Mankato Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Mankato, located in the beautiful state of Minnesota, is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a rich history. Nestled along the scenic Minnesota River, Mankato is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a charming small-town experience.

One of the main attractions in Mankato is its stunning natural surroundings. The city is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including the Minnesota River Valley and the expansive Sibley Park. Visitors can explore the numerous parks and trails, enjoying activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife spotting. Sibley Park is particularly notable for its beautiful gardens, picnic areas, and a petting zoo, making it a perfect destination for families.

For those interested in history and culture, Mankato is home to several fascinating museums and historic sites. The Blue Earth County Historical Society Museum offers a glimpse into the region's past, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that highlight Mankato's history from its Native American roots to its role in the pioneer era. The Betsy-Tacy houses, childhood homes of the famous author Maud Hart Lovelace, provide a charming look into early 20th-century life.

Art enthusiasts will find Mankato to be a delight, as the city boasts a vibrant arts scene. The CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour features an array of captivating sculptures scattered throughout the city streets, providing a unique outdoor art experience. The Twin Rivers Arts Center is another must-visit destination, offering a wide range of visual and performing arts exhibits and events.

In addition to its natural beauty and cultural attractions, Mankato also offers a bustling downtown area filled with charming shops, local restaurants, and a lively nightlife. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the streets, exploring the unique boutiques and art galleries, before indulging in a delicious meal at one of the many eateries offering a variety of cuisines.

Alternative names: Founded: 1852 (172 years ago)Population: 41 thous.Area: 18.26 mi²Elevation: 787 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 44°9'53"N, 94°0'8"W

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MinnesotaUnited States

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Mankato Top Attractions

Mankato Attractions - What to See and Explore

Mankato offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Mount Kato, ISG Field, Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota, Renesselaer D. Hubbard House. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Winter sport • Park • Outdoor activities
Mount Kato
Mount Kato is a winter sports facility in Minnesota, offering facilities for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and mountain biking. Mount Kato offers 19 trails on 55 acres. Mount Kato has a vertical drop of 240 feet. It is located just south of the city of Skyline in the Mankato metropolitan area.
Arenas and stadiums • Park
ISG Field
ISG Field is a stadium in Mankato, Minnesota with a capacity of 4,000. It is primarily used for baseball, and is the home field of the Mankato Moondogs of the Northwoods League, a collegiate summer baseball league.
Children's museum • Museum
Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota
Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota is a children's museum located in Mankato, Minnesota. It features regularly scheduled art and science activities. Indoor exhibits include an interactive quarry, a tree made of tree forts, and a vertical wind-tunnel. The museum offers seasonal farm exhibits outdoors during the warmer months.

Specialty museum • Museum • History museum
Renesselaer D. Hubbard House
The Rensselaer D. Hubbard House, is a historic house in Mankato, Minnesota. Originally a private home, it is currently a museum. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 7, 1976.
Tower • Neo-renaissance architecture
Blue Earth County Courthouse
The Blue Earth County Courthouse is the courthouse of Blue Earth County, Minnesota, United States, in the city of Mankato, the county seat. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Church • Romanesque architecture
First Presbyterian Church
The First Presbyterian Church is a historic church in Mankato, Minnesota. It is a Richardsonian Romanesque-style building designed by Warren H. Hayes. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
44°11'9"N • 94°0'48"W
Vintage Mall Antiques & More
Shopping • Antiques • Farmer's market
Seminary
Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary
Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary, is the training school for pastors of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
44°9'44"N • 94°0'18"W
Twin Rivers Council for the Arts
Theater • Concerts and shows • Museum
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Wita Lake
Wita Lake is a lake in Blue Earth County, Minnesota, in the United States. Wita Lake was named from a Sioux-language word meaning "Island Lake", for its two lake islands.
44°9'44"N • 94°0'19"W
Lorin Cray House
The Lorin Cray House is a historic structure in Mankato, Minnesota. Originally a private home, it was owned by the local YWCA for just over 80 years, from late 1927 until they changed locations in early 2008.
44°10'33"N • 94°0'3"W
Vetter Stone Amphitheater
Concerts and shows • Park • Music venue
Art Nouveau architecture
First National Bank of Mankato
The First National Bank of Mankato, also known as the Old First National Bank of Mankato and located at 229 South Front Street in Mankato, Minnesota, United States, is a fine example of Prairie School architecture in a commercial building, relating rural life to the development...
44°8'52"N • 94°0'1"W
Memorial Library
Library
44°9'43"N • 94°0'2"W
Old Main
Old Main is a historic academic building on the lower historic campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato in Mankato, Minnesota.
Romanesque architecture
Federal Courthouse and Post Office
The Federal Courthouse and Post Office in Mankato, Minnesota, United States, was built in 1896 and expanded in 1932 and 1965. It is designed in Romanesque or Richardsonian Romanesque style, originally with a tower, by Supervising Architect William Martin Aiken.
44°10'20"N • 93°59'52"W
The Dork Den
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Things to See and Do in Mankato by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Mankato.

Culture

Twin Rivers Council for the Arts
Mankato
TheaterConcerts and showsMuseum
Vetter Stone Amphitheater
Mankato
Concerts and showsParkMusic venue
Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
Mankato
Convention centerConcert hallHockey

Day trips

Mankato – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Mankato, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Hermann Heights Monument (New Ulm), Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour (Faribault), Wanda Gag House (New Ulm).

25 milesW
Monuments and statues, View point, Playground
Hermann Heights Monument, New Ulm
The Hermann Heights Monument is a statue erected in New Ulm, Minnesota. The statue depicts Arminius, an ancient Cheruscan, but locals refer to the statue as Hermann the German.
37 milesE
Church, Gothic Revival architecture
Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour, Faribault
The Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour in Faribault is the oldest cathedral in Minnesota. Built 1862–1869, it was the first church in the Episcopal Church in the United States of America designed as a cathedral. The architect was James Renwick Jr. who also designed St.
25 milesNW
Historical place, Museum
Wanda Gag House, New Ulm
The Wanda Gág House is a historic house museum at 226 North Washington Street in New Ulm, Minnesota. The museum commemorates the life and legacy of author and artist Wanda Gág, whose childhood home this was.
24 milesW
Specialty museum, Brewery, Museum
August Schell Brewing Company, New Ulm
The August Schell Brewing Company is a brewing company in New Ulm, Minnesota that was founded by German immigrant August Schell in 1860. It is the second oldest family-owned brewery in America and became the oldest and largest brewery in Minnesota when the company bought the Grain Belt rights in 2002.
25 milesNW
Church
Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, New Ulm
The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity is a Roman Catholic cathedral in New Ulm, Minnesota, United States and is the seat of the Diocese of New Ulm.

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Best Time To Visit Mankato

Learn when is the best time to travel to Mankato weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in June.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February. Most of it rains in June and July.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Mankato?

The top attractions to visit in Mankato are:

What is the best time to visit Mankato?

July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in June. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.