Mankato fits your lifestyle needs with ample opportunities to work hard and play hard. As one of the more active communities in the Midwest, Mankato has green spaces galore, free community concerts and events, and is a certified bike-friendly location. You will never be lacking in entertainment options.

Natural Beauty and Year-Round Entertainment

Mankato has harnessed much of its natural beauty and developed it into a play space for residents and visitors alike. Whether the leisurely activity of choice is grabbing some friends for a ball game or relaxing by the waters of the Minnesota River, decompressing after a long day of work comes easily in Mankato.

If hiking the trails isn’t the ideal activity for the day, take a long lunch break to relax on a bench or toss the frisbee with some pals at one of the many beautiful parks of Mankato. Over 900 acres has been developed into public space for local professionals and outdoor-loving families to embark on biking, fishing, and paddling adventures.

Runners flock to the area annually for the Mankato Marathon – named the “Top Marathon Worth Travelling for in Minnesota.” The marathon has been taking place for 15 years and now brings nearly 4,000 runners to the city for several races over a weekend: the marathon, a marathon four-person relay, half marathon, 10K run, 5K run, and a KidsK.

In Greater Mankato, we don’t let the brisk winter months stop our fun. Spend a snowy day cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or ice fishing. Mount Kato is a favorite spot for downhill thrill seekers, featuring 19 hills sure to delight skiers and snow tubers of all skill levels. As a premier skiing destination, Mankato is home to specialty ski shops like Nicollet Bike & Ski. Seasoned technicians provide ski tune-ups and customizations that are hard to find elsewhere in the nation. Not a fan of frigid fun? Visit a climate-controlled indoor skating rink, the WOW! Zone for bowling, Maverick Adventures at Minnesota State University, Mankato for indoor climbing, or take the kids to the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota.

Community Events

There are many community-driven events and activities in Mankato. Businesses and individuals combine forces to harness the things that make Greater Mankato special and invite the public to join them!

Old Town Mankato is a vibrant community of local businesses that spotlight art, history, music, and culture by scheduling events throughout the year.

During the warmer months, grab a blanket or chair and dance to the music at free summer concerts during Songs on the Lawn. Want to fit in some networking after work? Greater Mankato Growth makes it easy with Business After Hours every first Tuesday of the month (except during holidays) – an opportunity to get casual with other local businesses and connect in an informal atmosphere.

Fun Within Reach

Whether you’re interested in arts and culture, want to find your community in a place of worship, or prefer to spend your free time shopping and dining at small local businesses and restaurants, Mankato, Minnesota, fits your lifestyle.

Live music, local food, networking, entertainment, and relaxation are all within your grasp in Greater Mankato, because opportunity lives here. For more information, contact Ryan Vesey, Business Development Director, at [email protected] or by phone at (507) 385-6644.