2014 visitors by Free Press Media

2014 Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato

The quick guide to all things Mankato.

MANKATO FROM A-Z

Adventures for outdoor enthusiasts, from bike riding to tank driving

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO OUTDOORS

You want culture? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got it.

ARTS & CULTURE visitmankatomn.com

open for lunch & dinner

kids make their own pizzas and sundaes!

happy hour twice daily

3pm-6pm & 9pm-11pm 2 off drinks, 3 off appetizers, 4 off pizzas

large banquet space available space for 30 - 400

507-625-8443

www.bonfirewoodfirecooking.com

14 Corner of Hwy. 14 and Hwy. 22

BonfireWoodFire

@BonfireMankato

Bonfire Mankato

contents

4 Mankato from A to Z

Welcome to Greater Mankato

6 Top 5 Outdoor Activites

Thank you for picking up our visitor guide. If you are looking for an adventure, wellness event, great family getaway or an invigorating cultural experience, you are investigating the right community. In Mankato, we are playing year-round and we are proud to share what we have to offer with others.

8 Trails and Biking 10 Water Adventures 11 Snow Adventures 12 We’ve Got Game 13 Kids Activities 14 Annual Events 16 Arts & Culture 18 Top 10 Must Eats 19 Wines & Brews 20 Night Life 21 Shop Local 22 33 For Free 24 History 26 Map

directories 28 30 36 38 43 46

City Center Info Relocation Info Where to Stay Where to Eat What to Do Where to Worship

editor: Christine Nessler & Paige Schuette photographers: Quality 1 HR Foto, Midwest Plaza Brian Fowler, Bridgette Fowler, Jen Milbret, A.J. Dahm 507.345.7196 quality1hrfoto.com Matt Johnson, People Driven Performance John Cross, Pat Christman, The Free Press Media

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. Whether you are enjoying Mankato for a weekend or spending a lifetime in the area, you will feel your time here was well worth it. 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. You can escape to Mankato for an enriching cultural encounter. Our calendar is packed year round because of a thriving arts community that offers headliner concerts, top notch theatre performances, live music, and lively night entertainment. In addition, you can’t take a step in our City Center without noticing the finer arts from painted utility boxes to CityArt sculptures to poetry on the trail system. Mankato has a rich history including a significant role in the U.S. 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. Speaking of tradition, Mankato is proud to play host to the Minnesota Vikings Training Camp. This sporting event mixed in with many others has delighted our fair share of sporting enthusiasts and families over the years. We know a little retail therapy goes a long way and we are happy to say Greater Mankato serves as a retail center, with hundreds of stores and restaurants, ranging from large national retailers to quaint local shops. Add to these assets greater Mankato’s convenient location, outstanding business development, community services, citizen commitment, premier health and award-winning school system, and you’ve got the perfect community or visitors, residents and businesses to thrive. We welcome the opportunity to tell you more about our great community. For more information on visiting Mankato, contact Visit Mankato at 800.657.4733. For business and community information, call Greater Mankato Growth at 800.697.0652.

Anna Thill President Visit Mankato Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & YouTube

For advertising rates or information, please call your sales rep or Ginny at 507.344.6339 Published yearly by The Free Press, 418 South Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001 Direct inquiries to: Guide to Mankato, P.O. Box 3287, Mankato, MN 56002

For more information about Mankato, please contact:

Visit Mankato 12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 1645 Mankato, MN 56001 visitmankatomn.com visitors@greatermankato.com 800.657.4733

is for Accessible – Mankato is located just a short 75 minutes from Minneapolis. Everything is so close.

is for Baseball – A night of family fun can be found at a Mankato MoonDogs baseball game. Giveaways, guest appearances by sports celebrities and silly ballgame antics can be expected at many of the games.

is for Children’s Book Legend – Mankato was the home of Maud Hart Lovelace, author of the beloved Betsy-Tacy children’s books. Visit the Betsy and Tacy homes in Mankato, the setting of Lovelace’s Deep Valley.

D – Mankato has a thriving

is for Dynamic Arts Scene arts community with quality theatre, music, dance and visual arts programs.

E Mankato is a regional center is for Entertainment –

for entertainment including international headliner acts, a vibrant local music scene and captivating theatre.

is for Fermented Beverage – The Mankato Brewery was founded in 2010 and is the first production brewery in the community since 1967. Focused on creating authentic beers that reflect the heritage of the region and its people, the crew at Mankato Brewery invites you to try our beer and to experience local flavor.

Mankato A to Z Everything you need to know about Mankato.

I unique experience of driving real armored tanks and shooting machine guns. is for Internationally Known Experiences – Drive A Tank offers the

This is the only place in the United States to offer this experience to the public and the only place in the world where you can drive a tank and shoot a machine gun under one roof.

G the creations of our chefs from

is for Gourmet Dining - Savor around the world featured in a variety of local restaurants.

H Center comes alive with

is for Hockey – The City Division 1 Hockey during Minnesota State University, Mankato Mavericks Hockey games each winter.

2014 Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato

visitmankatomn.com

J in Mankato join in one of our

is for Join In – While you’re wellness events. All year round we have fun events for runners, walkers and bikers including the Mankato Marathon, Mankato River Ramble, Gorilla Run and Zombie Run.

is for Kayaking – Explore the beauty of the Blue Earth and Minnesota Rivers by kayak. There are hidden treasures on the river that cannot be reached by land.

L a rousing theatre production

is for Live Theatre – Applaud by Minnesota State University, Mankato or Bethany Lutheran College Theatre and Dance or the Merely Players Community Theatre.

is for Minneopa and Minnemishinona Falls – These two waterfalls are the perfect backdrops for a romantic afternoon with the one you love.

O P

is for Native American History – The Mahkato Pow-Wow takes place every fall at Land of Memories Park to honor the 38 Dakota warriors who died in the largest mass execution in U.S. History. is for great Outdoors Nestled in a scenic river valley, Mankato offers fresh air, adventure and countless outdoor activities. is for Parks – There are dozens of city and state parks to choose from in Mankato and the surrounding areas. Choose a park with trails, lakes or just playground equipment for the kids. You can even choose a park just for your four-legged friend.

Q Take a walk in the City Center

is for Quirky Sculptures – and experience a traveling art show like no other – the CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour. Artists from around the world submit sculptures of various mediums for your viewing pleasure. Voters choose which art becomes a permanent fixture in Mankato.

R Earth County has more river is for River Valley - Blue

shore than any other county in Minnesota.

S snowboard or tube at Mount is for Snow Sports – Ski,

Kato, cross-country ski, put your snow tires on your bike and hit the trails or snow shoe at Morgan Creek Vineyard.

is for Unique Shopping – Mankato offers a variety of unique shops you won’t find anywhere else.

is for Minnesota Vikings See your sporting heroes up close in Mankato. The Verizon Vikings Training Camp has been in Mankato for 49 years.

W miles you will find three

is for Wine – Within 20 unique wineries: Morgan Creek Vineyards, Chankaska Ranch and Winery and Indian Island Winery.

X love with your sweetheart in is for XOXO – Celebrate

Mankato. There is much to do on a getaway for two, including theatre performances, a long walk on one of our many trails, intimate restaurants and a stay at our cozy bed and breakfast.

Y Mankato has an abundance of is for Youth – Bring the kids.

kid’s activities including historical Sibley Park, the WOW! Zone Family Entertainment Center, and the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota.

Z nothing, zero, free. – Many of is for Zilch. As in you pay

the city’s attractions cost nothing at all. Budget minded travelers have many penny-pinching options including a stroll through the CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour, a work out at Sibley Park or any number of audio tours. See page 22 for more free ideas.

T more than 50 miles of paved is for Trails – Mankato has

trails for cyclists and runners nestled in a scenic river valley.

mankatofreepress.com

outdoors

top 5 things to do

MANKATO OFFERS IT’S FAIR SHARE OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURES.

If it’s fresh air and adventure you seek, you’ve found it. Our unique combination of local, county and state trails totals over 50 miles of paved trails, nestled in a scenic river valley for cyclists and runners. Energize yourself by cycling to a nearby winery, kayaking one of our many rivers, picnicking under the trees or skiing the slopes of Mount Kato. If you really want a thrill consider driving a real military tank. You’ll find a plethora of invigorating outdoor adventure in Mankato all year round.

Bring your bicycles

Roll down the river

Greater Mankato has more than 50 miles of paved trails for a nice family bike ride; miles and miles of scenic, low-traffic, wideshouldered country roads; and mountain biking opportunities at the Kiwanis Park, Fort Le Hillier Mountain Bike Trails and for the more experienced rider, Mount Kato.

Take a guided trip throughout the Blue Earth County river valley with our local outdoor adventure outfitter or go it alone. Make sure to stop and stretch the legs at Devil’s Gulch, Big Moe and Triple Falls along the Blue Earth River.

2014 Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato

visitmankatomn.com

3 4 5

Conquer the slopes

Drive a tank

Pack a picnic

Ski, snowboard or tube at Mount Kato. Whether you are experienced or need a lesson or two, Mount Kato has everything you need for a fun day with the family including, 19 trails, eight chair lifts, four terrain parks, a two-level chalet with food service, The Lift Bar and a full service rental shop. In the off-season, bring your bike and experience the mountain biking trails.

Experience an extreme adventure at Drive A Tank, the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only venue where civilians can drive real military tanks and shoot machine guns. Drive A Tank is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience adrenaline-inducing quasi-military adventures. With eight authentic military tanks and several military vehicles that have been used in actual combat, you can drive a tank and run over just about anything that gets in your way.

Mankato is home to more than 600 acres of quality parks and recreation areas featuring a wide variety of facilities including playgrounds, scenic trails, ponds for fishing and swimming, farm animal petting zoo and lots of green space to have a picnic. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave town without visiting one of our many parks.

mankatofreepress.com

Mount Kato Trails

trails & biking

There are over 50 miles of paved trails nestled in a scenic river valley waiting to be explored by foot or by bike. But there are also many miles of dirt trails perfect for a fatter tire. Mankato continues to grow as a mountain biking destination through the work of local biking enthusiasts. Walkers or runners will love the beauty of our trails. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing thanks to Mother Nature, but we also have the beauty of poetry along our trails. Our newest form of public art, the Mankato Poetry Walk and Ride, displays poetry on signs in our numerous parks and along our miles and miles of recreational trails. Stop and read the poetry of our local citizens or listen to an audio version straight from the mouth of the poet. For biking enthusiasts, Mankato features some of the best trails in the state and scenic roadways with wide shoulders and little traffic. Our trail system offers a spectacular view of areas that may not always be explored, especially if you stick to the roads. Trail users will follow streams and cross upland and wetland areas, where one may see all kinds of wildlife. You never know what is around the next bend. Mountain biking continues to grow in greater Mankato through the dedication of groups like the Mankato Area Mountain Bikers (MAMB) who build sustainable, environmentally friendly trails that make the most of natural terrain features. This group also cares for and maintains some of the mountain biking areas in greater Mankato. There are currently five mountain biking areas to explore, the newest being the development at the Kiwanis Recreation Area.

2014 Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato

visitmankatomn.com

Mountain Biking

Mankato offers five mountain biking trails to explore.

Seven Mile Creek Trail

Chris Crocker

Member of Mankato Area Mountain Bikers

MAMB Ft. LeHillier Trail

This 2.2 mile mountain bike trail is located at the intersection of Highways 66 and 90 just south of Mount Kato. This trail is a great spot for the kids to try out mountain biking.

The Greater Mankato area features a vibrant mountain biking community, and has several trail systems to satisfy one’s need to get off of the paved path! Mankato is a river city, and as such provides a mountain biking playground that is as unique as it is beautiful. The local mountain bike club, Mankato Area Mountain Bikers (MAMB), has built two single track trail systems that are specifically designed to be family friendly, while also providing challenges to keep the experienced riders entertained. The Ft LeHillier Trail is a 2.2 mile single track trail that skirts along the Blue Earth River. The Kiwanis Park trail sits beside the Minnesota River and is currently over five miles in length. Seven Mile Creek Park has over eight miles of multi-use trails that meander through a beautifully forested county park that borders the Minnesota River. Come experience why we are so excited about Greater Mankato mountain biking!

Kiwanis Recreation Area

Mankato’s newest mountain bike trail is five miles long and located at the Kiwanis Recreation Area just north of the Highway 169 and Highway 14 intersection north of Mankato. In addition to trails, the park also offers dog park areas, a canoe/kayak area and an archery range.

Mount Kato

Before the snow flies and after it melts again, Mount Kato turns its attention to mountain biking. Slightly more than seven miles of mountain-bike trails are accessible during the non-winter months.

Seven Mile Creek Trail

Seven Mile Park is a 628 acre county park located off of Hwy 169 between North Mankato and St. Peter. There are eight miles of multi-use trails with equestrian parking and a highway underpass. Several footbridges cross Seven Mile Creek.

Indian Lake Conservation Area

LOCAL TIP

Our Greater Mankato Biking and Hiking Guide offers a bike map with suggested biking loops for bikers from beginners to experienced riders on both trails and country roads. Download your guide today online at www.visitmankatomn. com or call 507.385.6660 to be mailed a map. Chris Crocker

Indian Lake Conservation Area is a 120-acre regional park that provides an outstanding recreational and environmental resource. The park, located south of Mankato on Indian Lake Road, melds environmental and recreational amenities. It offers a multi-use trail system which circles Indian Lake and connects with other regional trails. Mankato is proud to be designated a “bronze” Bike Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, Washington D.C.

Red Jacket Trail

mankatofreepress.com

water adventure Mankato’s rivers systems offer adventure with a splash. Blue Earth County boasts more river shore than any other county in Minnesota. With so many rivers to travel, Mankato offers river adventures ranging from a leisurely float to thrilling paddling experience. Mankato’s two largest rivers are the Minnesota and Blue Earth River. Both offer several must-see stopping points. While traveling down the Minnesota River be sure to stop at Sibley Park to visit the goats at the petting zoo or Riverfront Park and catch a live concert. If you want more of a thrill ride try the Blue Earth River. Between rapids stop at Devils Gulch, a narrow mossy covered ravine along the river banks; Triple Falls for a drink from a fresh spring and don’t forget to stop at Big Moe, a glacier boulder in the middle of the river, for photos or a picnic.

In Town:

Sibley Park (Blue Earth & Minnesota River access) Land of Memories Park (Blue Earth & Minnesota River access) Kiwanis Recreation Park (Minnesota River access) Riverfront Park (Minnesota River access)

Outside of Town:

County Road 90 Bridge (Blue Earth River access) Rapidan Dam Park (Blue Earth River access) Red Jacket Park (LeSueur River access) Seven Mile Creek Park (Minnesota River) Wildwood Park (LeSueur River) County Road 10 & 16 Bridge (Big Cobb & LeSueur River access)

Riverfront Park Canoe Launch

Not equipped or need help finding these local gems along the river? Contact our local outfitter Bent River to get a guided trip down the river.

Bent River Outfitter 507.388.BENT (2368) bentriveroutfitter.com

River Access:

Mankato has several spots to launch your kayak or canoe in the river both in town and just outside of town. You can go for a short trip or long trip – whichever you prefer.

Devils Gulch

Triple Falls

2014 Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato

visitmankatomn.com

snow adventure Mankato never goes into winter hibernation. Outdoor winter sports in Mankato get you exploring great hills and trails on skis, snowshoes, sleds, snowmobiles and snow bikes.

Cross Country Skiing

Groomed pathways in an extensive trail system surrounding Mankato bring cross country skiers through Indian Lake Park, Williams Nature Center, Bray Park, Wildwood Conservation Area and Daly Park. Each location presents an exciting journey for a beginning or experienced cross country skier. Call 507-304-4025 or visit www. co.blue-earth.mn.us for more information.

Down-Hill Skiing

Down-hill skiiers find that Mount Kato remains a hub for fast action and short lines. With 19 groomed trails and four terrain parks for skiing and snowboarding, you won’t get bored. The cozy ski lodge is great for recooperation and dining.

Ice Skating

Snowbiking

Snowbikes or “fat bikes” are best experienced along packed trails. Try it yourself at Seven Mile Creek Park, Kiwanis Recreation Park which is consistently groomed throughout winter, MAMB Ft. LeHillier Trail or Indian Lake Conservation Area.

Snowmobiling

There are 160 miles of trails for snowmobilers in Blue Earth County. Snowmobilers should visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website to get detailed maps of available snowmobile routes. All information can be found at dnr. state.mn.us/snowmobiling/index.html

Pond Hockey

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing reveals a whole new experience in our parks during the winter. This activitiy allows you to experence winter in all it’s wonder. Rent showshoes from Bent River Outfitter or Minnesota State University, Mankato Campus Recreation.

Mankato has eleven parks with outdoor ice skating rinks. All Season’s Arena offers an indoor skating rink, with skate rental. Skate for fun or compete in a game of hockey.

Sledding

Grab a sled or tube and head to the legendary Sibley Park hill for downhill sledding. Don’t have a tube? No problem. Downhill tubing action at Mount Kato provides large tubes for a smoother ride with just as much thrill.

Sledding at Sibley Park

Mt. Kato

mankatofreepress.com

LOCAL TIP

Verizon Vikings Training Camp

game we’ve got

Muttnik

Mankato MoonDogs Mascot When I’m not leading my Mankato MoonDogs team to victory I enjoy keeping my eye on the ball at other great Mankato sporting events, like when the Vikings come to town for their pawsome training camp. It’s a great time that won’t be furgotten. I get to meet my favorite players and even get an autograph. I also have a doggone good time at the collegiate games in town cheering on the home team with all my friends. The hockey games are my favorite; they get pretty ruff when the players fight.

year-round, greater mankato has plenty to offer to the sports enthusiast. If it’s a sporting event you’re looking for, you can take your pick in Mankato. You can see your heroes up close at the Verizon Vikings Training Camp or cheer on one of three local amateur baseball teams. Mankato and the surrounding communities have three college athletic programs including the Division I Minnesota State University, Mankato Mavericks Hockey Team. After the game, recap the highlights over some local brews in our vibrant City Center or kick back with some live music from our packed events calendar.

Professional Athletics

Mankato has been the home of the Verizon Vikings Training Camp since 1965 and is now the home of the Minnesota Timberwolves Training Camp. You will have the opportunity to watch your favorite top Minnesota Vikings players practice and scrimmage, and you might even get an autograph or two. See your heroes up close in Mankato. Vikings Training Camp

Muttnik

Amateur Athletics

Mankato offers many options for the sports lover. Support a local town baseball team throughout the summer or cheer on the Mankato MoonDogs, a collegiate summer baseball team in the Northwoods league. MoonDog games start in June and continue until the home season wraps up in mid-August. Special events and fan-friendly promotions are often part of the MoonDog experience. Giveaways, guest appearances by sports celebrities and silly ballgame antics can be expected at many of the games.

Collegiate Athletics

Go Mavs! Minnesota State University, Mankato offers a packed year-round college athletics calendar including our Division I Mavericks Hockey Team. Mankato offers more than just the Mavs. Sports fans can take in a game at Bethany Lutheran College or just down the road at Gustavus Adolfus College in St. Peter.

2014 Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato

Mankato MoonDogs Maverick Hockey

visitmankatomn.com

LOCAL TIP Megan Velasquez Mother of three

kids

activities Tourtellotte Pool

As a family with young children, one of our favorite ways to spend an afternoon is with a trip to one of Mankato’s numerous, beautiful city parks, our favorite being Sibley Park. Going to the park is special and fun and full of opportunities to bump into friends, old and new. It’s so much fun to watch our kids explore, imagine, and play with their friends. With all of the options available, there’s always a park to go to that seems new and exciting. Mankato also has some great places for a sweet treat after we work off some energy!

Who says you have to give up adventure when you have a family? We know traveling with a family is an adventure all its own. Load up the kids or grandkids and mountain bike at the new MAMB Ft. LeHillier Trail, ski the slopes of Mount Kato, kayak the Minnesota River or dare to try a new cuisine. Here are some suggestions. You can find more information on our website at www.visitmankatomn. com.

Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota

The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota offers a fun place for kids to play and learn in an interactive and hands-on environment. Kids will also enjoy special events at the museum including Toddler Wednesdays, Play Labs and Awesome Arts and Super Science activities. Please note the site will be closed due to construction approximately May – December.

Sibley Park

Sibley Park is a favorite of many area families. Not only is the park beautifully landscaped with extensive gardens, it offers endless recreational opportunities including multiple play areas, a petting zoo, picnicking areas and outdoor workout equipment. While at the park, people can also enjoy fishing on the river, take a walk on the Minnesota River Trail or watch a local softball game. In the winter months, Sibley Park is also home to a legendary sledding hill, a synthetic ice skating rink and the Kiwanis Holiday Lights.

mankatofreepress.com

Burn off Some Energy

Spend the day at the Mankato Family YMCA. Kids will love to run in the gyms, play in the Kid’s Gym, and swim in the Taylor Family Aquatic Center and Pool. Let the school age kids relax in the YMCA’s Pepsi Cube with foosball, a climbing wall, video games and more.

Take a Dip

Spring Lake Park in North Mankato is a unique sand bottom pool that offers a lake feel without the weeds. Located in beautiful Spring Lake Park, this zero-entry pool comes complete with sand for sand castles, diving boards and more. Tourtellotte pool, in Tourtellotte park, offers a swimming facility featuring an Olympic-sized pool with a separate diving well and a heated wading pool. And remember to visit one of the many lakes in the greater Mankato area for more fun in the water.

Velasquez Family

Be Wowed at the Wow! Zone

Your kids will find plenty to do at The Wow! Zone. We are talking bowling, laser tag, video games, pizza and more. There are also amenities for mom and dad to enjoy while the kids play. For more bowling opportunities check out Jerry Dutler’s Bowl and Victory Bowl.

Sibley Park

wellness events 1

October 18-19, 2014

May 3, 2014

Mankato Marathon

7@7 Trail Run

October 5, 2014

June 7, 2014

Mankato River Ramble

Mankato Zombie Run

August 16, 2014

April 26, 2014

Mankato Mud Run

YWCA Girls on the Run

May 3, 2014

June 2, 2014

Mankato Gorilla Run

Mankato Bluff Riders Charge

June 29, 2014

May 26, 2014

North Mankato Triathalon

10 Kato

2014 Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato

visitmankatomn.com

annual events

CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR FAVORITE ANNUAL EVENTS, AND START PLANNING YOUR NEXT TRIP TO MANKATO.

Verizon Vikings Training Camp Late July-early August, 2014 For 48 years, the Minnesota Vikings have come to Greater Mankato for training camp. Join in the excitement as fans attend practices and scrimmages at Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Blakeslee Field. The festive Vikings Village includes a Vikings Autograph Zone, a Kids Zone, delicious food and beverages.

Kiwanis Holiday Lights November 28-December 31, 2014 Walk or drive through a Winter Wonderland for free during the Kiwanis Holiday Lights in Mankato’s Sibley Park. The Kiwanis Holiday Lights uses more than one million LED lights in an animated and choreographed display. Enjoy the synthetic skating rink, live reindeer and visits with Santa on the weekends.

Mahkato Traditional Pow-Wow September 19-21, 2014 Every September, Native Americans from a number of tribes gather in Mankato’s Land of Memories Park, to reflect on the US-Dakota War of 1862. Visitors and participants, native and non-native alike, are welcome to attend. The three-day event includes the beautiful regalia of the dancers, traditional music, delicious foods and beautiful crafts.

Ribfest July 31-August 3, 2014 Award-winning rib chefs from all across the country gather to provide sticky, spicy eats at Riverfront Park each summer. Bring the whole family and be entertained by a wide variety of live bands and games for the kids.

Arts by the River June 21-22, 2014 Experience an art and music festival where you can shop for one of a kind art pieces, watch artistic demonstrations, listen to live music and indulge on tasty treats and drinks. This event is free and open to the public at Mankato’s Riverfront Park.

mankatofreepress.com

A young student prepares for a ballet performance in Mankato.

Just a short drive from Minneapolis, Mankato is a thriving arts community with quality theatre, music, dance and visual arts programs. Applaud a rousing theatre production, peruse a gallery full of work by popular local artists or reconnect under the stars at an outdoor concert.

2014 Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato

visitmankatomn.com

CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour

See and enjoy art out in the open with CityArt in Mankato’s City Center. Enjoy the CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour with 34 sculptures from artists around the world in mediums ranging from cast iron to molded plastic. You can even vote for your favorite sculpture or participate in a scavenger hunt.

Mankato Poetry Walk & Ride

The newest form of public art in Mankato is poetry posted on signs in our numerous parks and along our miles of recreational trails. The Mankato Poetry Walk and Ride offers a creative outlet for poets of all ages while encouraging citizens to get out and get active.

Theatre, Theatre, Theatre

The Mankato area offers a wide variety of options for the theatre lover. Minnesota State University, Mankato Theater and Dance has several performances every year. Over 35,000 patrons witness, support, and enjoy the department’s offerings each year, ranking it in the nation’s top one percent of colleges in theatre attendance. Other area colleges including Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato and Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter have excellent theatre programs. If you want a unique theatre experience, The Merely Players Community Theatre brings art to the community through its theatrical performances year round. The Merely Players also offer special performances at local establishments.

Music & Dance

Enjoy musical and dance performances year round in Mankato. Catch a performance of the Mankato Ballet or Dance Conservatory of Southern Minnesota. Experience the power of music at a concert by the Mankato Symphony Orchestra or Minnesota Valley Chorale.

The Mankato Symphony Orchestra performs at Riverfront Park.

LOCAL TIP Noelle Lawton

CityArt Coordinator & Theatre Manager for Merely Players Community Theatre The arts and culture scene in Mankato is thriving. This community is viewed as a “hotbed for artists” right now. There is constant creative collaboration that goes on between actors, film makers, visual artists and musicians, just to name a few. I have been told by more than one artist that they see Mankato as a place with numerous opportunities to create. Personally, I am what they call a Mankato “boomerang.” I grew up here, moved away and came back to raise my family. With a background and training in theatre, I was amazed at all the artistic opportunity available and the crossover and support that occurs between arts organizations. The arts community in Mankato is open and inviting. A place where emerging artists, of all levels, can showcase their talents.

Noelle Lawton

Galleries

Mankato is a regional hub for art and culture. You will find art out in the open on our City Center Streets and in a number of established galleries. Take a moment to visit one of Mankato’s art galleries including the historic Carnegie Art Center, the 410 Project and Twin Rivers Council for the Arts.

Convention goers take a break to enjoy the CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour.

mankatofreepress.com

must eats 1

They are extra sloppy.

Have breakfast with the locals at a great price.

Pub 500 Sloppy Joe

Dino’s New York Style Pizzeria Pizza Voted best pizza in town.

Number 4 Bloody Mary

It’s so good breakfast comes free with it.

Olives or Massad’s Chicken Schwarmas

There is a reason you can now buy their sauce and the reason is because it’s amazing.

Dam Store Pie

This dam pie is award winning. Once you try it you’ll know why.

Wagon Wheel

Tokyo Sushi & Hibachi Must try the Mankato Roll.

Tavern on the Avenue Super Fries

They may not be able to fly, but they are amazing.

Tandem Bagels

Hot, fresh, homemade bagels never tasted so good.

Mom & Pops Ice Cream’s

32 amazing flavors to choose from. Try them all. We won’t judge.

2014 Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato

visitmankatomn.com

Take a tour of the Mankato Brewery.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

wines &

brews

After a busy day exploring Mankato, relax at one of our three wineries. Each offers a unique experience and entertainment options from grape stomps to murder mystery parties, but all provide the escape and relaxation a person associates with a nice glass of wine. If only a brew will do for you, then check out our local brewery or unwind with a hometown brew at a local watering hole.

Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery

Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery is Minnesota’s newest farm winery. Sitting on the right bank of the Chankaska Creek near Kasota, Minnesota, this vineyard and winery offers a scenic backdrop for your glass of relaxation. Hand-crafted, Chankaska Wines’ artisan winemaking techniques ensure a transformation from hearty grapes on the vine to a flavorful wine experience.

winery overlooks a magnificent oak tree surrounded by groves and vineyards. The winery offers seasonal performing arts and culinary events, weekly live music, and appetizers.

Mankato Brewery

Experience some local flavor at the Mankato Brewery. Tour the brewery and enjoy a sampling of this German inspired brew. Stop in the gift shop for your Mankato Brewery gear and don’t forget to fill up your growler on the way out.

August Schell’s Brewery Co.

Schell’s Brewing Co. is the second oldest family-owned brewing company in the country and the oldest industry in New Ulm. The brewery continues to be managed by August Schell’s descendants. The visitor center includes a gift shop and museum of brewing. Tours and tastings are available throughout the year.

Indian Island Winery

Indian Island Winery is a family owned and operated business built on historic Native American grounds. Indian Island focuses on making wines that are 100% Minnesota grown and produced. The winery has a beautiful patio with campfires to enjoy as well as a large indoor space with a stage for weekly performers.

Morgan Creek Vineyards

Morgan Creek Vineyards’ eco-friendly underground winery provides perfect cellar temperature for wine production and creates an inviting atmosphere for a tasting room and gift shop for visitors. The

mankatofreepress.com

Have a night out at a local winery.

night

life Mankato is a regional center for entertainment, shopping and nightlife. After a day on the trails, be invigorated by a headliner act, take in a local band and brew in the City Center, relax at a local winery or pick an event from our packed year-round calendar. Mankatoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entertainment district, which is located in the heart of the City Center is home to the Verizon Wireless Center which has a packed calendar with an exciting schedule of events, concerts and shows. You can expect concerts with internationally known artists like Elton John, Kiss and Florida Georgia Line. They also host the Division I Minnesota State University, Mankato hockey team in the winter. Enjoy the open air in the summer when concerts are moved outdoors a few blocks away at Riverfront Park. Within walking distance of the Verizon Wireless Center and Riverfront Park are several bars and grills to start your evening off right. Dance the night away to a DJ or find a local live band. Over 700 shows are held in Mankato annually.

LOCAL TIP Eric Jones

Marketing Manager of Verizon Wireless Center I have been very fortunate to be a part of many unbelievable concerts during my time at the Verizon Center, including personal favorites, Elton John and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. But my absolute, all-time favorite concert moment would have to be Trampled By Turtles at the Vetter Stone Amphitheater in September of 2012. The combination of a fantastic band with local ties, right at the cusp of their career taking off in a big way, on a perfect night in front of an excited ,sold-out crowd, made that performance one that will always be special to me.

You can easily find a variety of live music shows somewhere in Mankato every week. If you would rather kick back and watch the game, several local bars and pubs offer big flat-screen TVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and great food and drinks to share with friends while rooting for your favorite team. Looking for more excitement? Try an evening with friends at the Wow Zone! where you can bowl, play arcade games, laser tag or glow in the dark mini-golf.

Eric Jones and Elton John

Concert at Mankato Event Center

Concert at Verizon Wireless Center

2014 Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato

visitmankatomn.com

shop

locally Mankato is the regional retail hub, with hundreds of stores ranging from quaint local shops to large national retailers. Spend the day relaxing and shopping with friends in the City Center or shop the deals at one of more than 100 stores in the River Hills Mall. You can also shop local at the outdoor Mankato Farmers Market open May-October. Get everything you need from farm fresh produce, locally raised meats, homemade goodies including bakery items, soaps, cards, furniture, clothing and much more. Looking for a Mankato souvenir? Stop by our visitor center and pick up a Mankato t-shirt, postcards or key chain. Our visitor center is located in the Mankato Place Mall and open Monday-Friday from 8 am – 5 pm.

3. Refurbished Furniture – Find one-of-akind furniture pieces at Salvage Sisters, where local crafters turn outdated furniture into hip, modern pieces of art. 4. Muttnik – take home man’s best friend, the beloved mascot from the Mankato MoonDogs Baseball team. Your kids will have a doggone good time playing with it on the way home. 5. Mankato Brewery Beer – Fill up a growler of delicious brews from the Mankato Brewery. Share with friends or keep for yourself.

Local Mankato Products

1. Angie’s Kettle Corn – what started in a garage is now a multi-million dollar company that makes several different delicious flavors of kettle corn. You can try for yourself at our local grocery stores or at various community events. 2. Betsy-Tacy Books – read what it was like growing up and exploring Mankato in the late 19th century through the eyes of childhood friends Betsy & Tacy. Shop the Betsy-Tacy gift shop for all the BetsyTacy books in their preserved childhood homes.

2 3

mankatofreepress.com

Explore the CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour

for free

Visit the petting zoo at Sibley Park

Take a jog on the Red Jacket Trail

Hike at Seven-Mile Park

Attend daily mass at Good Council

Honor our veterans on the Veterans Memorial Tour

Play Frisbee Golf at Land of Memories Park

Drive the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway

Appreciate architecture and history on the City Center Public Art Tour

Fish off the dock at Spring Lake Park

Take in the view at the Rapidan Dam

Immerse yourself in written word on the Poetry Walk

Take a tour of the Mankato Brewery

Sit on the Betsy-Tacy Bench

Take a self-guided history tour

looking for a fun-filled day without digging deep into the pocketbooks? here are 33 mustdo activities, that cost absolutely nothing.

Reflect at Reconciliation Park

2014 Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato

visitmankatomn.com

Choose from a variety of free Audio Tours in the areas of art and history

Listen to live music at a free community event like Songs on the Lawn or Alive After Five

Exercise your body at Sibley Park on the Sibley HealthBeat outdoor exercise equipment Take in the view of Mankato at

20 the Lookout Drive overlook 21

Browse a boutique shop

22 Lake Conservation area

Explore nature at the Indian

23 at Minnemishinona Falls

Take a picture with your sweetheart

25 Kiwanis Park

Play fetch with your dog at

24 Bird watch at Rasmussen Woods 26 Take a swim at Hiniker Pond

Sled down the big hill at Sibley Park

Rediscover your inner artist at the Carnegie Art Center

Be inspired by poems at your feet. Stroll along Riverfront Drive and visit Riverfront Park to read all the poems of Mankato’s WordWalk

30 summer home

Take a walk past Sinclair Lewis’

Be a spectator at one of Mankato’s wellness events like the Mankato Marathon or the River Ramble

32 Memorial Bridge

Watch a sunset on the Veteran’s

33 mankatofreepress.com

Ice skate at one of Mankato’s thirteen outdoor ice rinks

Reconciliation Park

history

Mankato was originally named “Mahkato,” meaning greenish-blue earth, by its early inhabitants, the Dakota. Mankato is located at the confluence of the Minnesota and Blue Earth Rivers.

1852: Parson King Johnson and Henry Jackson arrived at Sibley Mound on the banks of the Blue Earth River on Feb. 5

1852: Mankato town site surveyed and platted by S. P. Folsom of St. Paul.

1862: US-Dakota Conflict (Aug. 17-Dec. 26, 1862) Hundreds of white settlers and Dakota lost their lives. The decision to have 38 of 303 Native Americans sentenced to death resulted in the nation’s largest mass execution.

2014 Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato

1868: Mankato Normal School established and first classes were held in basement of Methodist Episcopal Church by Professor George M. Gage. Building constructed in 1869 on Fifth Street (future MSU).

1868: The Minnesota Valley Railroad completed line to Mankato and first train arrived in Mankato.

1879: Iron truss bridge was first bridge across the Minnesota River between Mankato and North Mankato.

visitmankatomn.com

1879

In 1880, Mankato was the fourth largest city in Minnesota with a population of 5,500. Today, more than 50,000 people call Mankato and North Mankato home. In 1852, Parsons K. Johnson and Henry Jackson staked claims along these banks and founded the town of Mankato. The city was established on land purchased in a treaty between the US government and the Dakota; breaking of this treaty by the government lead to the US-Dakota Conflict of 1862. North Mankato, which sits just across the river, was established in 1898. The first bridge between North Mankato and Mankato was the Veterans Memorial Bridge constructed in 1880. The bridge represented an interdependence and partnership between the cities that still continues. Today, many memorials and buildings exist to commemorate the diverse and important history that has shaped the greater Mankato area. Mankato and North Mankato have many historical attractions that are must-sees for visitors.

Top Five Historical Tours Step Back in time with BetsyTacy – Discover Deep Valley

Sitting quietly on top of Center Street Hill in Mankato you’ll find the childhood home of Maud Hart Lovelace, beloved author of the Betsy-Tacy series of children’s books. As you are visiting the many significant BetsyTacy sites on this tour try to erase the view of modern advances and imagine a simpler time of the early 1900s when horses and buggies filled the streets. According to Maud Hart Lovelace, many of the characters in her books are based on real people. Their homes are located throughout the neighborhood. The Discover Deep Valley brochure lets you take a walking tour of the most significant landmarks mentioned in the Betsy-Tacy books. The Betsy-Tacy houses are open for tours as well. Please contact the Betsy-Tacy Society for that schedule at 507.345.9777.

1897: The Henrietta was the last excursion paddle wheeler to visit Mankato.

1910-11:

Rapidan Dam constructed, with first power generated to Mankato.

mankatofreepress.com

1940

1910

1897

Honor Mankato’s Veterans – Veterans Memorial Tour

Hikers and bikers can honor the service of all veterans any day of the year by visiting the greater Mankato area’s 14 memorial sites on the Trail for Heroes. This 12-mile scenic route winds through the two historic city centers and beautiful natural landscapes as it leads visitors to monuments that commemorate the sacrifices of veterans from the 1800s to the present day. The route uses public roads and trails that are easily accessible on foot and bike, and parking is available at most locations if you prefer to reach the sites by vehicle. Amenities along the way include parks with varieties of recreational opportunities, and businesses with shopping, dining and other services.

Take Time to Heal from a Troubled Past – The US-Dakota Conflict of 1862 Self-Guided Tour

It has been more than 150 years since the US-Dakota War. At least 450 white settlers and soldiers lost their lives along with many unrecorded Dakota casualties and forced removals. In the present day we try to understand the events leading up to the conflict along with the grim outcome – the simultaneous hanging of 38 Dakota on December 26, 1862. It was the largest mass execution in US History. The US-Dakota War also was the largest attack

1919: Sinclair Lewis wrote a portion of his novel “Main Street” in Mankato.

1937: Ski Haven opened for downhill skiing by Harvey Anderson (now Mount Kato).

on settlers in the history of the US. This self-guided tour brings you to 33 sites of the US-Dakota War. Each site offers a brief description of its significance.

Twenty-Five Insights into Mankato’s History – City Center History Walking Tour

The History Walking Tour includes 25 historical sites in Mankato. The tour offers photos and brief descriptions of each site and a detailed map to help you find your way through Mankato’s fascinating history.

Take a Drive – Minnesota Scenic Byway

Explore the Minnesota River Valley in your own vehicle. This scenic byway takes you on a journey down the roads and highways that follow the Minnesota River. Take in stunning views of the river and bluffs, see wildlife and stop to explore the river towns and cities. The Minnesota Scenic Byway has many suggestions for historical places to visit in the greater Mankato area. To find out more about these tours or to download a PDF of the brochures visit www.visitmankatomn.com.

1940: Maud Hart Lovelace, born and raised in Mankato, publishes first book in BetsyTacy series.

1966:

Minnesota Vikings held their first training camp in Mankato.

1969: Madison East Mall opened on Mankato’s hilltop (1st mall/shopping complex).

3rd Ave

Volk Ct

4th Ave

Red Oak Ln R

r wD

Dol

Dane St

Oaklawn Ave

Garden Blvd

St Dr

ls ue

kwo

Division St

Ln iew

llv

N 4t

5th St

6th

St 7th

Browns Ct

6th

Cr o Rid cus Pl ge H St inkle Ln yS t Ch ar les St ah

Monks Ave

Cole Ct C Copperfield Dr Wic

kfie

ld D

ily

Cody Ct

Ln Krist y

Sou th B rook Wy

4th

t dS oa

St 4th St 5th

t yC rsit ive Un

N Broad St

illo

N t 2n

Br oa

3rd Ave

tD r Br N

Warren St

West Rd

College Ct

Stoltzman Rd

ve rfr on dS t tD r

2nd Ave

1st Ave

2nd Ave

4th Ave

5th Ave

St w illo

rfr

Ri ve

t dS

t dS 2n St 4th

Val Im m

l erfiel d Tr Summ

vie

k Rd

Wo od

Stony Cr ee

et Blvd

Suns

r D e Sk yli n S

5th Ave

4th Ave 4th Ave

7th Ave

6th Ave 6th Ave

St le

di Ca n

8th Ave

Ma p

Ho wa rd Dr

Ho wa rd

Lin

Gwyn Dr

Woodland Ave

Allan Ct

E River Dr

W River Dr

Belwood Dr

EER R

Rd an m ap

Acorn Ct

Humberton St

Reno St

Daniels

I .8 DAN m i

Tim

Urian Ct

S Sha Dr lf wo

r be

Rosewood Dr H Oa idde ks n Cir

citycentermankato.com

Heron Dr

New ton Plato

Plato St

Timberwolf Ct

W Shakespeare Ave Mozart Ave E

Heron Dr Hudson Ave E

n m t tu C Au laze B

Hudson Ave W

rC spu

565th Ave

Lark

gto

Canterbury Ct

Mozart N Shak Ave N Saint St

Quinion Dr

a tori Vic lvd B

k Cir

Serra St

Copper

Bro o

Hudson Ave S Savannah Ct

via Oli

Ale

Teal Ct

1. Gaileo Dr 4. Joyce Dr 2. Picasso Pl 5. Monet Pl 3. Tennyson Dr 6. Da Vinci Dr

r Ave

uth

Wren Wy

Stadium

Hudson Ave N

nca

ny C reek Cir

Buckingham Rd

xin

Sto

Lion Lak

Killdeer Ct

Bunting Ln

Pines Ct

Pala

Jacobs Ct

Falcon Dr

Woodhaven Ln

k Oa

Red Oak Ct

Red

Taz a

Pe ace ful Pl LedlieCt

Martin Cir

Raven Ct Creative Ct

Homestead Rd

Joseph Path

Jacobs Dr

Sien na C ir

Sienn a Ct

rw oo

eC t stl

Deerwood Dr Dee

Ne wc a

Dr en

th le

Lor Ray DrH

Vale ri

e Ln

bird Ln Blu e bir d ow

t ff C Cli

dT ail

Re Sn

Union St

Bison St

Chesley Skate Park All Seasons Jayce Arena Park Balcerzak Dr

Briargate Rd

Heron Dr

Sheldon Ct

Chancery Cir

Pkw

Park

Glenview Ave

Viking Dr

y Ln

ton

ncer

Cha

ding

Piccadilly Ave

Ruth Ct

Pilot Ct

Golf Ct

Pad

Ledlie Ln

Swiss St

Parkway Ave

Rita Rd Meadow Ln

Bunting Ct

Cir

Winkler St

Ave

Parkway Pl

Camelot Dr

Floral Ave

Ellis Ave

Mayan Way

Wilson Wy

Glencrest

Emerso Park

App Marion L Nook le Ct n Dr Hante

Welcome Ave Devonshire Pl

Vikings Training Camp

Joshua Ct

Orchard Rd

Heritage Estates Park

Camelot Ln

Bel

Anderson Dr

MANKATO

sA ve

R inster Westm Crown Hil l Ln

Dillon Ave

Ellis Ave

Thayer Ave

Highland Ave

Pioneer St

shir

BethanyBonnie Ln Lutheran College

Mulberry St CLINIC

v ha

Belleview Ave

n le L Dr Map hire ods Wo Sylvan Wy Kreig St Sylvan Wy

Main St

Cliffs Ct

Iota Ave

Porter Ave

Jamaica Dr

Piccadilly Pl

Essex Rd

Foxwood Cir

Goodyear Ave eS t

Lim

ve nA rsh

High St

Union St

Park Roblen

iian Dr

C ood nnw Wy

ISJ REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER—MAYO HEALTH SYSTEM

Luther

Highland Park

oo W

Hawa

ood

Hiniker Mill Rd

ltic

He mlo ck Tr l

low

Wil

Minnesota State UniversityMankato

Huntington Dr Ct rew nd Bart holo A mew Ln

Tho mp

Woodhill Trl

Oriole

Glenw

South Rd

tain

Campusview Rd

Blakeslee Field

Maywood Ave

Ahlstrom Rd

James Ave

Haven Hills Rd

Doc Jones Rd

ett

Elm

Weaver St

Birchwood St

Stadium Rd

Southview Park

fay

Willard Skyview Ln

rr Wa

Rid

Fuller St

Malin St

Norton St

Coy St

Parry St

High Locke St

Grace Ct

Florence St

Haynes St

n St

Davis St

Divisio

Cedar St

n St

Lilly St

Bermuda Ct Catalina Dr

Viola St

Putnam St

Branson St

Pearl St

Fe Tourtellotte Ma Mar be Park lS

od Wo

hin

Beech St

Byro

oo W

Daniel Ct

Locust St

Valley St

Bella Vista Ct

Maple Ct

ett

Plu

Hanover St

Cedar St

W as

Riverview St Jayro Ct

Wanda St

ng St nge Range

Bradley St

Mount Curve Rd

Tele

fay

Saratoga St

Ct Glenn Capri Dr

2014 Visitor & Relocation Guide for Greater Mankato

Sumner Hills Rd

Vietnam Memorial

ian

HW Y2 2 4.5 mi

oll S

Carr

ow S

Will

Pintail St

Stewart St Lyndale St

Wall St

A St Carroll St

hall

Shaubut St

Mount Kato Ind

Range St

ens n Christensen St

osss St Cross rd S

Reco

Mars

n St

Troost Pond

I A TR

Indian

E Pleasant St

Fulto

Lincoln St

Doc Jones Rd

Ja Ch

Stadium Ct

nd S

Rasmussen Rasmussen Woods Rd Woods Park

n Lake Indian er Conservation Area

AI L R TR R IVE

Cross St

Lamm St

IL RA T

ET CK R ED J A

Sp rin gS

N Broad Ct

t B St

D St

Indian Creek Rd

W aln

Mu gto nS t l St Ma berr Washington y Park in S St t ko

Lim

ck S

Glenwood Ave

Stoltzman Park Lewis St

Trail

OTA N ES M IN

Dr er Riv

nte t St te Center

Elm

Vin e

Plu m

Fairfield Ave

Oak Knoll Blvd

kS t

ing S

Hic

runt

Eginton Rd

Southview Dr

202

Bennett St

RO UT

on iliati onc Rec Park

Lib

B Van

eS ng Ra

ant

leas

Layton St

W Skyline Ct

e ylin

t St

Fron

State

Dotson Park Ridgewood St

Woodl Hills and Dr

Skyline Valley

Shadywood Ave

n Dr

Lilia

Baker Ave

r Rid Dee

Caron Dr

Moreland Ave

Westwood Dr Ridgewood St

Timber Ln

d ge R

Gwyn Ave

MARKETPLACE SHOPPING DISTRICT

W ar

Dr ront

iver

de ingsi Morneights H Winona a St

Owatonna St

Valliant Ln Bruce Ct

W 11th St

Dewey St

Owatonna St

R TH E EA LU B

W 10th St

W 9th St

Ridge Ct

Blue E B Earth St

Tile St

e r Av ueu

Under Ave

W 8th St Hazel St

West Mankato Park

Poplar St Patterson Ave

Mankato Family YMCA

Hubbell Ave ve

Eleanor St

Fire Hall St

Mathews St

Rose St Lee Ct

Sibley St

n St

erso

Carney Ave

Sturgis St

Charles Ave

Skyline Dr

e St Sherman St

akke St Lake Hubbell Ave

Marcy St

Spence St

McKinzie St

Mallard Ln

SO U TH

Nicollet Nicolle et Ave

W 7th St

t th S

And

S Hawley St

Clay

Maplewood Dr

Pond St

Bluff St

Birch Ave

Hawley St

N Pond St

Catfish St

Neubert Ct

Le Sueur Ave

W 2nd St

W 6th St

Olive St

Le Hillier St

Waseca Ave

rio

Lyd Blvd

MINN EO FALL PA S 1mi

McCauley St

Beaver Ave

Wheeler Ave

Chestnut St Spruce St

Ro c

Bienapfl Park Maxfield St

Riverview Elm S t Park S

Page Ave Cleveland Ave

Page Ave

Mills St

Pine St

Ru WW Ma be l

Brooks St

Riverfront Park

Minnesota St

W 3rd St

n nL we

O os Am

N Finch St

169

Ga Garfield Ave

Mills St

169

Belgrade lg g de e Ave

Rogers St

Mound Ave

Land of Memories Park

South Bend Ave Beaver Ave

Cornelia St

d Dr

enic Byway

Spartan St

Beaver Ave

Monroe Ave

Verizon Wireless Center

Sibley Park

Bird St

Williams Nature Center

Golden Eye Ave

Page Ave Park Ave

Wallyn Park

Harrison Ave

Wheeler W le e k Park

Owen St

M IN N ES OTA R I V E R

Cla

Minneopa Golf Club

Garfield Ave

Park Ln

�

E LAK TAL S CRY 9.3 mi

Morgan Creek Vineyards

Center C nt St

Sherwoo

oo tw es Ct

lvis

Lakeview Ave

Grant Ave

Centennial Park

McK c Ave McKinley

Tyle y Ave Tyler

�

Q Quincy St

Queens Ct

Pierce St

ef effe Jefferson Ave

Kings Ct

lvd

ood Dr

Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway

� Minneopa State Park

Spring S Lake Park

Judson Bottom Bo Rd

River Valley Sc

Truman St

Minnesota

Lake St

wood

B Lee

Crestw

Center St

Sher

Nott ingh am Ct Norm andy Ct

Roe Crest Dr

Mary Ln

on D

James Ct

Shar

Wy ley Pau

Roe Crest Dr

er kT

ff D

� Hwy 68

Lake St

e erc mm t Co C Collette Ct Collette Dr

gham

Lind St

Harper St

Columbia Park

Webster Ave

King Arthur Park

Marvin Blvd

Howard Dr

map

Sundance Ln

Meyer Ln

Cla Roe Crest re Dr Park tta Sunrise Dr Norer D

Cli

Oak Terrace Dr

Ivanhoe

Colony Ct

Hoover Dr

Hoover Ct

Shady Oak Dr

Marie Ct

Marquette Ave

Dr utAllan Ave

Marie Ln

Langness Playground

� Minnemishinona Falls

Village Ct

Le High Ave

Forest Ln

Roe Crest Dr

Marquette Ave

Parkside Ln

Ivy Ln

Kelly Ct

Forest Heights Dr

Clare Ct

Regency Ct

Tower Park

Butterworth rw worth St w

Webster Park

Riv

Pond

Mary Ln Peggy Ln

Meyer Ct

James Dr

Nottin

Lee Blvd

o Lo

Edgewood Blvd

Graystone Ln

Staley Ln

Holiday

Columbia Ct

Northway Dr

Tower Blvd

ge Ln

ir od C Ct ewo od Edg ewo Edg owd a Me ok Ct bro

Forest Heights Park

w Ct

Northrid

James Dr

South Central College

tl es

y lle t Va w C Vie

t Park Vie

Cottage Trl

Cardinal Ct

E Dream Dr

Commerce

Black Squirrel Trl

t Dr Sn ow bir SnowdT bird Ct rl trid Parge Pl Ro bin Ct

Dream Dr

oos

Commerce Dr

Oak Leaf Trl

North Ridge Park

il R

ree C Caref nch ldfi Go Ct hgfis Kiner Ct

ream WD

rid

Dr dge

rthri No

rth

Qua

kC Ale

Q Roo uail st C

tV iew

Mary Cir

rin

reg

Cleveland St

West Lind St

Ple Pe

Lundin St

Aspen Ln

Aspen Ct

Haughton Ave

PleasantLind View B Park lack H

ind

es W

Bluff Park

Caswell Park

Fallenstein Field

Shannon Ct Sandi Ct

Dr rd H o wa

Howard Dr

Wil llow T rl Tr en

Valley View Dr

Kingsway Dr

Howard Dr W

Roberta Dr

Lor Ray Dr

Excalibur Ln

NORTH PORT INDUSTRIAL PARK

Burnett Ln

NICO LLET 9.9 mi

Lancelot Ln

Countryside Dr Walter S. Rennan Ct Knights Dr Farm Park

C Green Acres Dr Cambridge a Ct C lla Ir La Mar Dr t C is Castle Dr t Patricia Ct Orchid Dr S Valley High Ct La Mar Dr La Mar Dr Valley View Dr

Ln Rd e in ur Ela alib c

Cantbury Ct

Mohr Dr

Summit Ave

Jefferson St

Lilac Ln

NORTH MANKATO

M UL NE W North 22.8 mi Links

ge D r

Eagle Rid

Lookout Dr

Winchester Wy

Fox Trl

Orchid Dr N

Round Table Ln

169

Summit Ave

e Volk Av

en Round Table Rd

Morgan Wy

Ringhofer Dr

Eagle Ridge TrlO mega Ct

Deer Trl

Kiwanis Rec. Area

Coventry Pl

Coventry Ln

Gre Carlson Dr

try Ln

E Rid agle ge Ct Eagle Ridge Ln

n gto lin Ar

ing Roll

Benson Park

Newcastle Dr

Dakota Trl

Arlington Ct

Coven

Man

Industrial Rd

Kingswood Dr

Fazio Ln

Fairbanks Ln

Timm Rd

Coventry Ct

St John Ct

ER R IV TA SO NE

Sarah Cir

White Oak Dr

Kodiak Dr

Simon

Simon Ct

Dr ks an irb Juneau Fa Ct

Valdez Dr

Simon Trl

dC t

Danbury Ct

G 12

etta

Sheridan Ct

M IN

UR UE LE S i m 22.0

Reserve Park

Lexington Ln

ST 11 . PETE R .3 mi

Cir cle

Belgrade Twp 121

9th Ave

Carol

Kest

rel D r

Knoll Ln McElroy Dr

Extension St

od D S Redwoo r d Dr

dC t

Wo o

Ar row

int

ee Cr

Dr r rD

Ln ne

mie Pre

Te ton Ln

Sh ilo hC

Du bli n

N Victory Dr Mayfair Dr

Long St

Hope St

N Belmont Dr

Pfau St

Club Dr Country

th St Electa Blvd

Cougar Dr

Trail

Lynx Tra

ar Trail ar ga g ug Cou

Attractions s

Crystal Cir

Jade Ct

Golf Cours ses Courses Government o en

Health e Facilities c

Creekside Ct

Higher ig Edu ucation Education

Hospital o Ichabod Ln Ich n

Foley Rd

Sports p Fac cilities Facilities

Onyx Ct

Creekside Dr

Diamond Creek Rd

Woodside Ln

Trail

Cheetah

Hotels o Industrial d P Parks Library b

av n aven W Raven E Raven Rd R k Rd Rockk Rd Rock

ey Path

Eastwood Dr

Sunstone Dr

Pohl Rd

Lynx Ln

Panther

Turquoise St

Hosana Ct

map

Power Dr

Cheetah Ln

Martin Luther King Jr Dr

Cougar

sa Ct nna

Panther Ln

Blue Earth County Justice Center

Hosanna Dr

Thomas Park Ct

Lynx Ct

Oxford Path

Karen Ct Cir aha neh Gretchen Ct Min Flicka Ct Cora Ct Thro Ave

Oriole Path Warbler Path Blackbeard Ln d Owl Path Snowbir Gander Path Path Ospr Partridge Path Grosbreak Path Eagle Path

ST .C

7.1

LA IR mi

i 6m 15 . INDIAN ISLAND WINERY

Parking a Parks

206th St

Po ost Office o e Post

woo

Kirk

Southhaven Dr

Redtail Ct t C h

c fin

Tanager Rd

Panther

Cheetah

Roosevelt Cir

Souix Rd

Raintree Rd

National Guard Armory Training Center

Peacepipe Park

Crystal Ln

E Stadium Rd Gr am bre lle C

old

Manchester Ct

r Rd Tanage

isc illa

Cameo Ln

Ellen Dr

Skylark Dr

Carson Dr

Whitetail Dr akespeare r Ave

Tattler Ln

Ct Sapphire

Gull Path

60 Map Dr

Ann t

rd C

Tanager Path

Quail Path

E Shakespeare Ave

kespeare Ave

Chatsworth Dr

Malla

l Cir

Trumpeter Ct

EA LA GLE 4.6 KE mi

Fern Lake

Apache Pl

Amber Ct

ald C

Emer

Bluebird Path Tundra Ct

Swan Ln

Buckingham Ct

Wadsworth Dr

Vi ct

Cardina

d hl R

Marsh

Karu Dr

M AD IS LAKEON 10.9 mi

Technology Dr

MANKATO HEIGHTS PLAZA

ca Itas

Topaz Ct

Opal Ln

Louva Dr

Endopark Dr

Mo ing Morn M Dove Path D Dov

Rd Oak

inal D

Hilton Dr

hl Po

er Dr

Sandpip

Card

Jaybee Ln

Terri Ln Terri Ln Laurinda Laurinda Ln Ln Lynn Ln Lynn Ln

rdin

Adams St

Thomas Park

Thomas Dr

Rd Ca

RIVER HILLS MALL

Thro Ct

Hoffman Rd

Arthur Dr Jan Jo Dr

Agency Trl

Kennedy St

Chaucer Ct

Marwood Dr Heather Ln

Ln Hill Top

Glenwood Pond

ee k Eastport Dr D

wSt o St

Main St

Bardin Dr

Jaycee Ct

ns ke

Marwood Dr

Terrace Dr

Wow! Zone

Bassett Dr

Marabou Dr

Ln Petticoat

Carolyn Ct

N Manitou Dr

itou S Man Dr

Mayfield Cir

S Mayfair Dr

Mary Lou Ln

o nb

Plainview Ave

Clover Ln

lta

Erlandson Park

Black Eagle Dr

Emerson Ln

Excel

Adams St

Celestine Thissen Ct Cir

EASTWOOD INDUSTRIAL CENTRE

Lake Dorothy

Oxford Path

Sunray Ave Fair St

N Redwood Dr

Capital Dr

Deldona Dr

Fair St

Premier Pond

Belle Ave

Commodore Dr

Marsh St

Turnberry Dr

ton Ct

Star St

Madison Ave

Tullamore

Bassett Dr

MADISON EAST CENTER

Navaho Ave

Reed St

Pfau St

Caledonia St

lle Ave

Dublin Rd

Mankato Moondogs

Cree Ct

Hope St

Franklin Rogers Field

Meray Blvd

Homer Blvd

Mayvis Blvd

Pfau St

dams St

Kearney Pond

Lake Dorothy Park Te

Fieldcrest Dr

Carlton Ct

Shamrock Dr

Rasmussen College

Pinehurst Dr

Hope Ct

Woodhill Ct

Goodyear Ave

Pebble Beach Dr

MANKATO K intr

Premier Dr

Fieldcrest Ct

Grand Champion Sports Complex

St Andrews Ct

ine

elt

Cir

Doral Dr

t rC

z Ha

pson Ravine Rd

2 Kingsmill Ct

ress Cyp t C Cypress Dr Pinehurst Ct

Torrey Pines Ct

St Andrews Dr

Muriefield Dr

Gra y h a w k

Torrey Pines Dr St Andrews Dr

School Sisters of Notre Dame

22 Augusta Dr

n Bu

Country Club Park

Sakata Ln

Spyglass Dr

Cog Hill Ln

ld rsfie

Callaway Ct

La Costa Ct La Costa Ln

Grovebrook Ct

Grovebrook Cir

xfi

Player Path Palmer Path Nicklaus Path Firestone Dr

n Wy Sawgrass Ct gh rou sbo yne r Pebble Creek Ct Wa ek D e Cre Pebbl

Augusta Dr

Pin es D

Grayhawk Cir

e Bak

rysland eights

Dr brook

Good Counsel Dr

erd St

Ca stle

ub Dr

r sD

Inv

Grove

Sugar Loaf Dr

Augusta Dr

Riviera Dr

try Cl

Coun

Mankato Golf Club

Bay Hill Ct

Lime

Ironwood Ct

Premier Dr

Fairway Dr

Harb or H ill

Wedgewood Ct

Hensonshire Ct

Golden Tee Dr

AIRPORT

Pollei Pl

Glenwood Dr

To MANKATO REGIONAL

Turner Ct

gs to

Elm Dr Inverness Ct Oak Ln Spruce Ln Maple Dr McElroy Dr Dr

Valley Rd

Fla

Ct et we rs

Bit te

ry L

Ln 581st

Bit ter sw

od Wo

ET ER

SA K ATA H STAT E T R A I L Hensonshire D r

K .P ST mi 3 11.

Shady Ln

Ray

8.2 mi

nkato Area BMX FARIBAULT 39 mi Jo

CHANKASKA CREEK RANCH & WINERY

d dR

41 4e Public Safety afety

Pohl Rd

Sc chools c Schools Shopp pping pp Shopping P T Trra ail il Parking Parki rkin king k ki g Trail

Visitors itors s Center Ce Sponsors p pons

Unpaved Trails

inlcuding u paved and on-street

13.3

MAPLETON

Terrace View Golf Course

Bi ike k Trails ils Bike

Distance

Content provided by City Center Partnership

.75" = .5 miles

doing things

downtown

In City Center Mankato, you’ll discover that unique experience you’re looking for. Whether it’s our vibrant local dining, specialty shopping options or exciting entertainment that brings you to Mankato, you’ll certainly leave with an amazing experience set amongst great public art and surrounded by fun recreation opportunities. City Center Entertainment District

With hundreds of live music events or shows annually, dozens of food or drink establishments, great hotels, exciting college hockey and ample parking in the 10-block, pedestrian friendly Entertainment District, you’ll soon discover your new entertainment destination is City Center Mankato. Add to your experience Stay the night and see our great public art in the light of day.

www.citycentermankato.com

Parks & Recreation

City Center Mankato has great outdoor recreation. Here, you’ll find our bookend parks of Sibley Park and Riverfront Park. The 126-year-old Sibley Park is filled with ball fields, fishing, picnic areas, a petting zoo and a great kids playground, while the new Riverfront Park has one of the best outdoor music venues in the state. Both parks have access to the extensive biking and walking trails of the region. Add to your experience Stay at City Center hotels to launch your next great biking adventure on the 39-mile Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail.

2014 Visitor & Relocation Guide for Greater Mankato

citycentermankato.com

CityArt The CityArt programs enhance the public art experience for residents and visitors of City Center Mankato. They include: CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour

The CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour is an exciting rotating exhibit of 34 outdoor sculptures displayed year-round in the City Centers of Mankato and North Mankato. Artists from around the world display their sculptures and from May to October, you can vote for the People’s Choice sculpture which remains in the City Center permanently. For a tour map, go to www.cityartmankato.com.

CityArt On the Go

CityArt On the Go is an exhibit of traffic signal box murals. Pedestrians and drivers

in City Center Mankato enjoy seeing something different about the traffic signal boxes in Old Town along Riverfront Drive and Front Street as they’ve been made over with colorful murals, turning infrastructure into CityArt On the Go.

CityArt Public Art Tour

The CityArt Public Art Tour is a self-guided walking tour of over 20 unique pieces of art, as well as the City Center’s new WordWalk–a selection of poems stamped on the Center’s sidewalks and paths. You can learn more about this tour at www.citycentermankato.com.

Family Friendly Fun

In the City Center, you are easily connected to great family fun. Whether you’re discovering the Southern Minnesota Children’s Museum, experiencing history at the Hubbard House, diving into children’s literature at the Betsy-Tacy Houses, feeding the animals at the Sibley Park Farm or playing on the one-ofa-kind Sibley Farm playground. Add to your experience Rent a canoe and give the family a memory they won’t forget on our great river system.

City Center Shopping

The open air shopping in the City Center provides a unique shopping experience, with boutiques that offer a unique blend of specialty products and “just what you’re looking for” gifts. Experience the blend of local shops in an area rich in history and charm. Add to your experience When the shopping is done, treat yourselves to our vibrant dining or exciting night life.

Content provided by City Center Partnership

greater quality of life

With all the services you would expect from a major metro and the charm you can get only from a closeknit community, Greater Mankato is a wonderful place to call home. In addition to a strong economy, residents enjoy Greater Mankato’s scenic setting, abundant activities, shopping & dining, outstanding services and affordable cost of living. Given all these attributes, it’s no wonder why Bizjournals.com ranked Greater Mankato number seven on its national list of Dream Towns. The Greater Mankato region, is located in a “sweet spot” of southern Minnesota, with the core cities of Mankato and North Mankato surrounded by many other vibrant towns like Saint Peter, Le Sueur, Lake Crystal, Madison Lake and Eagle Lake. We are also about an hour’s drive from the Twin Cities including the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Our residents can enjoy their morning coffee at their home located in the city, on a farm or by a lake, and within 10-15 minutes, drive to their workplace. After work, they can take advantage of the area’s many activities and attractions.

area has many community sports leagues for players of all ages, as well as 8 golf courses. Watching sports is also a Greater Mankato tradition, served up by the area’s high schools and college teams, and each summer - the Mankato MoonDogs baseball team and Minnesota Vikings Training Camp. The Riverfront Park Amphitheator is another popular summer destination, hosting concerts and festivals, including the annual RibFest. Throughout the year, the Verizon Wireless Center, with 5,000 seats and additional meeting spaces, provides a venue not only for Minnesota State University, Mankato Division I hockey, but also concerts, shows and conventions.

Activities for participants and spectators alike abound in Greater Mankato. The

Greater Mankato boasts a thriving arts community, with five public art galleries,

2014 Visitor & Relocation Guide for Greater Mankato

three dance companies, four community choruses, a symphony orchestra and a theatre group. In addition, area colleges offer outstanding, theater, music, dance, and visual and written arts programs. While strolling around the City Center, art is all around you with the annual CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour. Greater Mankato is a retail center that attracts visitors from throughout southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. As a result, per capita retail spending is twice what it is in other similar trade centers in Minnesota. With hundreds of stores and restaurants, ranging from large national retailers to quaint local shops, residents and visitors can find all they need and more in Greater Mankato.

greatermankato.com

Community Accolades Residents tend to get more for their money in Greater Mankato. According to the Council for Community Economic Research’s Cost of Living Index, the average home price of $226,601 is 24% less than the national average of $281,861. While some might associate a low cost of living with an area in financial trouble, just the opposite is true of this region. Greater Mankato sits in an economic sweet spot, with an ideal location and size that makes living here affordable.

• We have been on America’s Promise top 100 communities for young people list four consecutive times for nurturing youth from a young age by investing in them to be productive and successful future leaders. • 15th in the nation on the 2010 Forbes list of best places to raise a family among communities with a population of 100,000 or less for having solid average incomes, good educational prospects, low costs, short commute times and a high rate of home ownership.

So, welcome to Greater Mankato. We invite you to make it home… stay a while.

Content provided by Greater Mankato Growth

advancing

business for a stronger community

As the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organization, Greater Mankato Growth serves the regional marketplace by Advancing Business for a Stronger Community. The organization consists of eight areas of work including: existing business support, new business growth, business promotion, talent development, public affairs, community marketing, visitor attraction and servicing and civic engagement. The degree to which each of these areas directly impacts an individual business may vary. But all have a positive impact on the overall business community by enhancing the economic vitality of our marketplace. Existing Business Support

Existing businesses benefit tremendously from Greater Mankato Growth (GMG) programs and initiatives. With information and services aimed at business retention, expansion and continuing education, local businesses have resources at their disposal to help them succeed. GMG also makes recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of area businesses a priority.

New Business Growth

What does it take to get a new business started in the Greater Mankato area? Greater Mankato Growth knows and is committed to helping entrepreneurs get businesses up and running, as well as attracting new businesses to locate within the region. With services and programs that provide resources for new businesses, as well as a regional approach for attracting businesses to the area, Greater Mankato Growth has the tools to help enhance Greater Mankato’s business vitality.

Business Promotion

Finding ways to help businesses promote themselves is an important element of Greater Mankato Growth's work. GMG’s approach helps businesses connect with other businesses through networking events, as well as advertising and publicity opportunities. GMG also helps businesses market to consumers through exclusive referral, directory and event participation.

Talent Development

Talent is a critical ingredient to a successful business climate. Greater Mankato Growth ensures that area employers have access to a talented workforce, and that existing employees can continue to enhance their skills and remain valuable in the workplace. With programs that encourage the retention of area students and young professionals, tap into the skills of older adults and attract new talent to the Greater Mankato area, maintaining a quality workforce is one of GMG’s most important areas of work.

LIFE CHANGES. WE’VE GOT A PLAN FOR THAT.

Public Affairs

Policy shifts can impact business significantly. That’s why Greater Mankato Growth provides businesses with the tools to remain up-to-date on public policy matters, as well as opportunities allowing them to provide their input on that policy. Face-to-face meetings, candidate forums, issue roundtables and other interactions with public policy decision makers keep businesses in the loop and gives them a strong voice in public affairs.

Community Marketing

The Greater Mankato area is a great place to live and an excellent location for doing business. Through various means and media, GMG promotes community assets and activities for current and potential residents and businesses. GMG carefully manages the Greater Mankato brand, making sure that Greater Mankato gets noticed. Contact Us! We are located 1961 Premier Drive, Suite 100, Mankato. Reach us online at greatermankato.com

If you’re looking for a health plan to fit your changing life, or you just want to know your options, give me a call.We’ll review your needs and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota plans available to you.

Matt Barnes 1704 N. Riverfront Dr., Suite 102 Mankato, MN 507-388-2968 800-428-5592 Authorized independent agent/agency for Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota and Blue Plus®, nonprofit independent licenses of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

2014 Visitor & Relocation Guide for Greater Mankato

greatermankato.com

greater

business climate

Always a vibrant area, Greater Mankato has steadily grown into a thriving regional center. With a population of 98,020 (2012 estimate) – an increase of 14% since 2000 – Greater Mankato has experienced steady and aggressive growth. As a result of this growth, the area was designated a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in 2008, which includes all of Blue Earth and Nicollet Counties. A variety of factors including healthy industry diversification, business growth, expansion and job creation have contributed to Greater Mankato’s vibrant economy.

Healthy Industry Diversification Greater Mankato’s economic strength and stability is due largely to the diversity of industries in the market. In the first quarter of 2012, the economy was 36% primary economy, 53% professional/ service economy and 11% retail/consumer economy. Even within these areas, the economy is highly diversified, with no one sector accounting for more than 18% of the overall economy. Manufacturing and Health Care, two diverse industries in their own right, each account for around 18% of the economy.

Business Growth

Greater Mankato is experiencing strong growth in a variety of measurements. As the numbers below demonstrate, businesses in Greater Mankato have continued on a positive 12 year trajectory in a variety of areas including: establishments, employee numbers, weekly wages and total quarterly payroll. Additionally, Gross Sales increased by 112% from 2000 to 2010, compared to 41% for the state of Minnesota.

Job Creation

The number of jobs at businesses located in the Mankato-North Mankato Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) continues to climb. Between 2011 and 2012 the average number of paid jobs, excluding farm and self-employment, grew by 2.3% (or 1,220 jobs). This was the largest gain of any of the five Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in the state and well above the state and U.S. averages. More than just a one year trend, over the past 10 years, from 2002 to 2012, the Mankato-North Mankato MSA’s average monthly job number increased by 7.5%, again higher than any other MSA in the state of Minnesota as well as the entire state of MN and U.S.

Growth Markers

2000

2012

% Change

Establishments

2,527

2,704

+ 7%

Employees

46,787

50,828

+ 8.6%

Avg. Weekly Wage

$507

$711

+ 40.3%

Total Wages

$1,232 million

$1,882 million

+ 52.7%

Source: DEED Quarterly Census of Employment & Wages (QCEW)

Content provided by Greater Mankato Growth

injured now? seen today. X-Rays Available convenient locations • walk in quality treatment • open extended hours

No appointment is necessary to be seen. Just walk in for prompt, professional health care services. Mankato Clinic Urgent Care has two convenient locations in Mankato to serve you better. Visit us at 1230 East Main Street or 1809 Adams Street across from the River Hills Mall. Colds • Flu • Fever • Cough Sore Throat • Bladder Infections Sprains • Broken Bones • Minor Cuts Lacerations/Stitches • Minor Burns Illness with Nausea • Vomiting • Diarrhea Mild Dizziness • Minor Asthma Attacks Eye Infections/Pain/Foreign Bodies

For additional information call 507-389-8680 or visit

www.mankatoclinic.com

Urgent Care Hours of Operation Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mankato Clinic Urgent Care services from the Main Street location will be billed to your insurance company as an office location visit. Adams Street services will be billed as an Urgent Care location visit. You should check with your insurance provider directly to ensure your benefit levels.

greater education

Greater Mankato has a strong and responsive education system. From pre-school to college and beyond, learning is lifelong in Greater Mankato. The region’s K-12 schools are among the best in the nation, with innovative educators partnering with area businesses and organizations to ensure students are well-prepared to meet the needs of employers and as a result achieve success for themselves. Mankato’s schools rank among the top 17% in the nation. The community is comprised of 5 Colleges & Universities, 1 Trade School, 17 Public Schools and 9 Charter & Parochial Schools. Mankato is fortunate to have a community that prides itself on an education system that draws people nationally and globally – making it a diverse culture.

Our Five Higher Educational Institutions Minnesota State University, Mankato is a comprehensive four-year university and the third largest higher education institution in Minnesota. MSUs comprised of 18, 000 students including more than 800 international students from 90 different countries. The University offers more than 140 undergraduate programs, 70 graduate programs, bachelors, masters, applied doctoral, associate and specialist degrees.

South Central College, North Mankato is a community and technical college serving more than 6, 000 students. The college offers associate of art degree in both liberal arts and science that allows students to complete their first two years of a bachelor’s degree and more than 50 career and professional majors. Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint Peter is a nationally recognized, private, co-educational liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA) and host to the famed Nobel Conference. Gustavus is comprised of nearly 2, 500 students representing 43 states and 15 foreign countries. Gustavus offers 71 majors and 15 pre-professional programs. Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato is a private, residential, Christian, coeducational, liberal arts college owned and operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS). Bethany Lutheran College has nearly 600 students and offers 19 majors and 8 pre-professional programs. Rasmussen College, Mankato is a private college specializing in business and professional careers offering bachelor’s and associate’s degrees, diplomas and certificates.

greater healthcare 34

2014 Visitor & Relocation Guide for Greater Mankato

“Hand in Hand, Together We Can… Educate the Next Generation”

Encouraging Excellence from Preschool through High School

• Small class sizes • God-centered environment • Technology integration in all classrooms • 1 on 1 laptop program

Academic Excellence, Faith, Leadership, Service

For more information, please call

507.388.2997

LOYOLACATHOLICSCHOOL.org

Tuition Assistance Available All Faiths Welcome

Greater Mankato offers access to all the primary services residents want and need. In addition, the area is a Health Care mecca. It is the regional headquarters for Mayo Clinic Health System, with a hospital and 13 clinics throughout the region. The Mankato Clinic also has a comprehensive regional network with 12 area clinics. The Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic in Mankato is known as an expert in their field. Nearby in Saint Peter, Rivers Edge Health Care offers both a clinic and hospital. Over the years, Greater Mankato’s health care providers have continued to expand their services minimizing the need for area residents to travel for specialized medical treatment.

greatermankato.com

greater talent

Access to a talented workforce is a key ingredient in business and overall community success. Greater Mankato is fortunate to be a region with a Strong Labor Pool and a commitment to optimizing and retaining our talent. For some time now, business and community leaders in the Greater Mankato region have understood how fortunate we are to have an incredible resource that can be a key economic success factor for our region: our people, or our “talent.” We have been focusing on how to attract, develop and retain the talented workforce that we need today and into the future. We have a natural draw for attracting new talent to our region: 5 higher education institutions within a 30 mile radius, which bring more than 6,000 new students every year. As a region, we have been deliberate about welcoming talent to the area, connecting people to employment and service opportunities, and building housing and community amenities that will keep people loving Greater Mankato for years to come.

Greater Mankato Young Professionals The Greater Mankato Young Professionals program was created in 2009 by Greater Mankato Growth to help retain and attract young professionals to the region. The program gives young professionals age 21 - 39 an opportunity to engage with one another while focusing on learning, socializing and community involvement. The program enrollment has seen growth every year and now includes more than 180 members. Visit our website at greatermankato.com/young-professionals. com

Rankings & Ratings 10th in the nation on Forbes 2013 list of Best Small Places for Business and Careers among metropolitans having populations less than 250,000 (up from 11th in 2012 and 25th in 2011) On Enterprise Minnesota’s 2013 list of 5 Great Places to be a Manufacturer for measures taken to ensure the continued success of manufacturing in the community Top 25% in the nation for Job Growth by NewGeography.com for the area’s creation of short and longterm jobs Level 1 Primary Regional Trade Center designation for Mankato by the U of M Center for Urban and Regional Affairs in 2011 On America’s Promise top 100 communities for young people list four consecutive times for nurturing youth from a young age by investing in them to be productive and successful future leaders 15th in the nation on the 2010 Forbes.com list of best places to raise a family among communities with a population of 100,000 or less for having solid average incomes, good educational prospects, low costs, short commute times and a high rate of home ownership Rockstars@Work Next Generation Community Impact Award in 2009 for creating successful workforce development initiatives Minnesota Community Pride Creative Capital Award for collaborations among education, government, non-profits and Greater Mankato Growth 7th in the nation on the 2008 Bizjournals.com list of Dreamtowns for being a well-rounded community, with light traffic, a healthy economy, moderate cost of living, impressive housing stocks, strong educational system and easy access to big-city amenities On AARP the Magazine’s “Cities to Watch” list for being ahead of the curve in providing services to empty nesters, active retirees and everyone in between

Content provided by Greater Mankato Growth

HOTELS

accommodations

AmericInn Hotel and Conference Center 240 Stadium Road, Mankato 507-345-8011 800-634-3444 americinnmankato.com Best Western Plus Hotel & Rest 1111 Range Street, North Mankato 507-625-9333 800-937-8376 bwmankato.com Budget Host Inn 1255 Range Street, Mankato 507-388-1644 800-822-2521 budgethost.com Butler House Bed & Breakfast 704 S. Broad Street, Mankato 507-387-5055 butlerhouse.com Comfort Inn 131 Apache Place, Mankato 507-388-5107 800-228-5150 comfortinn.com/ires/hotel/mn413

Country Inn & Suites Hotel & Conference Center 1900 Premier Drive, Mankato 507-388-8555 800-456-4000 countryinns.com/mankatomn Courtyard by Marriott 901 Raintree Road, Mankato 507-388-1234 courtyardmankato.com Days Inn 1285 Range Street, Mankato 507-387-3332 800-DAYS-INN daysinn.com Fairfield Inn 141 Apache Place, Mankato 507-386-1220 800-228-2800 marriot.com/mktfi GrandStay Residential Suites 1000 Raintree Road, Mankato 507-388-8688 877-388-STAY grandstay.net

2014 Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato

Hilton Garden Inn 20 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato 507-344-1111 877-STAY-HGI mankatodowntown.stayhgi.com Holiday Inn Express Hotels & Suites 2051 Adams Street, Mankato 507-388-1880 hiexpress.com/mankatomn Mankato City Center Hotel 101 E. Main Street, Mankato 507-345-1234 877-345-5577 mankatomnhotel.com Microtel Inn & Suites 200 St. Andrews Drive, Mankato 507-388-2818 800-771-7171 microtelinn.com Rodeway Inn 111 W. Lind Court, Mankato 507-345-8800 800-315-2378

visitmankatomn.com

Rapidan Park 54116 Glory Lane, Mankato 507-546-9997

Lakeview Resort 22175 624 Avenue, Madison Lake 507-362-4616

Reinbold Sportsmen Campground 40050 30th Street, Janesville 507.-234-5440

Sakatah Trail Resort 24102 Greenland Road, Madison Lake 507-267-4000

CAMPGROUNDS

Sakatah Trail Campground 501 Cherry Avenue, Madison Lake 507-243-3886

Silverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resort 108 S. 1st Street, Elysian 507-267-4694

Shady Oaks Campground 340 Fairgrounds Street, Garden City 507-546-3986

Summer Breeze Resort 45872 Summer Breeze Lane, Cleveland 507-931-5992

Sawmill Campground 41392 520th Street, North Mankato 507-947-3735.

Wise Stop Resort 23981 Blue Marina Road, Cleveland 507-931-1843

Bray Park 22214 Oriole Road, Madison Lake 507-243-3885 Daly Park 11056 571st Lane, Mapleton 507-524-3000 Land of Memories Campground Hawley Road, Mankato 507-387-8649 Minneopa State Park Campground 54497 Gadwell Road, Mankato 507-389-5464 Point Pleasant Campgrounds 400 Sheppard Circle, Madison Lake 507-243-3072

mankatofreepress.com

RESORTS The Boatlanding Restaurant & Resort 805 Main, Madison Lake 507-243-9898 Beaver Dam Resort 46115 Beaver Dam Road, Cleveland 507-931-7376

accommodations

Super 8 Jct. of Hwy 169 N. & Hwy 14, Mankato 507-387-0600 800-800-8000 super8.com

Where to Eat

Mongolian Grill - Authentic Stir Fry 507-388-4550 1876 Madison Avenue, Mankato

101 Main Restaurant 507-345-1234 101 Main Street, Mankato

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery North Mankato 507-345-5021 1123 Range Street, North Mankato perkinsrestaurants.com

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar 507-386-1010 1900 Adams Street, Mankato applebees.com

Red Lobster 507-386-7007 1890 E. Madison Avenue, Mankato redlobster.com

Baker's Square 507-345-4240 1861 Madison Avenue, Mankato bakerssquare.com

Wagon Wheel Cafe 507-625-9604 609 South Front Street, Mankato

Pho Saigon 507-625-2300 1511 Madison Avenue, Mankato

Weggy's on Campus 507-720-6633 1600 Warren Street, Suite 13, Mankato

ShoGun Sushi and Hibachi 507-779-7088 1901 Madison Ave, #315, Mankato

Happy Chef Restaurant 507-388-2953 Hwy 169 North, North Mankato

Tokyo Sushi & Hibachi Inc. 507-388-3338 1829 Adams Street, Mankato

American Restaurant

Bonfire 507-625-8443 1910 Premier Drive, Mankato axelsbonfire.com Dickey's Barbecue Pit 507-625-4227 501 Holly Lane #150, Mankato dickeys.com

New Great Wall 507-345-5763 1814 Commerce Drive, North Mankato Panda Express Madison Avenue, Mankato

Grizzlyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Woodfire Grill & Steaks 507-385-1600 1700 Madison Avenue, Mankato grizzlysgrill.com

Asian

Tonn's Grocery Store & Restaurant 507-388-5710 617 South Front Street, Mankato

Asiana Buffet & Grill 507-779-7008 1010 Raintree Road, Mankato

Yu's Chinese Cuisine 507-389-9886 1601 Monks Avenue, Mankato

Guenther's Cafe 507-388-2336 1015 E. Madison Avenue, Mankato

China Buffet- Madison 507-385-0858 1770 Madison Avenue, Mankato

Bar & Grill

Hooligan's 507-625-9904 1400 Madison Avenue, Suite 210 Mankato

China Max 218-409-0346 River Hills Mall, Mankato

Noodles & Company 507-385-1166 1600 Warren Street, Suite 5, Mankato noodles.com Old Country Buffet 507-387-1190 1861 Adams Street, Mankato buffetsinc.com Panera Bread 507-387-7694 1901 Madison Avenue, Mankato panerabread.com Pappageorge Restaurant & Bar 507-387-8974 1028 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato pappageorge.net Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Mankato 507-385-1595 1790 Madison Avenue, Mankato perkinsrestaurants.com

China Star 507-625-8073 1857 Madison Avenue, Mankato China Wok 507-388-5959 625 Madison Avenue, Mankato Hunan Garden 507-625-8199 408 Belgrade Avenue, North Mankato Leeann Chin- Adams Street 507-388-8833 1850 Adams Street, Mankato Leeann Chin- University Square 507-625-8833 1600 Warren Street, Suite 2, Mankato Magic Wok 507-388-8311 1850 Adams St. #606, Mankato

2014 Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato

Blue Bricks 507-386-1700 424 Front Street South, Mankato bluebricksmankato.com Boomtown 507-625-9264 1610 Warren Street, Mankato boomtownmankato.com Boulder Tap House 507-344-1643 291 St. Andrews Drive, Mankato bouldertaphouse.com/mankato-mn Buffalo Wild Wings 507-625-9464 12 Civic Center Plaza #1715, Mankato buffalowildwings.com Buffalo Wild Wings- Hilltop 507-385-9464 301 St. Andrews Drive, Mankato buffalowildwings.com Buster's Sports Bar & Grill 507-389-8999 1325 Madison Avenue, Mankato bustersbar.com

visitmankatomn.com

South Street Saloon 507-387-6654 515 S. Front Street, Mankato

Hooligan's 507-625-9904 1400 Madison Avenue, Suite 210 Mankato

Tavern on the Avenue 507-345-3308 1120 Madison Avenue, Mankato thetavontheave.com

Jerry Dutler's Bowl & Rumors Lounge 507-387-3439 1247 Range Street, Mankato jerrydutlersbowl.com

The Underground 507-388-8000 12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 1B Mankato

Jonny B's 507-625-6276 1600 Warren Street, Mankato

Wow! Zone 507-625-2695 2030 Adams Street, Mankato wowzonefec.com

Loose Moose Saloon & Conference Center 507-345-1446 119 South Front Street, Mankato theloosemoosesaloon.com

Big Dog Sports Cafe 507-386-8463 1712 Commerce Drive North Mankato

Mickey's Sports Bar & Grill - Victory Bowl 507-387-7991 203 South Victory Drive, Mankato

NaKato Bar & Grill 507-388-8999 253 Belgrade Avenue, North Mankato

Midtown Tavern 507-345-1909 524 North Riverfront Drive Old Town Mankato

Roadhouse 169 Bar & Grill 507-387-7511 1006 North River Drive North Mankato

Mully's on Madison 507-388-1441 1030 Madison Avenue, Mankato

Spinners Bar & Grill 507-625-9751 301 Belgrade Avenue, North Mankato mankatospinners.com

Mum's The Word 507-625-5565 12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 1675 Mankato

Coffee

Oleander Saloon 507-625-9710 701 N. Riverfront, Mankato

Caribou Coffee 507-625-6101 1901 E. Madison Avenue, Mankato

Pub 500 507-625-6500 500 S. Front Street, Mankato pub500.com

DayBreak Internet CafĂŠ LLC 507-720-6486 251 Bunting Lane #101, Mankato

Red Rocks 507-625-4293 PO Box 1936, Mankato Rounders 507-388-7767 PO Box 1936, Mankato roundersbar.com Savoy Bar & Grill 507-385-0072 526 South Front Street, Mankato

mankatofreepress.com

Fillin' Station Coffeehouse 507-344-0345 630 South Front, Mankato Tandem Bagels 507-351-7147 200 East Walnut Street, Mankato tandembagels.com The Coffee Hag 507-387-5533 329 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato

Desserts Berry Blendz 507-345-8423 1600 Warren Street, Suite 12, Mankato berryblendz.com Cherry Berry - Mankato 507-346-5454 511 Holly Lane, Mankato cherryberryyogurtbar.com

Where to Eat

Chopps Bar 507-625-5090 521 South Front Street, Mankato

Cold Stone Creamery 507-344-8152 1600 Warren Street, Suite 4, Mankato coldstonecreamery.com Dairy Queen - River Hills 507-388-1375 River Hills Mall, Mankato Dairy Queen West 507-388-6451 25 Stolzman Road, Mankato dairyqueen.com/us-en Decadent Desserts 507-382-4998 530 N Riverfront Dr Ste 150, Mankato decadentdessertsonline.com Frozen Yogurt Creations 507-625-3001 1901 Madison Ave, Suite 450, Mankato Mom & Pop's 507-344-0629 629 N Riverfront Drive, Mankato momandpopsicecream.com Red Cherry Frozen Yogurt 507-388-8833 1850 Adams St River Hills Mall, Mankato leeannchin.com/frozen_yogurt.php

Indian Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine 507-385-1802 1802 Commerce Drive, North Mankato, MN

Fast Food Arby's - Madison Avenue 507-385-0535 1855 Madison Avenue, Mankato

Weggy's on Campus 507-720-6633 1600 Warren Street, Suite 13, Mankato

Arby's - S. Riverfront Drive 507-344-0002 520 S. Riverfront Drive, Mankato

Where to Eat

Burger King West 507-345-5516 1318 S. Riverfront Drive, Mankato Culver's Frozen Custard- Mankato 507-344-1554 1856 Madison Avenue, Mankato Culver's Frozen Custard - North Mankato 507-345-1680 1680 Commerce Drive, North Mankato Charleys Philly Steaks 1850 Adams Street, Suite 608 Mankato Erbert & Gerbert's Sandwich Shop Madison Avenue 507-385-1919 1780 Madison Avenue, Mankato Erbert & Gerbert's Sandwich Shop S. Front 507-386-0708 501 S. Front Street, Mankato

Erbert & Gerbert's Sandwich North Mankato 507-625-2121 1710 Commerce Drive, North Mankato Five Guys Burgers and Fries 507-385-1848 1920 Adams Street, Mankato Jersey Mike’s Subs – Riverfront 507-779-7200 500 South Riverfront Drive, Mankato

Massad's - RiverHills Mall 507-387-7111 1850 Adams St. #618, Mankato McDonald's Restaurant - Adams Street 507-625-7559 1921 Adams Street, Mankato

Jersey Mike's Subs - Hilltop 507-625-8454 1924 Adams Street, Mankato

McDonald's Restaurant Madison Avenue 507-345-3370 1411 Madison Ave nue, Mankato

Jimmy John's - Holly Lane 507-779-7557 511 Holly Lane #130, Mankato

McDonald's Restaurant - W. Lind Court 507-625-7199 150 W. Lind Court, Mankato

Jimmy Johns - Warren Street 507-388-4999 1600 Warren Street, Suite 16, Mankato

Pita Pit 507-345-4444 530 So. Front Street, Suite 210, Mankato

Kentucky Fried Chicken Madison Avenue 507-387-3611 1110 Madison Avenue, Mankato

Sbarro, Italian Eatery 507-387-6372 1850 Adams St. #614, Mankato

Long John Silvers Seafood 507-387-5383 1060 Madison Avenue,Mankato

Massad’s Mediterranean Grille – Campus 507-345-1123 1633 Monks Ave Suite 100, Mankato

2014 Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato

Subway - Monks Avenue 1633 Monks Ave, Suite 110, Mankato

visitmankatomn.com

Subway - Wal-Mart 507-386-7821 1881 Madison Avenue, Mankato

Taco John's - Madison Avenue 507-386-TACO 1040 Madison Avenue, Mankato

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant 507-345-7585 1880 Adams Street, Mankato

Subway Hwy. 169 507-386-7827 1102 N. River Drive, Mankato

Taco John's - North Broad 507-388-2836 2112 North Broad Court, Mankato

Subway Mankato Heights 507-385-7827 1901 Madison Avenue, Suite 140, Mankato

Taco John's - River Hills Mall 507-625-4975 1850 Adams Street, Mankato

Olives 507-386-1001 20 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato olivesmankato.com

Subway Restaurant - Sibley Parkway 507-625-7827 10 Sibley Parkway, Mankato

Taco John's - Lor Ray Drive NM 507-625-TACO 1601 Lor Ray Drive, North Mankato

Subway River Hills Mall 507-388-7827 1850 Adams Street, #620, Mankato

Taco John's - Range St. NM 507-344-TACO 1105 Range Street, North Mankato

Subway Village East 507-345-7827 2116 Hoffman Road, Mankato

Wendy's 507-625-1888 1545 Madison Avenue, Mankato

Subway-Commerce Drive 507-388-7821 1750 Commerce Drive, North Mankato

Wetzel's Pretzels 507-625-6317 1850 Adams Street, Mankato

Taco Bell 507-345-6159 1819 Madison Ave., Mankato

Fine Dining

Your Table Is Waiting We are proud to be one of Mankatoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest restaurants. We offer a family atmosphere as well as excellent food.

Neighbor's Italian Bistro 507-625-6776 1812 S. Riverfront Drive, Mankato neighborsitalianbistro.com Number 4 American Bar & Kitchen 507-344-1444 124 East Walnut Street, Mankato number4mankato.com

Where to Eat

Charley's Restaurant 507-388-6845 920 Madison Avenue, Mankato charleysrestaurantmankato.com

Pappageorge Restaurant & Bar 507-387-8974 1028 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato pappageorge.net

Mexican Chipotle Mexican Grill - Madison Avenue 507-385-1883 1851 Madison Avenue, Mankato Chipotle Mexican Grill - University Square 507-388-1222 1600 Warren Street, Suite 1, Mankato La Terraza Mexican Grill and Bar 507-344-0607 1404 Madison Avenue, Mankato Las Brazas 507-387-6364 500 South Riverfront Drive, Mankato Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant 507-625-2406 1525 Tullamore Street, Mankato elmazatlanfood.com Mexican Village Restaurant 507-387-4455 1630 Madison Avenue, Mankato mexicanvillagemankato.com Zanz Mexican Restaurant 507-388-4789 1041 Madison Avenue, Mankato

Voted #1 Steak

2012-2013 Mankato Magazine Restaurant & Lounge 507-388-6845 920 Madison Ave. mankatofreepress.com

Where to Eat

Las Fronteras Authentic Mexican Grill & Cantina 507-344-1020 503 Belgrade Avenue, North Mankato lasfronterasmexicangrill.com

Jake's Stadium Pizza - Mankato 507-345-3185 330 Stadium Rd Suite 100, Mankato

Pizza

Pagliai's Pizza 507-345-6080 524 S. Front Street, Mankato

Dino's Gourmet Pizzeria 507-385-3466 239 Belgrade Avenue, North Mankato Domino's Downtown 507-625-3666 814 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato Domino's Hilltop 507-625-7711 300 Stadium Road, Mankato Gary's Pizza 507-388-1233 923 S. Front Street, Mankato Godfather's Pizza - Mankato 507-388-7765 1521 Tullamore Street, Mankato

Little Caesars 507-387-6000 1100 South Riverfront Drive, Mankato

Papa John's 507-387-2345 826 S. Front Street, Mankato Pizza Hut - Riverfront Drive 507-388-2973 930 Riverfront Drive, Mankato Pizza Ranch - Mankato 507-386-7077 1551 Tullamore Street, Mankato Toppers Pizza 507-386-8282 1101 S. Front Street, Mankato

Care for People of All Ages and Development Levels 24 hours a day / 365 days a year Services: Babysitter • Nanny Respite • Housekeeping ONSITE Childcare for Corporate Events and Parties Choose from an array of highly qualiﬁed candidates from the local area.

4 Hours of Service for the Cost of 3! Expires Dec. 31, 2014

info@marypoppinsnannyservice.com marypoppinsnannyservice.com

507-351-8787

INTRODUCES YOUR

In addition to the MSP Airport, Land to Air Express now offers multiple daily trips from Mankato to Rochester and Southern MN destinations in between. Convenient Mankato shuttles are still available every day to and from the Minneapolis International Airport.

Visit landtoairexpress.com or call 507-625-3977

Choose Kasasa – ®

free checking that pays.

Go to Kasasa.com/PioneerBank for your free account.

2014 Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato

visitmankatomn.com

Art Galleries 410 Project 507-382-9921 523 S. Front Street, Mankato Carnegie Art Center 507-625-2730 120 S. Broad Street, Mankato

Wow! Zone 507-625-2695 2030 Adams Street, Mankato wowzonefec.com

Golf

Twin Rivers Council for the Arts 507-387-1008 523 South 2nd Street, Mankato twinriversarts.org

Minneopa Golf Course 507-625-5777 410 Pintail Street, Mankato minneopa.com

Entertainment Center Jerry Dutler's Bowl & Rumors Lounge 507-387-3439 1247 Range Street , Mankato jerrydutlersbowl.com Lincoln Community Center 507-387-5501 110 Fulton, Mankato Mickey's Sports Bar & Grill - Victory Bowl 507-387-7991 203 South Victory Drive, Mankato Minnesota State University, Mankato Centennial Student Union 507-389-2224 220 Centennial Student Union, Mankato csu.mnsu.edu Verizon Wireless Center 507-389-3000 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato verizonwirelesscentermn.com

North Links Golf Course and Banquet Facility 507-947-3355 41553 - 520th Street, North Mankato northlinksgolf.com Terrace View Golf Course 507-625-7665 PO Box 3225, Mankato

Museums Betsy-Tacy Society 507-345-9777 332 Center Street, Mankato betsy-tacysociety.org Blue Earth County Historical Society 507-345-5566 415 Cherry Street, Mankato bechshistory.com Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota 507-386-0279 121 E. Cherry Street, Mankato cmsouthernmn.org

Right care. Right place. Right time.

Sporting & Adventure All Season's Arena 507-387-6552 1251 Monks Avenue, Mankato Bent River Outfitter 507-388-2368 530 North Riverfront Drive, Suite B30 Mankato bentriveroutfitter.com Chesley Skate Park 507-387-8222 161 Jaycee Park, Mankato Drive-a-Tank 507-835-5607 550 W. Cherry, Kasota Mankato Family YMCA 507-387-8255 1401 S. Riverfront Drive, Mankato mankatoymca.org Mankato MoonDogs 507-625-7047 1221 Caledonia Street, Mankato mankatomoondogs.com Mankato Recreation/Community Services Department 507-387-5501 110 Fulton Street, Mankato Minnesota State University, Mankato Intercollegiate Athletics 507-389-6111 135 Myers Field House, Mankato msumavericks.com

Minor illness and injury happen at the most inconvenient times. At our Urgent Care location we can help you get back to your day quickly. No appointment necessary.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato Eastridge 101 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive | mayoclinichealthsystem.org

mankatofreepress.com

What to Do

Marian Anderson Art Gallery 507-345-5566 415 Cherry Street, Mankato

Mankato Golf Club 507-387-5676 100 Augusta Drive, Mankato mankatogolfclub.com

Historic R.D. Hubbard House 507-345-5566 606 South Broad Street, Mankato

Mount Kato Ski Area 507-625-3363 20461 Hwy. 66 Mankato mountkato.com

What to Do

Theatre, Music & Dance Carmike Stadium Cinema 6 507-625-3456 220 Stadium Road Mankato carmike.com

Just a Stones Throw Away

Cinemark Movies 8 507-625-3553 River Hills Mall, 1850 Adams St. #15 Mankato cinemark.com Mankato Ballet 507-625-7716 155 Chesnut Street, Mankato mankatoballet.com

Merely Players Community Theatre, Inc. 507-388-5483 523 South Second Street, Mankato merelyplayers.com Minnesota State University, Mankato Theatre & Dance 507-389-2118 201 Performing Arts Center, Mankato mnsu.edu/theatre

Mankato Symphony Orchestra 507-625-8880 523 South 2nd Street, Mankato mankatosymphony.com

LUXURIOUS YARNS AFFORDABLE PRICES

A PLACE TO KNIT, CROCHET, & RELAX FEATURING UNIQUE GIFTS FROM LOCAL ARTISTS

605 N. RIVERFRONT DR. MANKATO

388-YARN

The Big Blue House on 169 in St. Peter Patty Conlin, Goldsmith/Gallery Owner 420 N. Minnesota, St. Peter 507.934.5655 | stonesthrowgallery.org

(9276)

WWW. MARYLUESYARN. COM M,T,W,F 10-5:30, TH 10-8, SAT 10-5 SUN 12-4 (OCT THRU APRIL)

2014 Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato

visitmankatomn.com

TO C A B KA 388-RIDE

LET US DO THE DRIVING Available 24 Hours A Day

Prompt • Friendly • Convenient Senior Discount Available

Shopping Events Nightlife

388-7433 Mankato Area

Trust the specialists for state-of-the-art medical and surgical eye care using the latest advanced technology. • Outpatient Cataract Surgery • Laser & General Eye Surgery

Lingua One Professional Interpreting & Translation Service. Over 200 languages available. Services Available: • Onsite Interpreting • Telephonic Interpreting • Video Remote Interpreting • Document Translation

Quality Eyecare

507.351.8787 www.lingua-one.com

mankatofreepress.com

345-6151 • 1630 Adams Street • Mankato mankatoeyedoctors.com

Dutchmen • Denali Flagstaff • Cedar Creek Lifestyle • Innsbruck

Licensed Trainers • Qualified & Certified Interpreters Certified Translators

Good Shepherd

of Mankato P.A.

& Lasik Center

Complete RV Sales, Parts, Accessory Store & Service Department

Language Venues: • Schools • Business • Court • Law Enforcement • Medical/Dental • Travel & More!

Lutheran Church of the

• Glaucoma Evals • Diabetic Eye Exams • Lesion Removal

John E. Hoines, M.D. • Gerald A. Roust, M.D. • Seth A. Consoer, M.D. Emily S. Birkholz, M.D. • Steven O. Anderson, M.D.

Many Languages. One Company. One Voice.

Grow in God’s Truth Show Jesus’ Love

• Medical Eye Exams • Lasik Surgery • Cataract Evals

Camping Adventures Begin at Keepers RV! Hwy. 22 South, Mankato

507-625-4647 • www.keepersrv.com Sunday Worship: 9:00 AM Sunday Classes: 10:15 AM

Missouri Synod 2101 Lor Ray Drive North Mankato (1 mi. N. of Highway 14) Pastor Vance Becker 388-4336 goodshepherd57@juno.com goodshepherdmankato.org

Good Shepherd Lutheran School Little Lambs Preschool All-day Kindergarten Elementary 1-8 2101 Lor Ray Drive North Mankato 388-4336

goodshepherdmankato.org/school

Beacon Lutheran Campus Center-Wels 507-345-4511 1506 Warren Street, Mankato

Where to Worship

Bethel Baptist Church BGC 507-345-4011 1250 Monks Avenue, Mankato Bethlehem Lutheran Church 507-388-2925 720 S. Second Street, Mankato Calvary Lutheran Church ELCA 507-278-3317 19216 Rapidan Avenue, Mankato Campus Lutheran Chapel & Student Center-LCMS 507-387-6587 329 Ellis Avenue, Mankato Centenary United Methodist Church 507-387-4074 501 South 2nd, Mankato Chi Alpha Campus Ministries 507-387-7761 502 South Victory Drive, Mankato Christ Church 507-469-0091 210 Pohl Road, Mankato

Christ Our Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church 507-345-4867 Co Road 33 & Birch Avenue, Mankato Christ the King Lutheran Church ELCA 507-345-5056 222 Pfau Street, Mankato Church of Christ 507-387-2521 1210 Warren Street, Mankato Community Christian Church 507-385-2085 518 South 5th Street, Mankato Covenant Family Church 507-345-1586 PO Box 1205, Mankato Crossroads Lutheran Campus Ministry-ELCA 507-625-6779 331 Dillon Avenue, Mankato Dar Abi Bakr Islamic Center 507-386-1797 329 East Plum Street, Mankato

Whoever you are, Wherever you are on life’s journey, YOU are welcome here… 46

2014 Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato

Dial-A-Meditation 507-345-3111 600 Lind Street, Mankato Elevate Church 507-386-1100 191 N Victory Drive, Mankato Family Fellowship Church 507-380-3469 56952 Juneau Road, Mankato First Christian Church 507-387-2197 1735 East Main, Mankato First Congregational UCC 507-387-6592 150 Stadium Court, Mankato First Lutheran Church ELCA 507-934-3060 1114 West Traverse Road, Mankato First Presbyterian Church - Mankato 507-387-2160 220 East Hickory, Mankato Good Shepherd Lutheran Church & School LCMS 507-388-4336 2101 Lor Tay Drive, Mankato

Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. 150 Stadium Ct. Mankato, MN 507-387-6592

First Congregational UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST www.mankatoucc.org

An Open & Affirming - “God is Still Speaking” - Congregation

visitmankatomn.com

Grace Baptist Church 507-388-9355 600 Lind Street, Mankato

Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church 507-345-3027 421 N. Second Street, Mankato

Our Savior's Lutheran Church- Mankato 507-385-2180 1103 North Broad Street, Mankato

Grace Lutheran Church ELCA 507-345-4248 320 East Main Street, Mankato

Kaleo Church 1250 Monks Avenue, Mankato

Seventh Day Adventist Church 507-625-8625 210 Pohl Road, Mankato

Hillside Church 507-345-7554 502 S. Victory Drive, Mankato Hilltop United Methodist 507-387-3877 108 South Manitou Drive, Mankato

Knights of Columbus 507-388-6065 2409 North Ridge Drive, Mankato Mankato Church of Christ 507-387-2521 1210 Warren, Mankato Middleground Ministry 507-388-8457 119 Gwyn Avenue, Mankato

Hope Baptist Church 507-387-3222 150 Jaycee Court, Mankato

Mount Olive Lutheran Church & School-ELS 507-345-4966 1123 Marsh Street, Mankato

Hope Interfaith Center 507-386-1242 808 North 2nd Street, Mankato

Newman Center 507-387-4154 1331 Warren Street, Mankato

Hosanna Lutheran Church-LCMS 507-388-1766 105 Hosanna Avenue, Mankato

Nile Christian Hope Association 507-388-6194 220 East Hickory Street, Mankato

mankatofreepress.com

Where to Worship

Greater Mankato Area Catholic Churches 507-388-2995 632 South Broad Street, Mankato

St. John Lutheran Church-LCMS 507-278-3835 55209 190th Street, Mankato St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 507-625-3131 632 Broad Street, Mankato St. John's Episcopal Church 507-388-1969 PO Box 1119, Mankato St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church 507-388-3766 423 West 7th Street, Mankato St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church (Wels) 507-388-2013 502 West 7th, Mankato St. Peter & Paul's Catholic Church 507-388-2995 105 North 5th Street, Mankato

Where to Worship

The Holy Christian Church Mankato 507-625-3989 PO Box 184, Mankato

Evangelical Free Church of Mankato 507-345-7451 354 Carol Court, North Mankato

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Mankato 507-388-5022 937 Charles Avenue, Mankato

Holy Rosary Catholic Church 507-388-2017 527 Grant Avenue, North Mankato

United Campus Ministry 507-345-7806 150 Stadium Court, Mankato

St. Paul's Lutheran Church 507-345-7049 304 Monroe Avenue, North Mankato

Good Council

Jehovah's Witnesses 507-388-5757 420 Marie Lane, North Mankato Jesus Assembly of God 507-934-1468 722 Sunrise Drive, St. Peter

United Pentecostal Church 507-388-1331 119 State Street, Mankato Word of Life Free Lutheran Church AFLC 507-387-3857 20013 Stolzman Road, Mankato Belgrade Avenue United Methodist Church 507-625-3759 325 Sherman, North Mankato Crossview Covenant Church 507-387-5606 2000 Howard Drive, North Mankato

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 507-388-4336 2101 Lor Ray Drive, North Mankato Messiah Lutheran Church, ELCA 507-387-5537 1706 Lee Blvd., North Mankato New Creation World Outreach Church 507-388-7771 1124 North River Drive, North Mankato Peace Lutheran Church-ELC 507-385-1386 2090 Commerce Drive, North Mankato

JESUS.

Come as you are.

Sunday Worship: 9:00AM, 10:30AM and 6:30PM Sunday School 9:30AM Wednesday: 5:45-6:15PM Free Community Supper 6:30PM JAG Student Ministries • Awanas K-6 • Nursery Adult Prayer & Bible Study

• Reaching the Lost • Teaching the Word of God • Prayer and Worship • Encouraging People • Commitment to Children and Young People • Preparing People for Works of Service

Jesus Assembly of God

722 Sunrise Drive • St. Peter • (507) 934-1468

www.jesusassembly.org • jesusaog@hickorytech.net Senior Pastor: Greg Stone • Youth Pastor: Jimmy Leasure Childrens Ministries: Jeff Stone • Executive Pastor: Kim Spiess

Grace Baptist Church Grace Christian School (K4-12) and Daycare

507-388-9355 600 Lind Street, Mankato www.gbcmankato.org

BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

1250 Monks Ave, Mankato MN 507-345-4011 Worship Services: 8:30; 9:45 and 11 am Sunday School: 9:45 am

www.bethelmankato.com

Praying for peace…feeding the hungry…housing the homeless…working for justice and reconciliation…

What in the world is the Episcopal Church up to?

Using Scripture, Tradition and Reason to give Hope to those without Hope 302 Warren St., Mankato, 507.388.1969 Visit our website for worship schedules stjohnsmankato.org proclaiming God’s love through Jesus Christ…welcoming all people…celebrating diversity…making history…transforming lives…

2014 Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato

visitmankatomn.com

Welcome Home Realty

The area’s most affordable casual dining spot!

$500

Let Us Welcome You Home 113 N. Broad St., Mankato cbwelcomehome.com

$25 purchase with coupon (regular priced menu items)

HOOLIGAN’S 507-625-9904

Good thru 12/31/2014

Coupons

507-387-1131

OFF

Located just blocks from River Hills Mall behind Madison East Center in Mankato

{ A PLACE FOR GATHERING }

507-720-6533 | 200 East Walnut www.tandembagels.com

Distinctive Women’s Clothing & Accessories SAVE 5

$ See other si for details de .

Producing fine, award winning wines from our own vineyard! From Mankato take Hwy. 14E to Smith’s Mill, right on Cty. Rd. 37 for 5 miles.

Janesville • 507-234-6222 Offering Licensed & Insured MOVING Service

Open March thru December. See website for details. www.indianislandwinery.com

BUY

Burgers or Wraps and Get the 3rd

507.625.9751

301 Belgrade Ave • N. Mankato www.spinnersbar.com

mankatofreepress.com

Fashion, Style & Personal Attention

25% Off

One Item Must present coupon. Not good with other discounts. Excludes Brighton, Bud to Rose, Lisette, Smartwool and NYDJ. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Expires 12/31/14.

FREE

Exp. Dec. 31, 2014

Hwy 22 N, Mankato • 507-344-1656 • M–F 10:30 to 6, Sat. 10:30 to 5

FREE

The area’s most affordable Buy 1 DRINK, casual Get 1 DRINK dining spot!

Radon Testing or Sewer Scoping

FREE Limit 1 free drink per customer, per day. Coupon good for up to 2 people. Not good with any other offers or discounts.

upon closing of home purchase with

HOOLIGAN’S

Welcome Home Realty

507-625-9904

507-387-1131

Expires: 12/31/2014 MUST HAVE COUPON

Bowling, Laser Tag or Mini Golf Buy 1 Game, Get 2nd Game FREE! $6.95 Value

Limit one coupon per new customer. Exp. 12/31/14.

{ BRING YOUR FRIENDS }

St.

{ }

Good for same game only. Limit one coupon per person. Exp. 12/31/14

11 A.M. TIL 2 A.M. 500 SOUTH FRONT STREET CITY CENTER MANKATO 507•625•6500 www.pub500.com

Find our daily specials on our Facebook page

•

Distinctive Women’s Clothing & Accessories Helping you look your best with beautiful, contemporary fashions, shoes, jewelry & accessories.

25% Off

FREE

Wine Tasting when you buy one at regular price ($5 value) Must present coupon. Not good with other discounts. Limit one coupon per person. Expires 12/31/14

www.indianislandwinery.com

Offering Licensed & Insured MOVING Service

One Item Must present coupon. Not good with other discounts. Excludes Brighton, Bud to Rose, Lisette, Smartwool and NYDJ. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Expires 12/31/14.

Hwy 22 N, Mankato • 507-344-1656 • M–F 10:30 to 6, Sat. 10:30 to 5

4 BURGER BASKETS & A PITCHER OF BEER for

$25.00

Not valid with any other offer. 301 Belgrade Avenue • 625-9751 • Expires 12/31/14

2014 Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato

visitmankatomn.com

WELCOME TO

2014

ENJOY YOUR STAY! Minnesota State High School League Girls’ Softball Tournament: June 5th & 6th

North Mankato Triathlon: June 28th

Blues on Belgrade: July 26th

North Mankato Fun Days: July 9th–13th

Oktoberfest: September 27th

www.northmankato.com

The Perfect Destination

The Perfect Experience.

The perfect destination for experiencing hand-crafted artisan wines. Award-Winning Wines | Outdoor Tasting Patio Winery Tours | Woodfired Pizza | Live Entertainment

KASOTA, MINNESOTA 507-931-0089 WWW.CHANKASKAWINES.COM