Attractions
Attractions From museums and historical sites to sporting events and vineyards, Greater Mankato boasts a number of attractions sure to appeal to visitors year round. August Schell's Brewing Co. 1860 Schell's Road, New Ulm 507.354.5528 schellbrewery.com A-3 Schell's Brewing Co. is the second oldest familyowned 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. Daily tours are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Betsy-Tacy 332 Center Street, Mankato 507.345.9777 betsy-tacysociety.org E-6 The Betsy-Tacy Society is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Maud Hart Lovelace (1892-1980), beloved author of the famed children's series of Betsy-Tacy books. Tacy’s House serves as society headquarters, gift shop and interpretive center. Both Betsy’s and Tacy’s houses are National Literary Landmarks. Tacy’s House is open on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Betsy-Tacy Bench Blue Earth County Historical Society Heritage Center 415 E. Cherry Street, Mankato 507.345.5566 bechshistory.com F-5 The Heritage Center serves as the home for the BECHS’s museum, research center and store. It is open year-round, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. & Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery 1179 E. Pearl Street, Kasota chankaskawines.com The Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery is located on a former historic farm site on a bluff of the Minnesota River. The new winery and retail store,
18
opening in May 2012, is on the top of a hill overlooking the farm site and the meandering Chankaska Creek. The 15-acre winery will include a 10-acre vineyard, trail system, sculpture park, amphitheater and indoor/outdoor event spaces. CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour cityartmankato.com The CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour is a walking tour in the City Center of Mankato and North Mankato. It features 20 sculptures with a variety of styles, types, materials and sizes. City Center Market 209 Riverfront Drive, Mankato 507.382.7727 citycentermarketmankato.org Enjoy low cost unique shopping, entertainment and local eats at the City Center Market. Good Counsel 170 Good Counsel Drive, Mankato 507.389.4200 ssndmankato.org H-3 The beautiful home for the School Sisters of Notre Dame was built on a bluff overlooking the Minnesota River Valley in 1912. Daily mass is open to the public. Hubbard House Good Counsel Chapel 606 S. Broad Street, Mankato 507.345.5566 bechshistory.com Open May-September F-5 The Hubbard House is one of the finest examples of Victorian style homes in Mankato. The house was built in several stages, beginning in 1871. After serving as the home of R.D. Hubbard and his family for 67 years, the house is now a museum for the Blue Earth County Historical Society.
visitgreatermankato.com
Attractions
Indian Island Winery 18018 631 Avenue, Janesville 507.234.6222 indianislandwinery.com The Indian Island Winery was built on a site once used by Native Americans as a summer hunting camp. Although it is now used for the family-run winery, artifacts are often found on the grounds. Jack McGowan’s Farm 2001 Hawkeye Lane, Mankato 507.388.3361 A-9 hickorytech.net/~mcgowan Visit Jack McGowan’s Farm to enjoy many different activities between May and October. McGowan’s Farm holds History Fest every year on the second weekend of October.
Mankato Area Farmers Market Mankato Area Farmers Market Madison East Center, 1400 Madison Avenue, Mankato 507.420.8711 H-4 mankatofarmersmarket.com The Market operates every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning from May until late October. Mankato MoonDogs 601 Reed Street, Mankato 507.625.7047 H-4 mankatomoondogs.com The MoonDogs are a collegiate summer team playing in the Northwoods League. They play at Franklin Rogers Park from June until mid-August (see schedule, page 10). Special events and fanfriendly promotions are part of the fun. Tickets can be purchased at the game or at 507.625.7047. Mankato Brewery 1119 Center Street North Mankato 507.386.2337 E-4 mankatobrewery.com Experience some local flavor at the Mankato Brewery. Tour the brewery, which was established in 2010 and enjoy a taste of this German inspired brew.
Morgan Creek Vineyards Morgan Creek Vineyards 23707 478th Avenue, New Ulm 507.947.3547 A-6 morgancreekvineyards.com The winery overlooks a magnificent oak tree surrounded by groves and vineyards. Morgan Creek Vineyard’s underground winery provides the perfect temperature for wine production and creates an inviting atmosphere for visitors. The winery offers seasonal performing arts and culinary events, live music, appetizers and, of course, wine tastings. Rapidan Dam State Highway 66, Rapidan 507.546.9997 B-9 Built in 1911 by Consumer Power Company as a hydroelectric power generator, the Rapidan Dam now provides public water access to the Blue Earth River, as well as views of rock bluffs, wooded hills, rapids and waterfalls. Be sure to stop by the Dam Store and have a slice of Dam Pie while you’re there.
Rapidan Dam Verizon Vikings Training Camp Minnesota State University, Mankato Blakeslee Field, Mankato vikings.com F-7 Vikings fans flock to Greater Mankato each summer to watch the team practice and scrimmage. Practices are held at Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Blakeslee Field. Fans can get player autographs and take part in fun events. Camp begins at the end of July and runs through early August.
mankatofreepress.com
Parks & Trails
Parks & Trails The rolling hills of the lush Minnesota River Valley sport many wonderful trails for walking, biking, in-line skating and more. Many of the local parks have pathways of their own as well. For a full listing of local parks and their amenities, please check out visitgreatermankato.com under ‘Where to Play’.
Bluff Park & Riverview Park D-3/F-4 Their names give them away: These two parks in North Mankato are spectacular for the views they afford. The trails are just an added bonus. Caswell Park C-3 North Mankato’s Caswell Park is one of the premier softball complexes in the state. It hosts community, state, regional and national tournaments. Kiwanis Park E-1 The Kiwanis Recreation Area features trails, two dog park areas, a canoe/kayak area, an archery range, restrooms and a picnic shelter. A 24-hour Park-andRide lot is available on the north side of the entry. Open from 6:30 a.m. -10:30 p.m. daily. Land of Memories Park C-5 Find rustic, relaxing camping close to Mankato. One hundred acres of beautiful scenery surround 47 camping sites for both tents and recreational vehicles. Minnemishinona Falls A-5 Tucked into the woods about four miles west of North Mankato on County Road 41 (also known as Judson Bottom Road), Minnemishinona Falls is most spectacular in the spring.
24
Minneopa State Park 507.389.5464 A-6 You could spend hours watching the waterfall, but you can also hike along the trails that encircle the falls, watch the birds, visit Seppman Mill—an abandoned windmill—or camp in one of the picturesque sites. Minnesota River Trail 507.387.8649 D-1 Follow the Minnesota River on bike, foot or in-line skates from Riverfront Park, through City Center Mankato to Sibley Park in West Mankato. Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway mnrivervalley. com Explore the Minnesota River Valley on four wheels! This scenic byway takes you on a journey down the roads and highways that follow the Minneopa Falls Minnesota River. Take in stunning views of the river and bluffs, see wildlife and stop in and explore the river towns and cities. Check out mnrivervalley.com for more information about this scenic byway.
greatermankato.com
Rasmussen Woods E-7 The wooded trails surrounding the Elks Nature Center at Rasmussen Woods are ideal for hikers, birdwatchers and anyone who loves nature. The woods are located just off of Stoltzman Road. Red Jacket Bike Trail D-8 The Red Jacket Trail begins at the YMCA in Mankato and travels about 13 miles through open countryside, beside the Minnesota River, over railroad trestles and several wooden bridges and under a landmark tunnel at the new southern bypass all the way to Rapidan. Riverfront Park F-4 Riverfront Park is Greater Mankato’s newest park. It is a venue for a variety of events and festivals for people to enjoy. The Grand Lawn, amphitheater, canoe landing, trail head building, playground and public art are just some of the amenities to be enjoyed at the park. The Minnesota River Trail runs through the park and also provides great views of the Minnesota River and the City Center.
For your Greater Mankato Trail Guide, please call 507.385.6660
Sakatah Singing Hills Trail j-1, H-1 888.MINNDNR dnr.state.mn.us/state_ trails/sakatah/index.html Follow 39 miles of abandoned railroad grade from Mankato (the trail begins on Lime Valley Road, just past the intersection of Riverfront Drive and Hwy. 14) to Faribault. The blacktopped trail meanders through rich farmland and small towns and follows several lakes, including Madison and Cannon, where there are swimming beaches. There are parks and rest stops in communities every few miles. The trail, which intersects Sakatah State Park, is open for biking, hiking, in-line skating and cross-country skiing.
Seven Mile Creek Trails D-1 Just three miles north of Mankato on Hwy. 169, you’ll find seven miles of hiking trails that Sibley Park cover 600 acres of wooded park. Picnic shelters and grills are scattered throughout the park and along the creek. Sibley Park C-5 Sibley Park is one of the oldest parks in Greater Mankato. Nestled between the Minnesota and Blue Earth Rivers, this park features beautiful walking trails, gorgeous flowers and stone gardens, picnic shelters, a petting zoo, softball fields and in the winter, a large sledding hill for everyone to enjoy. Spring Lake Park D-3 North Mankato’s Spring Lake Park features a large duck pond, plenty of shelters, trails, playground equipment, sand volleyball courts and a sandbottom pool, making this a great park for the family. Williams Minneopa Learning Center A-6 With two miles of paved trails, the Williams Minneopa Learning Center is considered one of the best handicapped-accessible nature centers in the state. The paths traverse wildlife reserves, prairie vegetation, Indian mounds and an Indian village site. Information and comfort sites are set up throughout the center.
Scan here for trail guide
parks & Trails
Mount Kato D-8 507.625.3363 mountkato.com Mount Kato has 19 groomed trails for skiing and snowboarding, plus a tubing hill too! During the non-winter months, Mount Kato turns its attention to mountain biking. Slightly more than seven miles of mountain bike trails are accessible during the summer and fall.
mankatofreepress.com
arts & Culture
Arts & culture
It doesn’t matter if you enjoy being part of the audience or prefer the spotlight—there’s something for everybody in Greater Mankato. Our community is home to a long-standing community theatre, show-stopping performances at local universities and a wealth of drama and dance opportunities for children. Take a moment to explore one of Greater Mankato’s galleries or museums, visit an artist’s studio or check out work by local artists and artisans. One thing is certain—creativity is always around the corner. Marian Anderson Art Gallery 1560 Adams Street, Mankato 507.345.5566 Open the first Saturday of the month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and the third Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour
ART
Carnegie Art Center 120 S. Broad Street, Mankato 507.625.2730 thecarnegiemankato.com F-5 The Carnegie Art Center opens new shows every month. The gallery and gift shop are open Thursdays 1 p.m.-7 p.m., Fridays 1 p.m.-4 p.m., and Saturdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Exhibitions are always free to the public. CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour cityartmankato.com The CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour is a walking tour in the City Center of Mankato and North Mankato. The walking tour features 20 sculptures with a variety of styles, types, materials and sizes. 410 Project 523 S. Front Street, Mankato 507.382.9921 the410project.com F-5 The 410 Project is an art gallery and studio that was founded by three former Minnesota State Mankato students in 2003. The name derived from its original location at 410 South Front Street. Each exhibit lasts for three weeks.
20
Stones Throw Gallery 420 N. Minnesota, St. Peter 507.934.5655 D-1, J-1 stonesthrowgallery.org The Gallery houses original works from more than 80 incredibly talented regional artists as well as the studio of goldsmith Patty Conlin. The Gallery is open 11 a.m.-5p.m. Monday through Saturday and by appointment. Twin Rivers Council for the Arts, Emy Frentz Arts Guild 523 S. Second Street, Mankato 507.387.1008 twinriversarts.org F-5 The Twin Rivers Council for the Arts is a one-stop shop for area arts and culture, including dance and drama, visual arts, literature, cultural heritage and music. Located in the Emy Frentz Arts Guild, TRCA is at the heart of a growing City Center arts and culture district. The Arts Guild building houses several artist studios, as well as a gallery that hosts art exhibits, workshops and small performances.
Word Walk Find inspiration at your feet! Take a stroll down Riverfront Drive (between Plum & Rock streets) and find poetry stamped in the sidewalk.
greatermankato.com
Riverblenders 507.246.5216 The Mankato Riverblenders Barbershop Chorus provides musical family entertainment for all ages and music with the best in barbershop harmony.
arts & Culture
Minnesota Valley Sweet Adelines 507.388.6148 The Sweet Adelines provide family-friendly entertainment.
THEATRE
Mankato Ballet The Merely Players Community Theatre Lincoln Community Center DANCE 110 Fulton Street, Mankato Dance Conservatory of Southern Minnesota 507.388.5483 1400 E. Madison Avenue, Mankato merelyplayers.com E-6 507.625.2005 The nonprofit organization brings art to the dcsmdance.com H-5 community through its theatrical productions. The Dance Conservatory provides a structured, positive environment to learn the art of dance. Dance Express 2105 N. Broad Court, Mankato 507.625.3865 danceexpress.org G-2 Dance classes of all sorts for all ages available, with regular recitals as well. Mankato Ballet 155 Chestnut Street, Mankato 507.625.7716 mankatoballet.com G-3 The Mankato Ballet is dedicated to advancing the art of dance through education, demonstration and public performances. Several performances are staged each year.
MUSIC
Mankato Children’s Chorus mankatochildrenschorus.org The Mankato Children’s Chorus is open to all youth, first through 12th grade. The Chorus holds several concerts each year. Mankato Symphony Orchestra 507.625.8880 mankatosymphony.com F-5 The Mankato Symphony Orchestra presents five subscription concerts each year, as well as three youth concerts. Minnesota Valley Chorale 507.625.8278 minnesotavalleychorale.org The Chorale performs the great works of the Renaissance and Baroque eras as well as folk songs, madrigals and spirituals.
Minnesota State University Theatre Minnesota State University, Mankato Theatre and Dance 507.389.2118 Box Office 507.389.6661 msutheatre.com F-7 The University’s Department of Theatre and Dance presents several performances each year. Theatrical productions include several works in both the Mainstage and Studio seasons each school year, as well as four Highland Summer Theatre productions. The performances are staged in either the Andreas Theatre or the Ted Paul Theatre on the Minnesota State University, Mankato campus. For a public art tour guide call 507.385.6660
Scan for Public Art Tour
mankatofreepress.com
All Seasons Arena 1251 Monks Avenue, Mankato 507.387.6552 asamankato.com G-6 Two sheets of ice are maintained year round for open skating as well as league hockey and team ice skating. Rentals and lessons are available on site; the facility may also be rented for birthday parties and gatherings. Chesley Skate Park 161 Jaycee Park, Mankato 507.387.8222 G-6 mankatoymca.org/skatepark Ramps and jumps both indoors and out make the Chesley Skate Park, run by the YMCA, a favorite with extreme sporters. In-line skates, skateboards and bikes are welcome at the park. Call for cost and equipment rental. Drive-A-Tank 550 W. Cherry, Kasota 507.835.5607 driveatank.com Enjoy a hands on historical military vehicle experience that includes a tour, history, training and, of course, the opportunity to drive a real tank. Grand Champion Sports Complex State Hwy. 22, Mankato 507.386.0001 J-3 Get in the game with two 18-hole mini-golf courses, a driving range and six batting cages.
Mankato Family YMCA 1401 S. Riverfront Drive, Mankato 507.387.8255 E-5 mankatoymca.org Families can enjoy the zero-depth entry pool and jet sprays at Splash Cove waterpark. The YMCA also features a 5,000-square-foot workout center filled with the latest cardio and strength-training equipment. Non-member fees are $20 per family, $15 per adult. Call for more information about cost, schedules and restrictions. Tommygun’s Paint Wars 48306 235th Street, New Ulm 507.947.3711 A-3 tommygunspaintwars.com Large and small groups are welcome to enjoy the seven fields in a variety of packages tailored to fit each group’s desires. Tournaments are also scheduled. Call ahead for reservations and information about special events. Tourtellotte Pool 202 East Jackson Street, Mankato 507.387.7946 G-3 mankato-mn.gov/tourtellotte-pool A beautiful outdoor, lifeguard-staffed swimming facility featuring Olympic-sized pool with seperate diving well & wading pool. Call for cost & schedule. WOW! Zone 2030 Adams Street, Mankato 507.625.2695 J-4 wowzonefec.com WOW! Zone offers fun for all ages with bowling, laser tag, mini-golf, restaurants on-site and party rooms available.
BUTTERBURGERS FROZEN CUSTARD 1856 Madison Ave. Mankato 507-344-1554
1680 Commerce Dr. North Mankato 507-345-1680
Open 10:30 am - 10 pm • culvers.com mankatofreepress.com
Activity Centers
Activity Centers
There’s always something happening in Greater Mankato. Mankato boasts a bustling Entertainment District in the heart of the City Center. After a great meal, find a local band playing in a smaller venue or attend a larger event hosted at the Verizon Wireless Center, including concerts, Minnesota State University, Mankato NCAA hockey games and family entertainment. From the City Center to the Hilltop, from bars and pubs to theatres and bowling alleys, you’ll find plenty of places to have a good time in Greater Mankato. Nightlife
Laughs and good times are to be had in Greater Mankato when the sun goes down. With an abundance of bars, grills and stages, there is no short supply of excitement. Live music, dancing, lots of big, flat-screen TVs and great food are among the many amenities the area has to offer. Greater Mankato boasts everything from outdoor summer music festivals to nationally recognized entertainers performing at the Verizon Wireless Center and Riverfront Park. You can always catch live local bands on the weekends at several smaller venues as well. Whether your musical taste is classical, hard rock, choral or folk, there is a concert waiting for you in Greater Mankato. For a list of who’s playing while you are in town, visit greatermankatoevents.com. A full list of bars and grills is available on the “Where to Dine” pages of visitgreatermankato.com.
Movies
Catch a movie at either of Mankato’s two movie theatres. To see what’s playing now, visit greatermankatoevents.com. Cinemark Movies 8, Cine 6 Theatre, River Hills Mall, Mankato 220 Stadium Road, Mankato 507.625.1763, carmike.com G-7 507.625.1929, cinemark.com J-4
Pet Activities
Did you bring a furry friend with you? Make sure your pets have a great time while visiting Greater Mankato. Dogs can run wild at the Kiwanis Dog Park, located just north of the junction of Highway 169 and Highway 14. Pamper your pets at The Paw, where they can swim in the pool, be treated with grooming services and socialize with other pets. The Paw is located at 1741 Premier Drive and can be contacted at 507.625.7070.
mankatofreepress.com
entertainment
Entertainment