Location: Mankato
Top Things to do in Mankato
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The 7 Best Nature & Parks in Mankato, Minnesota (MN)
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. Red Jacket Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
A 13-mile bike trail going from Mankato to Rapidan.
Reviewed By Roon87 - North Mankato, United States
The trail paved all the way from downtown to Rapidan and just like the ones near Lanesboro, MN! One of the greatest things to do in Mankato, be sure to bring your own bike, rent from one of the outfitters (Gabe at Nicolet Bike Shop is Irish and will help out) in town, or just walk which is an excellent option as well. Also, be sure to ask somebody who Joe is on your journey.
2. Minneopa State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 270 reviews
Reviewed By 886kerstins - St Anton im Montafon, Austria
Minneopa State Park was established in 1905 to preserve Minneopa Falls, a large waterfall for southern Minnesota, and was expanded in the 1960s to include the lower reaches of Minneopa Creek and a large tract of prairie. Minneopa is Minnesota's third oldest state park and is divided into two distinct sections by a corridor of roads, railroads, and private property. We went to the two parc sites several times. On Wednesdays the bison parc is closed. Unfortunately the bisons did not come close to our car when we were there. This northern section has 4 miles (6.4 km) of trail, which in the winter are groomed for cross-country skiing. On the other site there is a trail (about one hour) which takes you right under the waterfall. There are fishing opportunities along the river, especially for channel and flathead catfis. A variety of wildlife is attracted to Minneopa State Park's diverse habitats. There is also a variety of different plants.
3. Seven Mile Creek Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By mdelong1
Beautiful hike through and near 7 mile creek, really enjoyed the wooded setting and constant sound of the creek running by.
4. Sibley Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By sx2dude - Mankato, United States
This is just a nice park to relax at. Plenty of stuff for the kids to do and play on. Kind of a farm type zoo plus koi Ponds and awesome gardens
5. Mount Kato Ski Area
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 33 reviews
Year-round recreation area for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and mountain biking is located in the scenic Minnesota River valley.
Reviewed By L630CXmichaelg
8 chair lifts with at least two runs per lift. Solid trick park. Good surprise jumps. Good snow. Helpful staff. Exceeded expectations.
6. Reconciliation Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By cap10miked - Eagle Lake, United States
at the site of a mass execution on Dec. 26, 1865 in downtown Mankato, Minnesota. The names of those lost are honored and a large buffalo statue is present. Easily accessible and no charge.
7. Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By JCJake - Saint Paul, United States
Ok, it's not really free. Our tax dollars are paying for this and I'd be glad to say they can take a little more to upgrade the trail in places where it's gotten quite rough. However, miles and miles of trail along the Cannon River and through SE MN towns and a state park - the options are endless! We usually start somewhere between Fairbault and Sakatah State Park. The trail is very straight with very little grade. There are many options for stopping along the way for anything you might want or want to do. It seems rare the trail is busy. We've even had it completely to ourselves at least once. Literally not one other person using the trail while we were there. I would not recommend the skinny tire bikes for at least the portion from Waterville to Elysian - it's rough to say the least, but I see on the DNR site that some of this is being redone. Hopefully next year will be a different situation on this portion. Our bikes with the wider tires had no problems. Portions of the trail may go through town - as it did in Waterville, but we found that easy to follow. Parking and trailheads are easily accessible. It's nice to not have to buy a pass. I can't believe it took this long to get this listed on TA, but finally. Go biking! Or hiking, or whatever. I do believe there are portions alongside the paved trail for horses but the few spots I saw were quite overgrown.
