Here’s some unique and fun things to do in Mankato MN! Mankato is located about 1.5 hours SW of the Twin Cities and great for a day or weekend trip!
This post is sponsored by Visit Mankato, but all opinions are my own.
Things to do in Mankato MN
River Rock Coffee
There’s no lack of coffee spots in this college town. River Rock Coffee not only has great coffee, but has an organic bakery that makes artisan bread from scratch. Make sure to try their bagels – so good! They even had some toys for kids to play with while we enjoyed breakfast.
Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota
The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota was such a highlight of our Mankato visit! The museum is so well done and offers hours of entertainment for so many ages. Our daughter shopped, fished, climbed, built, and more! And it wasn’t crazy busy like the museums we visit in the Twin Cities which was a huge bonus.
Related Post: Unique things to do in Faribault MN
Nolabelle Kitchen + Bar
Nolabelle was the most recommended spot by my Instagram followers to try while in Mankato! This restaurant was so cute and had great brunch. We especially loved the mimosa flight!
Minneopa Falls
Minneopa Falls at Minneopa State Park is one of the prettiest and most accessible waterfalls in Minnesota. There are a few falls to view at the state park, but the main falls can be seen from multiple vantage points from above. If you want a closer look, there’s a short trail to the base which is relatively easy and only takes about 10 minutes. Just note that there are a lot of stairs to get to the trail and to only stay on the designated path while hiking!
Minneopa State Park Bison
The other highlight of Minneopa State Park is the bison drive. It’s so unique! Follow the signs once you’re in the park and keep your eye out as you drive. You might be lucky like us and see them grazing right next to the road! Just make sure to drive slow and stay inside your car.
Locale Brewing
There’s a great beer scene in Mankato so we checked out Locale Brewing. A great atmosphere and beer! There’s even an outdoor patio to enjoy the nice weather.
Local Shopping
While our daughter took a nap, I hit the streets to find some cute boutiques and found so many! My favorites are Baubles and Bobbies for handmade jewelry right in Mankato, Hazelkin and Co for fun gifts, Bumbeloushop for all kinds of baby and kid clothes and toys, and Sonny and Dot for more gifts and Minnesota goodies!
Pagliai’s Pizza
Pagliai’s Pizza was another top recommended spot from locals. Started in 1969, it’s one of the oldest restaurants in town and is still locally owned and operated. Plus the pizza is amazing
Hope you got something out of this list of fun things to do in Mankato MN – enjoy your visit!
The Best Locations you can visit in your holidays in 2023 at Boundary Waters
Amazing clicks of piatures! we have done with same place and its look like a heaven on the earth and we enjoyed our trip. Before visiting this place, we consult with Boundary Waters Catalog about the place and we bought some tools from them. We got some information from some blogs and our trip was amazing.