Mankato, Minnesota is home to spectacular natural beauty and awe-inspiring man-made attractions. What better way to share your experiences than through Instagram! So get your filters ready and let your eye be your guide. Here are the top Instagrammable spots in Greater Mankato!
cataratas minneopa
This beloved attraction right outside City Center Mankato is a perfect location for Instagrammers who love nature scenery photos. It’s easy to capture great portraits with a unique background here or to do a time-lapse of the rushing water to add a dreamy effect. Notice the different angles and views at each point along the upper and lower path to capture the beautiful falls and bridge in a variety of ways.
#MinneopaStatePark #MinneopaFalls #Minneopa #VisitMankato
Recorrido a pie por las esculturas de CityArt
Try out your flexibility mimicking human impression sculptures like “Endless Summer” or “Woman in the Wind.” Interacting with pieces of art like these sculptures can add urban interest to your photos. Notice the array of unique textures and materials used to construct each sculpture that will look great in close-ups.
#CityArt #SculptureWalk #MankatoSculptureWalk #VisitMankato
Bosques de Rasmussen
A wonderful little escape to the forest within the city limits of Mankato. Rasmussen woods is made up of multiple walking paths through the forest and a marshland boardwalk. Notice on the boardwalk through the marsh the different types of aquatic plants and wildlife.
#RasmussenWoods #naturephotography #naturewalk #VisitMankato
Red Jacket Trail Trestle Bridge
This antique 475-foot train bridge is located at Red Jacket Park along the Red Jacket Trail just outside of Mankato. The crisscrossed structure makes it great for backgrounds and for detailed close-ups. Take note of the gorgeous autumn colors in the fall along the Le Sueur River or the wildflowers around the area in spring and summer.
#RedJacketTrail #TrestleBridge #bikeandhike #adventure #VisitMankato
Devil’s Gulch
Wind your way through carved passages of Devil’s Gulch, thick with lush, grass-green moss. Set back from the Blue Earth River, this ravine is one of the more unique, natural places in the area. This beautiful and majestic place is only accessible by waterway (Blue Earth River).
#DevilsGulch #WaterAdventure #WaterFun #ExploreMankato #VisitMankato
Cataratas Minnemishinona
A hidden backyard gem along the Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway at the end of Judson Bottom Road, the 42-foot cascading falls can be accessed from a bridge. Try visiting the falls the day or two after a rain storm and you’ll catch them rapidly flowing. Not only can the beautiful waterfall be the focal point of your photo, but the red bridge also provides a unique photo opportunity.
#MinnemishinonaFalls #JudsonBottomRoad #scenicMN #VisitMankato
Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery
In lush rolling hills and fertile soil of the Southern Minnesota River Valley, is Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery, and Distillery. This place is where magic and memories pair perfectly. Sunsets illuminate the gorgeous landscape and creek that enhances the winery. As well as Chankaska’s beautiful grounds they have picture perfect wines, cocktails, appetizers, small plates and beyond.
#ChankaskaCreek #Winery #vineyard #finewine #Distillery #VisitMankato
Williams Nature Center
Just a short drive out of Mankato consisting of 1.5 miles of paved trail and two outlooks this nature center is great for all season’s outdoor shots. The thick canopy of trees is charming year-round. Notice the gnarly trees and large boulders scattered around left from the ice age!
#WilliamsNatureCenter #naturewalk #exploreoutdoors #VisitMankato
Wings of Whimsy
Spread your wings right in the heart of Old Town Mankato and take a stroll along Riverfront Drive and try on your new set of wings at the #WingsofWhimsy mural next to Whimsy & Weathered.
#WingsofWhimsy #OldTownMankato #MankatoMN #VisitMankato
Lookout Drive Look Out
For a scenic overlooking view of Mankato head across the river into North Mankato on Lookout Drive. This look out offers a bird’s eye view of the Minnesota river valley and the City of Mankato. From this view, you can just about see the leaves changing from spring to summer and into fall.
#LookoutDrive #NorthMankato #MinnesotaRiverValley #lookout #VisitMankato
Dream Weaver
Covered in dream catchers, Justin Ek designed this mural and brought the community together to help paint this bright canvas. He believes will bring some healing and transformation to the city. Dream Weaver can be found in Old Town Mankato on the side of Bellissimo Paint and Coating.
#DreamWeaver #OldTownMankato #CityArt #MankatoArt #mural #VisitMankato
parque sibley
With the Blue Earth River rushing past, multiple grassy hills and wooded areas Sibley Park offers a perfect outdoor photo opportunity so close to town. The park has tons of flowers and greenery to capture along with a petting zoo filled with cute creatures. On top of the park is a scenic view of the Blue Earth River and Minnesota Rivers. This view is gorgeous all times of the day however, during the sunset its views become particularly stunning.
#SibleyPark #BlueEarthRiver #pettingzoo #scenicviews #VisitMankato
Arte de silos
International artist Guido can Helten completed a mural on the Ardent Mills silos in downtown Mankato by CityArt – a joint venture of Twin Rivers Council for the Arts and the City Center Partnership. This mural brings together the shared ideals of community, diversity, inclusion, and participation. In consultation with various Native and non-Native community representatives, the artwork took shape and allows for an open interpretation as the viewer takes in all angles.
#SiloArt #SiloArtMankato #CityArt #TwinRiversArts #VisitMankato
Make sure to tag @VisitMankatoMN and #VisitMankato on Instagram to share your photos; we might just repost them!
These are just a few of the top Instagrammable-worthy locations in Greater Mankato. Get more ideas by downloading our travel guides, including the Mankato Visitor Guide.