Small-Town Hospitality, Big-City Vibes: The Ultimate Guide to Greater Mankato

Kayaking in Red Jacket Park, Mankato © Kvidt Creative LLC

Small-Town Hospitality, Big-City Vibes: The Ultimate Guide to Greater Mankato

Greater Mankato, located just 75 miles southwest of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro, offers travelers adventure, delicious dining, fun entertainment, and rich cultural experiences throughout all four seasons. Here, you can find charming small-town hospitality mixed with big-city amenities, making this the perfect destination for a fun getaway for family and friends. Our community offers experiences you would expect from a major metro and the charm you can get only from a close-knit community.

Outdoor Adventure

Nestled in the beautiful Minnesota River Valley in the heart of Southern Minnesota, Greater Mankato provides opportunities for a broad array of activities surrounded by scenic vistas of river valleys and bluffs that await outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Spend a warm summer day kayaking, enjoy an autumn hike at one of the area’s scenic parks or trails, experience the thrill of a downhill ski run, or meander through beautiful gardens in full bloom. Greater Mankato’s natural landscape provides our region with opportunities for endless outdoor adventures any time of the year.

Arts & Culture

Mankato is a thriving arts community with quality theatre, music, dance, and visual arts programs. Applaud a rousing theatre production, immerse yourself in a story told through the beauty of dance, peruse a gallery full of artwork by talented local artists, or reconnect under the stars at an outdoor concert. You’ll find art everywhere you turn. Check out the awe-inspiring Silo Art mural that wraps 135-foot-tall silos in Old Town. The lifelike art tells a story of the history, diversity, and inclusion of Greater Mankato. You can also take the CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour, a rotating exhibit of outdoor sculptures displayed year-round featuring work by artists from around the world.

Retail Therapy

Spend some time exploring the local shops in Greater Mankato, where you will find a variety of Southern Minnesota’s delicious flavors, specialty items, and hidden gems. Greater Mankato is home to quaint shops and boutiques that offer a distinctive blend of specialty goods, local artisan wares, and unique gifts.

Food & Drink

Whether you’re stopping for a quick bite during a busy day, a casual lunch, or seeking a fine dining experience, Greater Mankato has many restaurants to satisfy your appetite. Savor a glass of the good stuff at one of Greater Mankato’s wineries or breweries—each offering a unique experience. From grape stomps to murder mystery parties, live music to tours, each venue serves up an array of fun and relaxing events that complement their signature flavor.

Concerts & Events

Greater Mankato has a great lineup of events that happen throughout the year. Mankato’s entertainment district, located in the heart of the City Center, is home to the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center and state-of-the-art performing arts center, which has a full calendar of exciting events, concerts, and shows from popular world-renowned performers. In the warmer months, enjoy concerts in the open air at Vetter Stone Amphitheater for epic performances under the stars. The venue is also host to Ribfest, an annual festival showcasing ribbers from around the United States, as well as iconic performances from national recording artists.

Head to visitmankatomn.com to learn more about all that Greater Mankato has to offer.