Mankato

Mankato (pronounced man-KAY-toh) is a city in Minnesota, USA, that exudes a college presence with several centers of higher learning, including Minnesota State University. A somewhat colorful community, it was home to Sinclair Lewis and the literary characters Betsy and Tacy, and such public figures as Ron Johnson and Mike Lindell, though his pillow store is no longer there. Then, it was also the site of a darker event, the execution of 38 individuals in 1862 following the Dakota uprising, even in the midst of the Civil War. President Lincoln reduced the number of executions which had been far higher, trying to find a balance.

Get in
Land to Air Express or Landline ground transport from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP).

See

 * Betsy Tacy Society, 332 Center St. If you were a fan of the Betsy Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace, you will probably take a shine to this museum about the stories that were set in Mankato. However it's only open Saturdays from 1-3PM..

Parks

 * Minneopa State Park, 54497 Gadwall Rd. A state park featuring a waterfall and trails and bison herd in the Minnesota River Valley. Features a windmill, nature center, and campground too.
 * Sibley Park, 900 Mound Ave. Mankato's largest city park, located at the confluence of the Minnesota and Blue Earth rivers. Features 2 playgrounds, baseball fields, a sledding hill, flower gardens, a small zoo (summer only), and paved walking trails. Every year between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, Sibley park is host to the popular Kiwanis Holiday Lights show.

Do

 * Attend the Wacipi Pow wow in September at Land of Memories Park, 100 Amos Owen Ln. You can also camp and canoe here along the Minnesota River in season.
 * Hike or cross country ski/snowshoe through hardwoods and watersheds at Red Jacket Valley Park, 19950 State Hwy 66. Daily 8AM-10PM.
 * Ski, sled, or mountain bike at Mount Kato Ski Area, 20461 State Hwy 66.

Learn

 * Bethany Lutheran College
 * Minnesota State University
 * Rasmussen College
 * South Central College

Eat

 * El Mazatlan, on Madison Avenue. Good Mexican food. Dos Equis on tap.
 * Happy Chef Restaurant, 51646 US-169. You can get your greasy spoon fix here with hash browns and omelets in the morning or country fried steak for lunch. Also featuring cinnamon roll pancakes. Don't forget to say hi to the Happy Chef statue in the parking lot on the way out. Daily 6AM-2PM. +1 507-388-2953
 * Happy Chef Restaurant, 51646 US-169. You can get your greasy spoon fix here with hash browns and omelets in the morning or country fried steak for lunch. Also featuring cinnamon roll pancakes. Don't forget to say hi to the Happy Chef statue in the parking lot on the way out. Daily 6AM-2PM. +1 507-388-2953
 * Happy Chef Restaurant, 51646 US-169. You can get your greasy spoon fix here with hash browns and omelets in the morning or country fried steak for lunch. Also featuring cinnamon roll pancakes. Don't forget to say hi to the Happy Chef statue in the parking lot on the way out. Daily 6AM-2PM. +1 507-388-2953

Sleep

 * Motel 6 Mankato, 1731 Premier Dr. One of those new generation Motel 6s that almost looks like it could be a clean room at a semiconductor facility, it is so minimalist. +1 507-345-6666


 * AmericInn by Wyndham Mankato Event Center, 240 Stadium Rd. Indoor pool, breakfast. +1 507-345-8011