Greater Mankato is a vibrant and dynamic regional marketplace that includes the Mankato – North Mankato Metropolitan Statistical Area (encompassing Blue Earth and Nicollet counties). Located in a “sweet spot” of Southern Minnesota, our residents and businesses have access to “bigger city” services and amenities in the core cities of Mankato and North Mankato, surrounded by delightful smaller towns and rural areas, with the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area just a short drive north.