Location: Mankato
Top Things to do in Mankato
Countries
5 Sights & Landmarks in Mankato That You Shouldn't Miss
Mankato (/mænˈkeɪtoʊ/ man-KAY-toh) is a city in Blue Earth, Nicollet, and Le Sueur counties in the state of Minnesota. It is Minnesota's 22nd biggest city. The population was 41,044 according to 2015 US census estimates, making it the fifth largest city in Minnesota outside the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. The county seat of Blue Earth County, it is located along a large bend of the Minnesota River at its confluence with the Blue Earth River. Mankato is across the Minnesota River from North Mankato. Mankato and North Mankato have a combined population of over 53,000, according to the 2010 census. It completely encompasses the town of Skyline. North of Mankato Regional Airport, a tiny non-contiguous part of the city lies within Le Sueur County. Most of the city is in Blue Earth County.
Restaurants in Mankato
1. Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
Located in historic downtown Mankato, the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is on a mission to ignite the natural curiosity of every child through the power of play in a dynamic, awe-inspiring environment. 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. The Children's Museum of Minnesota exists thanks to the support of dozens of businesses, hundreds of families, many wonderful volunteers, and the entire Greater Mankato community. Tens of thousands of visitors have already enjoyed the Museum at its previous locations since 2009. With the continued help and enthusiasm of all who have supported us, we can't wait to put smiles on many more faces -- for generations to come.
Reviewed By 518jennav
Our 2.5-year-old absolutely loved the time we spent here: we were here for 4 hours, but she would have easily stayed longer if naptime hadn't set in. ;) Particular favorites were the Betsy/Tacy-themed Play Porch (lots of toy babies to rock/push around + books to read), spacious play kitchen, wind tunnel, and outdoor Farmyard (she loved seeing the chickens/pigs/goats & watering the flowers). We were nervous that the cost of admission ($24 for the 3 of us) wouldn't be worth it, especially with so many other free things to do in the area, but our time here was worth every penny. Definitely a must-see if you bring kids to the Mankato area!
2. Franklin Rogers Park
3. Kiwanis Holiday Lights
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By 722clarah
We arrived before the light show opened as we didn't want to sit in a long line of cars waiting to drive through the park. The park was beautiful as the lights came on. The purple lights in the trees looked like purple fog. I had never seen tall trees decorated as these are! For us this was a very SPECIAL Christmas outing!
4. Mankato Civic Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Cmuench61 - Barron, United States
The actual venue was great but they lack close parking. As with most venues, they could add more women's restrooms too but overall, great place for a concert!
5. Blue Earth County Courthouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
