Visit Mankato 

About

If you are looking for an adventure, wellness event, great family getaway or an invigorating cultural experience, you are investigating the right community.

You can find Mankato nestled in the scenic Minnesota River Valley just 75 minutes southwest of the St. Paul/ Minneapolis Metro. Our community offers experiences you would expect from a major metro and the charm you can get only from a close-knit community. Mankato hosts a variety of major events and celebrations throughout its four scenic seasons. Mankato’s major events calendar is packed throughout the year, boasting major events including: Mankato Marathon, River Ramble, Mahkato Pow Wow, Ribfest, Gather in the GreenSeam, Kiwanis Holiday Lights and the Riverfront Park outdoor concert series.

Mankato is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the area’s abundant recreation activities and wellness events. In addition to the scenic beauty of the Minnesota River, there are numerous lakes throughout the area. Greater Mankato has more than 60 parks and 50 miles of paved trails for walking, biking or skating. Our on and off-road trail system is quickly becoming a magnet for biking enthusiasts. Plus, we can’t forget the hills that are great for skiing, biking and climbing! Our City Center offers fine arts from painted utility boxes to the CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour to poetry on the trail system. Mankato has a rich history including a significant role in the US Dakota Conflict and serving as the backdrop for the very popular Betsy-Tacy book series. Traditions have arisen from this history that bring visitors to Mankato year after year. Stay in one of our many lodging facilities while enjoying first-rate entertainment at the Verizon Center. We know a little retail therapy goes a long way and we are happy to say that Greater Mankato serves as a retail center, with hundreds of stores and restaurants, ranging from large national retailers to quaint local shops! Visitors will enjoy one of our three wineries or brewery and exceptional dining at our unique restaurants.