Places to visit in Mankato, MN.
Mankato, Minnesota, is filled with attractions and activities – great for a weekend getaway or vacation. Mankato has something for everyone, from art galleries, museums, theaters, and unique shopping to outdoor recreation on the nearby Minnesota River and bicycle trails.
Beautiful parks like Minneopa State Park Bison Drive are just minutes away for nature enthusiasts, offering spectacular views of the area’s wildflowers and animals.
Those looking for some nightlife can enjoy live music at one of the city’s venues or catch a show downtown. So whether you’re visiting Mankato for a few days or staying longer, there is no shortage of ways to fill your time!
Sibley Park
Sibley Park in Mankato, Minnesota, is a 120-year-old park with various recreational opportunities. The park is located at the confluence of the Blue Earth and Minnesota rivers.
Visitors can enjoy walking trails, a playground, and fishing opportunities. In addition, Sibley Park features an open space with barbecue pits, a large lawn, and a band shell.
Other outdoor attractions include a sledding hill, a petting zoo, and a tennis court. Children can visit the petting zoo to meet and pet goats, sheep, and pigs.
Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota Mankato MN
The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota in Mankato is a fantastic place to explore with kids. It offers many learning opportunities and has fun programs that kids and parents of all ages can participate in.
The museum features several interactive exhibits, some inspired by the Dakota culture. These interactive exhibits are designed to encourage children to think and learn about the world around them. They also promote research and public education.
The museum is located in downtown Mankato on Lamm Street. This enclosed museum makes it more suited to young toddlers than St. Paul’s children’s museum.
The museum has plenty of activities, including a cafe and a giant wind tunnel. In addition, there are regular art and science activities and events for adults and families.
Mount Kato Ski Area in Mankato, Minnesota
The Mount Kato Ski Area in Mankato, Minnesota, is an excellent spot to enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the winter. You’ll find 19 trails and 55 acres of skiable area.
Mount Kato’s location in the Minnesota River Valley makes for a scenic backdrop. It is also an excellent destination for tubing.
This ski resort offers mountain biking in the summer. They have seven miles of bike trails open daily from sunrise to sunset. In addition, they have a race course that features technical sections with switchbacks. Observers can watch races on the course.
The slopes at Mount Kato are mostly beginner-friendly, although they have some more challenging runs. The longest run is 2,800 feet.
Rasmussen Woods in Mankato, Minnesota
The Rasmussen Woods in Mankato is an ideal place to take your family for a walk in nature. It’s a large wooded park with extensive wetlands, dolomite cliffs, and meadows.
There are several hiking trails throughout the park. This is an excellent spot for a family hike with all ages. If you’re into biking, a bike trail also ends near the boardwalk.
In addition to hiking, the Rasmussen Woods features a nature center that is open to the public. You can visit the Nature Center for an educational program or community event. In addition, the Nature Center is also kid-friendly, so you can bring the kids.
Rasmussen Woods is located along Stoltzman Road. The park is relatively easy to navigate. However, a section of the boardwalk trail has been challenging to maintain.
City officials have been trying to find a way to make it easier to keep the path. They are considering installing piers that lift the track above the high water mark.
Hubbard House
The Hubbard House in Mankato was built in 1871. It is now a major tourist attraction. This building contains antiques that come from ancient times.
In addition, there are beautiful perennial gardens surrounding the building. The house itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Hubbard family lived in the house until 1938. It is now owned and operated by the Historical Society of Minnesota. Until 1988, it was also a County Museum. During the summer months, guided tours are available. During Christmas, there are special events at the house, where visitors can tour the building.
The house is located in Palmer Centennial Gardens. It is one of Minnesota’s finest examples of French Second Empire architecture. The house was remodeled in 1905 and 1920 and was restored in the 1990s.