area rivers, lakes, p ds & p ls

Since Minnesota is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” it’s no surprise that ample opportunities to enjoy the water await you in this beautiful state. Mankato, in particular, has a number of fantastic options for you to get outside and make waves. Whether you like canoeing, kayaking, boating or simply opting for a quick swim, Mankato’s stellar reputation with outdoor enthusiasts is well earned.

Rivers

Blue Earth County boasts more river shore than any other county in Minnesota. Greater Mankato’s two largest rivers are the Minnesota and Blue Earth Rivers. Both offer several must- see stopping points. While traveling down the Minnesota River, you’ll be able to see the incredible Silo Art mural.

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, with three separate platforms and impressive height.; and don’t forget Big Moe, a glacier boulder in the middle of the river, for photos or a picnic.

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

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 or long trip—whichever you prefer.

Blue Earth River

• Sibley Park

• Land of Memories Park

• County Road 90 Bridge

• Rapidan Dam Park

Minnesota River

• Sibley Park

• Land of Memories

• Kiwanis Mountain

Bike Trail & Skills Park

• Riverfront Park

• Seven Mile Creek Park

Big Cobb and Le Sueur Rivers

• County Road 10 & 16 Bridge

• Red Jacket Trail Park

Waterfalls

If you love waterfalls, you are in luck with our area featuring two of the best waterfalls in the state. The word Minneopa means water falling twice in the Dakota language, which is perfect considering the incredible double waterfall that can be found at Minneopa State Park with trails to hike along the bluffs or down to the bottom of the waterfall.

Lake Washington

Situated approximately 10 miles northeast of Mankato, Lake Washington is the largest lake in the area. Residents and visitors alike flock to this beautiful body of water for fishing and water sports of all kinds like paddle boarding and jet skiing. Fishermen, in particular, are drawn here because of the plentiful crappies, bass, northern pike, and walleye. Camping and picnic spots are available as well.

Madison Lake

Less than 15 miles east of Mankato, Madison Lake is best known for fishing, swimming, and boating. Bray Park features camping, a fishing dock, swim beaches, and kayak and paddle board rentals. Quaint shops and restaurants offer an enticing distraction away from the heat.

Duck Lake

This popular day-use park offers volleyball, picnicking, swimming, boat launching, a playground area and great fishing for crappies, sunfish, walleye, northerns, and bass.

Ballantyne Lake

Just a quick jaunt down the road from Duck Lake is another great location to launch your boat and cast a line for some, perch, walleye, northern, bass and more!

Lake George

This small day-use park, which is about 3.5 miles northeast of the City of Madison Lake, offers great recreation with a picnic area, swimming beach, boat launch, playground area and fishing dock to catch large-mouth bass, northern, crappies, and sunfish.

LakeJefferson

Slightly smaller and farther northeast than Lake Washington and Madison Lake, Lake Jefferson offers water enthusiasts opportunities for swimming, boating, skiing, paddle boarding, and other outdoor activities. The lake is known to anglers as a spot that is populated with a plentiful amount of bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye.

Tourtellotte Pool

Open from June through August, Tourtellotte Pool offers a more traditional and inviting city swimming pool experience for your family. Featuring an Olympic-sized pool, with both a diving well and heated wading pool, you can take advantage of the general and lap swim times as well as family nights for a small fee. The facility is outdoors, staffed by lifeguards and has concessions available for purchase. If you’d like to hang around the pool a little longer or celebrate a birthday or special occasion, the pool has fully-equipped picnic shelters and other outdoor activities on-site.

Fallenstein Splash Pad

Located next to the west parking lot of Caswell Park next to the Fallenstein Playground, the 4,500 square foot splash pad with a spray area covering about 2,800 feet of fun for the whole family.

Spring Lake Park

Spring Lake Park features the newest swimming pool with a lot of bells and whistles including a zip line, climbing wall and a shallow play area for the tots. But if swimming isn’t your thing, Spring Lake is also ideal for fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Additionally, two playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, ball fields, a walking trail and picnic shelters add endless hours of outdoor family fun.

Hiniker Pond

Located on the north side of town, Hiniker Pond is a natural retreat in Mankato, perfect for a day of family fishing and swimming. The 55-acre park is home to a 28-acre spring-fed pond with outstanding water quality. The sandy beach, open from 9 a.m. to sunset during the summer, draws a crowd looking for an outdoor respite and room to relax and spread out. You can fish from the handicapped-accessible pier, picnic with friends or family, or take a peaceful stroll through the trails. The pond also has a shelter that can be reserved for a dedicated space.

Red Jacket Valley Park

Located 2.5 miles southwest of Mankato city limits, the Red Jacket Valley Park is a scenic area designed for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, hiking, and picnicking. There is a beach area on the south side of the pond and wooded walking trails throughout the park. The pond contains sunfish, crappies, perch, and northern for some fun fishing. Across the road is access to the Le Sueur River, Red Jacket Trail and Red Jacket Trestle Bridge.

Ice Skating

Skate in one of Mankato’s 11 parks with outdoor skating rinks. Too cold? All Season’s Arena offers an indoor skating rink with affordable skate rentals. Just for fun or challenge your friends to a game of hockey, there’s plenty to do on the rink.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a beloved pastime during the winter for many anglers on Greater Mankato’s area lakes, ponds, and rivers when conditions are favorable. Get geared up and pick your spot for a great catch.

Sledding

Grab a sled or tube and head to the legendary Sibley Park or Spring Lake 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.

Snowbiking

Fat Tire Bikes are best experienced along packed trails. Head to Seven Mile Creek Park, Kiwanis Recreation Area, Ft. LeHillier Trail, or Indian Lake Conservation Area to try it yourself.

Snowmobiling

There are 160 miles of trails for snowmobilers in Blue Earth County. Snowmobilers should visit theMinnesota Department of Natural Resources websiteto find detailed maps of available snowmobile routes.

Snowshoeing

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MANKATO NEVER GOES INTO WINTER HIBERNATION.

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 beginner or experienced cross country skier.

Down-Hill Skiing

Down-hill skiers 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 recuperation and dining. What’s new?

Looking for a unique experience in our parks and on our trails this winter? Give snowshoeing a try! This activity allows you to experience winter in all its wonder. Rent snowshoes from Nicollet Bike & Ski Shop or book a tour with Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Maverick Adventures. Looking for a snowshoe and winery combo? Bring your snowshoes and tour around the scenic landscapes home to one of our wineries, Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery. After exploring the snowcovered trails, enjoy the warmth of a cozy atmosphere and taste of select cheeses and local vino.

Outdoor winter sports in Mankato get you exploring great hills and trails on skis, snowshoes, snowmobiles, and snow bikes. Winter Adventure Video

Mount Kato is now part of the Indy Pass which provides two days each at 100+ independent resorts.

H Ked Fishing

Written by AJ Dahm

Whether you are a seasoned sport fisherman looking to win a tournament, or simply want a weekend fishing getaway with your kids, Mankato has what you are looking for. From shore, boat, kayak or canoe, you can cast your line into the area's many rivers, lakes, and ponds. Here you’ll find some of the best fishing available in the upper Midwest.

Many of our lakes have very nice boat ramp accesses and very accessible public docks you can use for fishing. There are a number of local hot spots in the area depending on what type of fish you are hoping to hook. Tom Davis, a home grown National Professional Walleye Tournament angler and all around local fishing expert, says, “Southern Minnesota has some of the best fishing opportunities found anywhere in our state. Walleye, bass, pike, and panfish, to blue gills, crappies, and perch are all very abundant. Because our southern Minnesota lakes are rich in nutrition, the fish grow very fast, and all make excellent table fare.”

For anglers visiting in spring, Seven Mile Creek between Mankato and St. Peter offers scenic Brown Trout fishing. The ponds at Paul’s Creek near St. Peter offer great rainbow trout fishing each spring when they are stocked in the thousands by the DNR, creating a truly unique fishing experience.

Our abundant river system offers excellent fishing from shore, canoe, kayak or small boats as well. Local bait and tackle shops can get you outfitted and provide up to date fishing reports to help you snag a great catch of the day.