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 Mankato!

Minneopa Falls

This beloved Mankato attraction 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. There are many different angles to capture the beautiful falls and bridge along the walking path.

#MinneopaStatePark #MinneopaFalls #Minneopa #VisitMankato

Dalxiiska Farshaxanka Socodka ee 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

Rasmussen Woods

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

Minnemishinona Falls

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 Scenic Overlook

For a scenic overlooking view of Mankato head across the river into North Mankato on Lookout Drive. This lookout 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

Beerta 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

Silo Art

International artist Guido van 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

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 Instagram-worthy locations in Greater Mankato. Get more ideas by downloading our travel guides, including the Mankato Visitor Guide.