Location: Mankato
Top Things to do in Mankato
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Top 8 Budget-friendly Things to do 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. BentRiver Outfitter
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Kayak, SUP, canoe and snowshoe rental shop, locally owned and operated at 530 N. Riverfront Drive in Mankato, MN. Bent River Outfitter specializes in: guided tours and rentals via water or snow, corporate outings and community events.
2. 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!
3. Old Town Escape
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 86 reviews
Don't know what escape rooms are? Well it's like this: You get a group of friends or family or co-workers together, you go in the room, you look around the room, you find clues to solve puzzles, and you have sixty minutes to figure them out and "escape the room." Get it? It might be one of those things where you have to be here. We have 2 rooms- The Witch's Kitchen and The Post Office
4. Kato Escape
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 108 reviews
An escape room is a real-life puzzle game. It is like National Treasure and Clue mixed together in the most engaging way imaginable. Great team building activity for ages 7 to 107. We offer four different themed experiences to choose from, so do not wait!
Reviewed By nataliesJ6853JQ
I loved every bit of it. The person gave great clues and resaid them every time we didn’t understand what they had said. Would recommend
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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
