around local pools and splash pads. Run, climb, and explore the truly accessible Fallenstein playground.

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OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

State Parks

Minneopa State Park offers great hiking, a chance to view bison, waterfalls, and more. The word Minneopa comes from the Dakota language and is interpreted to mean “water falling twice,” referring to the beautiful waterfalls of the Minneopa Creek. Walk the trail which encircles the falls, leading down a limestone stairway to the valley below. Then ascend the opposite side and enjoy a panoramic view of the valley which reveals the underlying geology of this area.

Other key attractions at Minneopa State Park include the Bison Drive where you can view a herd of bison that was reintroduced into the park using the very same genetics as the animals Lewis and Clark first gazed upon in the 1830s; and Seppmann Mill, a wind-driven grist mill fashioned in German-style from native stone and lumber.

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Biking Trails

Designated a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, Mankato features some of Minnesota’s best bike trails, mountain bike trails and scenic roadways. They include the 13-mile asphalt and crushed stone Red Jacket Trail, which winds through open countryside; the 39-mile Sakatah Singing Hills Trail, which sits along an abandoned railroad; and the Minnesota River Trail that highlights Mankato's prime valley location along the water.

WHERE TO EAT/DRINK

Happy Chef

As you arrive in Mankato on Highway 169 North, you may see a large chef sculpture standing proudly outside this local gem. He even speaks! Founded in 1963, Happy Chef is the first and last Happy Chef restaurant that used to be scattered throughout the MIdwest. Find comfort classics for breakfast, lunch, and dinner but breakfast is one of their most popular meals.

Nolabelle Kitchen + Bar

Partnering with farmers from Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin, Nolabelle Kitchen + Bar offers delicious seasonal offerings. Their menu is constantly changing but expect vibrant, fresh, and delicious flavors on their small plates, soups, salads, pastas, burgers, and more.

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Number 4 Steakhouse

For a special night out, Number 4 Steakhouse offers a wide variety of appetizers, steaks, chops, seafood, and more. Don’t sleep on their brunch which offers complimentary cinnamon rolls and coffee.

Pagliai’s Pizza and Jake’s Stadium Pizza

Named to our list of Minnesota’s greatest pizza places, Pagliai’s Pizza and Jake’s Stadium Pizza can’t be missed. Jake’s uses recipes passed down through multiple generations and only uses mozzarella exclusively made for the chain from Wisconsin. Enjoy classic crust or deep dish at Pagliai’s Pizza, one of the oldest restaurants in town.

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Pappageorge

Another spot for a night out, Pappageorge offers steaks, seafood, chicken, chops, pastas, and more. Some local favorites include the walleye, wild mushroom ravioli, and gulf shrimp.

Pub 500

Located in downtown Mankato, Pub 500 offers appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, salads, entrees and more. If you have dietary restrictions, they offer a food sensitives menu with extensive information for you to confidently pick a dish you will enjoy.

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Tandem Bagels

For breakfast or lunch, this spot offers dozens of varieties of bagels, bagel sandwiches, coffee, and more. With two locations (one on campus, the other near Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center) and delivery available, you’re always able to grab some grub.

Tavern on the Ave

For some of the best wings in town (they claim to have served more than 5 million of them), visit Tavern on the Ave. Dubbed the “best sports bar in town” find pub favorites like cheese curds, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, and more.

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EVENTS

Anthony Ford Pond Hockey Classic

Minnesota is the State of Hockey and pond hockey is one of our favorite ways to get out in the winter. This popular event takes place on Spring Lake Park in North Mankato and welcomes players of all ages and abilities.

Kiwanis Holiday Lights

One of the best holiday lights displays in Minnesota, Kiwanis Holiday Lights welcomes folks to walk or drive-through the popular display. More than one million LED lights are featured in the display with a synthetic ice rink, live reindeer, Santa Claus, and more.

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Mahkato Annual Traditional Pow-Wow

Celebrate Native American culture at Land of Memories Park, with drumming, dancing, crafts, delicious foods, and more. The event honors the 38 Dakota warriors who died in the largest mass execution in U.S. history and to signify the reconciliation between the Dakota and local settlers after the Dakota Conflict.

Mankato Marathon

Runners can soak up the fall colors and crisp air in Mankato during the annual Mankato Marathon. There’s a race for every runner from a kids run to the full marathon.

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Red, Hot & Boom!

Celebrating the 4th of July in style in Riverfront Park, Mankato offers local food vendors, live entertainment, and a stellar firework displayed choregraphed to music through Radio Mankato.

Ribfest

Meat lovers from around the world gather in Mankato every August for RIbfest a food competition and four-day festival filled with delicious food, live entertainment, a beer garden, and more.

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Caitlin Hannah is Explore Minnesota's senior digital social strategist. When traveling around the state, she likes spending time near the water, hiking, antique shopping, trying new restaurants, and watching hockey.

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Things to Do in Mankato (2024)

FAQs

Is Mankato, MN worth visiting? ›

From the Betsy Tacy-inspired Play Porch to the mind-inspiring attractions of the two-level makers space, and with a towering Mankato Clinic Tree of Forts Climber so tall that it burst through the roof, there's plenty to do and see for children of all ages — all within a safe, inviting, and comfortable space.

What is Mankato, MN famous for? ›

The City of Mankato is renowned for great parks and trails. Rivers, lakes, ravines, bluffs, natural prairies and forested areas offer breathtaking landscapes and provide a scenic backdrop for an area steeped in historic significance.

How many kids go to Mankato? ›

Minnesota State University--Mankato has a total undergraduate enrollment of 12,548 (fall 2022), with a gender distribution of 45% male students and 55% female students.

Is Mankato cheap to live in? ›

The cost of living in Mankato, MN is 3% lower than the state average and 7% lower than the national average. Mankato, MN housing is 22% cheaper than the U.S average, while utilities are about 6% less pricey.

Can you see the northern lights in Mankato MN? ›

In the central and southern parts of the state — including Park Rapids, St. Cloud, Stillwater, Lake City, Mankato and Rochester — locals can see constellations on any clear night, and these cities have been known to host an occasional northern lights display.

Is Mankato State a dry campus? ›

Alcohol is not allowed on campus (including empty alcohol containers - don't bring empty containers as decorations).

What is the ethnicity of Mankato Minnesota? ›

Mankato Demographics

White: 84.37% Black or African American: 7% Asian: 3.67% Two or more races: 3.04%

What is the male to female ratio at Mankato? ›

Enrollments by Gender and Races

In 2022 there were 15,420 students enrolled in Mankato, MN, 43.8% men and 56.2% women. By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 10,956 records, of which 58.8% were women and 41.2% men.

What GPA do you need to go to Mankato? ›

You will be automatically admitted with any one of the following: A cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher or. A rank in the top 50% of your high school class or. An ACT composite score of 21 or higher and a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 2.7.

What is the crime rate in Mankato? ›

Overall Mankato's group A crime rate was 7,166 per 100,000 residents in 2023 compared to 6,980 in 2022. The 2023 rate was still below 2021's 7,602 per 100,000. North Mankato's 2023 rate was 3,556 per 100,000, up from 3,082 in 2022 and 3,251 in 2021.

What is the poverty rate in Mankato MN? ›

Mankato, poverty status
CategoryCountPercent
All people for whom poverty status is determined41,339100.0%
With income below poverty9,28322.5%
With income 100-149 of poverty4,18710.1%
With income 150-199 of poverty3,6938.9%
10 more rows

Why is the town of Mankato important? ›

In 1868, the railroads came to Mankato, making it the railroad hub for southern Minnesota. The stagecoach line and the railroads eventually eliminated the need for steamboat travel. The last boat, The Henrietta, made its final run from Mankato to St. Peter on April 27, 1897.

Is Mankato hard to get into? ›

Minnesota State University--Mankato has an acceptance rate of 71%. Half the applicants admitted to Minnesota Mankato who submitted test scores have an ACT score between 18 and 23. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges.

What is the cheapest state to live in right now? ›

Mississippi: According to World Population Review, in 2023, Mississippi holds the title of the cheapest state to live in the United States. Its cost of living index is 85, and overall costs in the state are 17% lower than the national average.

Is Mankato a small town? ›

Mankato is the larger of the two principal cities of the Mankato–North Mankato metropolitan area, which covers Blue Earth and Nicollet Counties and had a combined population of 103,566 at the 2020 census. The U.S. Census Bureau designated Mankato a Metropolitan Statistical Area in November 2008.

Is St. Cloud worth visiting? ›

Cloud hosts a lot of visitors each year, attracted by the college campuses, regional conferences, the river town's plentiful parks, concerts at The Ledge Amphitheater, or cycling Lake Wobegon Trail. It's easy to discover a distinct Midwest culture through St. Cloud's restaurants, historic sites and museums.

Does Mankato have a beach? ›

Hiniker Pond is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to sunset. The beach is open for use during the summer from 9 a.m. to sunset.

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