When our son decided to go to college in Mankato, Minnesota, we knew we’d be spending a lot of time driving back and forth between Wisconsin and southern Minnesota. But what we didn’t expect was how much we’d come to enjoy the city itself. We started exploring more on each visit, discovering great restaurants, bars, wineries, and fun things to do in Mankato that we never would have found otherwise.
Whether you’re visiting a student, planning a weekend getaway, or just passing through southern Minnesota, Mankato offers much more than you might expect. From waterfalls and bison to breweries, wineries, great brunch spots, and charming downtown shops, here are some of our favorite things to do in Mankato.
Top Things to Do in Mankato, MN
Visit Minneopa State Park
If there’s one attraction you shouldn’t miss, it’s Minneopa State Park.
The park’s beautiful double waterfall is an impressive site and only a short walk from the parking area. It’s an easy stop that doesn’t require a long hike, making it perfect whether you’re traveling with kids, older adults, or just want a quick scenic break.
Depending on the season, the falls can look dramatically different. Spring runoff creates a powerful cascade, while autumn adds beautiful color to the surrounding limestone cliffs.
Allow a little extra time to explore the walking trails if you have time in your schedule.
See the Bison at Minneopa State Park
One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is that Minneopa State Park is also home to a herd of American bison.
A separate scenic drive winds through the bison range, where you can spot these incredible animals grazing just a short distance from your car. The drive doesn’t take long and it’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
Walk or Bike the Red Jacket Trail
The Red Jacket Trail is one of Mankato’s most scenic recreational trails.
In fact, our son chose this beautiful outdoor setting to propose to his girlfriend!
The paved and crushed limestone trail follows the Le Sueur River and leads to the historic Red Jacket Trestle, a former railroad bridge that spans a wooded valley. You can walk, bike, or just enjoy the scenery along this peaceful and beautiful part of Mankato.
Browse Mankato’s Antique Stores
Historic downtown Mankato is walkable and welcoming, with a great mix of boutiques, antique stores, and locally owned businesses. If you enjoy hunting for vintage treasures, be sure to leave plenty of time to browse. You’ll find everything from home décor and collectibles to furniture and unique gifts.
Sip Wine at Chankaska Winery
If you like wine, I highly recommend you make time to visit Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery just outside Mankato. We didn’t find this place until recently, and I’m bummed we didn’t know about it sooner. It’s a true gem! I can’t wait to go back.
They have a tasting room, spirits room, and beautiful outdoor patio where you can enjoy the lush countryside views while you sip your wine or spirits. And their unWined music series offers live performances every Friday and Saturday. Enjoying a nice glass of wine while listening to live music on a sunny outdoor patio – it doesn’t get much better than that.
Visit a Local Brewery
If you enjoy sampling local craft beer, head to LocAle Brewing Company while you’re in Mankato. This laid-back brewery serves a rotating selection of small-batch brews ranging from crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs and seasonal specialties. The welcoming atmosphere makes it a great place to unwind after a day of exploring waterfalls, hiking trails, or browsing downtown shops.
Explore Mankato’s Dining Scene
We’ve collected quite a list of restaurants we return to time and again.
Pub 500 and Tav on the Ave are two of our favorites known for elevated pub fare and a fun atmosphere.
Ummies and Boulder Tap House are two restaurants serving up burgers, sandwiches, and other comfort food favorites.
Pizza lovers have several choices, including Pagliai’s Pizza, a longtime Mankato institution (very small, but delicious pizza!), and Dino’s Pizzeria, another favorite recommended by locals.
And if you’re craving Mexican food, check out El Mazatlan.
Enjoy Brunch in Mankato
If brunch is your thing, you’re in luck as there are plenty of places to enjoy a hearty and delicious brunch in Mankato.
Benedict’s is one of the city’s most popular choices for breakfast and brunch. They serve creative egg dishes, pancakes, and hearty breakfasts.
Weggy’s On Campus is another longtime favorite known for generous portions and classic comfort food.
If you’re looking for a relaxed brunch with a slightly more upscale feel, we really like NolaBelle Kitchen & Bar.
Challenge Yourself at an Escape Room
Looking for something a little different? Our family loves escape rooms. In fact, we were in Mankato recently on our anniversary and our family kicked off the day at Kato Escape Room. It was a blast! It’s also a great rainy-day activity if the weather doesn’t cooperate with your outdoor plans.
Hit the Slopes at Mount Kato (Winter)
If you’re visiting Mankato during the winter months, Mount Kato is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. The ski area has runs for beginners and experienced skiers, along with equipment rentals and lessons. Tubing is a fun option for non-skiers.
More Than Just a College Town
Many people first come to Mankato because of one of the area’s colleges. That’s how it was for us. But we’ve visited many times now and each visit gives us another reason to appreciate this southern Minnesota city.
If you’re in town for a college tour, family weekend, graduation, or just a relaxing getaway, I hope you enjoy exploring Mankato as much as we have.
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