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Eager to expend energy outdoors?

Greater Mankato is exactly where you want to be. Opportunities for a broad array of activities, punctuated with scenic vistas of river valleys and bluffs, await outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Whether it’s the Mankato Marathon in mid-October, the Anthony Ford Pond Hockey Classic in late January or the Bluff Rider’s Charge in July, Mankato has what it takes to keep you active outside throughout the four seasons.

Greater Mankato's hills, lakes, and rivers provide our region with a perfect landscape for endless outdoor thrills!

Biking - Hiking - Walking

The Red Jacket Trail beckons, taking pedestrians and bicyclists from the edge of West Mankato all the way to the town of Rapidan, if you opt for the full 13-mile length—but a 1.7 mile loop is also inviting. Witness the romance of the Le Sueur River while crossing the Red Jacket Trestle Bridge at a leisurely pace— or participate in the annual Mankato River Ramble and cycle past autumnal meadows and woodlands at a faster clip.

For a shorter distance with a slightly more urban vibe, consider the Rex Macbeth River Trail. This 2.9-mile pathway follows the Minnesota River’s west bank, linking North Mankato’s Riverview Park and Mankato’s Kiwanis Park.

A wooded wonder lies within North Mankato’s Bluff Park, where a 1.2-mile loop trail leads you to a breathtaking overlook. Similarly, the 3.6-mile loop trail at Rasmussen Woods delights birdwatchers and animal-lovers. Many enjoy the rural Indian Lake Conservation Area, where a nature trail accommodates both foot traffic and horseback riders. Minneopa State Park is a gem of natural beauty for hikers, who can take the .6-mile trail to witness the full beauty of Minneopa’s double waterfalls. You’ll need to stay in your vehicle if you choose to drive along the park’s Bison Road to view the herd of roughly three dozen pure-bred American plains bison. Casual riders can rent E-bikes at Fun

Bike Rides on North Broad Street; rough riders might prefer checking out the Mankato Area BMX track or mountain biking trails at Mount Kato. Biking enthusiasts seeking a longer excursion can connect to the scenic 39-mile Sakatah Trail at Mankato.

Fulfilling your daily step goal is doable when you tackle one of two hillside stairways that stretch to Mankato’s eastern bluffs (the Pearl Street steps and the steps between North Sixth Street and Bethany Lutheran College). And discovering these lesser-known treasures is half the fun!

Or stroll through Sibley Park with curious little ones, stopping to smell the roses and observe Sibley Farm’s goats, alpacas, peacocks, horses, calves, and Koi fish.

If the weather isn’t quite cooperating, try out the Mayo Mile, an indoor walking path at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center that’s open to public pedestrians each weekday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Family Fun - Teen Dreams

If you have agile teenagers to occupy, consider dropping by the YMCA Chesley Skate Park, which has both indoor and outdoor features. Gear not along? No worries; thrashers can rent helmets, pads, skateboards and rollerblades on-site before working on their ollie and shredding the gnar.

The Maverick Adventures Climbing Walls at Minnesota State University, Mankato, open to students and the public alike, will also satisfy most gens for vertical exploration.

Looking for even greater heights? Skydive Northstar is located in nearby Waseca.

During the mild summer months, take the whole clan out to the ballgame. The Mankato MoonDogs, a Northwoods League collegiate baseball team, provide an entertaining atmosphere at ISG Field filled with stick-and-ball athletic feats, a friendly mascot and plenty of beer and ballpark food!

Got birds in your binoculars? Keep your eyes up on the many county parks and trails and stop out to Williams Nature Center that features accessible paths for all.

Links

Bring your racket or clubs; 13 public outdoor tennis courts are scattered throughout Mankato and North Mankato, while golfers can hit the links at a local course (Terrace View Golf Course, Minneopa Golf Club or North Links Golf Course).

Snow Much Fun

Wintery temperatures and a surplus of snowfall only expand Greater Mankato’s outdoor activity options.

Dig into winter at Mount Kato, where 19 trails, eight chair lifts and a snow tubing park add up to powdery pleasure for people of all skill levels. Ski, snowboard or tube—or learn the basics at the Mount Kato Snowsports Learning Center, a PAIA/AASI-certified school.

Skaters can sample several neighborhood rinks to recreate favorite scenes from “A Charlie Brown’s Christmas” or “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland,” and warming houses at certain sites- like Wheeler Park in lower North Mankato--enhance the experience.

Summer Splashes

Summer splashes into focus, surf and sun-lovers can bliss out at North Mankato’s Spring Lake Park Swim Facility, featuring two large water slides, two kiddie slides, a toddler splash area, a zip line, a climbing wall, and two diving platforms, among other draws-everything needed to keep the entire family cool while relishing the sunshine. By 2024, Mankato’s Tourtellotte Park pool’s $6.5-million upgrade will add to area swimming amenities with water slides, a lazy river, a splash pad and an oxford, modernized bathhouse.

Kids of all ages can check out the new splash pad near Fallenstein Playground in upper North Mankato, another fantastic facility for family fun time.

Take full advantage of the summer attractions and pitch a tent or hook up the camper and stay awhile; five campgrounds are within or just outside of Mankato.

And fishing is always fly, whether on ice or waves. With more than 150 lakes within 30 minutes of Mankato, it’s no wonder the Greater Mankato area was chosen to host the 75th Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener May 12-13, 2023. Area lakes are known for their walleye and northern pike, and the Minnesota River alone is home to more than 80 fish species. Cast your rod no further when looking for terrific fishing options.

If the great outdoors is your jam, then Greater Mankato is the plan—any time of the year.

trails & biking

For biking enthusiasts, Mankato features some of the best trails and scenic roadways in the state, featuring wide shoulders and little to moderate traffic. The Greater Mankato Area Trail System offers spectacular views of areas that may not always be explored if you stick to the roads.

Trails

Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail runs from Mankato to Faribault, totaling 41 miles with an asphalt surface. This fairly flat trail provides riders with beautiful scenery as it wanders along pastures, farmland, lakes, a forested park and Sakatah Lake State Park, featuring six great cultural pit stops.

Red Jacket Trail runs from Mankato to Rapidan, totaling 5 miles of paved trail. As Mankato’s most popular trail, the Red Jacket Trail begins along the banks of the Minnesota River. The route utilizes three converted railroad trestles, including the Red Jacket Trestle which stands more than 80' high and 550' long.

Minneopa State Park Trail is a paved trail running from Mankato to Minneopa State Park. Once in Minneopa, there are numerous hiking trails to explore, highlighting the famous Minneopa waterfalls. Looking to extend your adventure? Check out the Minneopa State Park Bison Drive and hiking trails.

Minnesota River Valley Trail is a paved connector between the Sakatah and Minneopa Trails. It is a multi-use trail ideal for hikers and bikers alike. The trail runs along the beautiful Minnesota River, highlighting Mankato’s prime location in the river valley.

Rasmussen Woods features a 150-acre tract perfect for hiking and observing wildlife throughout all seasons. There are over 5 miles of hiking trails inclusive with meadows, wetlands, floating trails, cliffs and a park overlook.

Mountain biking is growing in Mankato due to its geography in the river valley. There are three sustainable, environmentally friendly mountain bike trails: Kiwanis Recreation Area, Mount Kato, and Seven Mile Creek Park.

Loops

St. Clair/Eagle Lake Loop: 28 miles

Visit the nearby towns of Eagle Lake & St. Clair to get a taste of small-town charm while dining in or enjoying a picnic at the city park. Follow the Le Sueur River to visit Wildwood Park and take the nature trail across the river on a 140 ft. long swinging-foot bridge. Hike through the wooded river valley and keep an eye out for wildlife.

Lime Valley Gravel Ride: 29 miles

Ride along the bluffs of the Minnesota River toward the prairie land of Kasota. Stop at the Kasota Prairie for a picnic in the park or quick hike through the 45acre prairie along the Minnesota River and off the beaten path.

Lake Crystal Loop: 34 miles

A popular loop for bikers. Head out of town on the scenic Red Jacket Trail through the Minnesota River Valley, over the Trestle Bridge to the historic Rapidan Dam, where you’ll find a park near a small diner with award winning pie. For a longer trip and more river valley to ride up and down, follow the Blue Earth River south to Garden City, where the view is endless. Grab lunch in Lake Crystal or cool down in one of the lakes. For a shortcut back, bike through Minneopa State Park where you’ll find a 39 ft. waterfall, bison, and several hiking trails to explore. For a longer ride, continue to Judson Bottom Road along the Minnesota River Valley and stop at Minnemishinona Falls where you’ll see an even taller waterfall at 42 ft. Head back into town following the Minnesota River.

North Mankato Grand Prix: 20 miles

Ride the same route as the North Star Grand Prix, finishing with a grueling climb! The riders will complete multiple laps of a 20.5-mile rural circuit which uses beautiful Nicollet County roads and returns to North Mankato up the extra challenging Valerie Lane hill.

St. Clair, Smith’s Mill, Madison Lake Loop: 35 miles

Get a taste of the vast landscape of the area on this loop through town, country, lakes, and river valley. Along the way you can sample wine from a local winery, hike through wildlife management areas, or stop in one of the quaint towns for a meal or cold beverage.

North Lakes Loop: 39 miles

Tour our area lakes on quiet back country roads. Stop at one of the nine lakes you’ll pass to get your feet wet or grab a bite to eat and cool beverages on the water. Extend your trip and visit another lake by taking the North Lakes Loop Extension.

Mankato Singing Hills Loop: 15 miles

Tour the City of Mankato. Start at Riverfront Park and ride along the Minnesota River. Next, head east up the Sakatah State Trail to explore Mankato’s Hilltop. After experiencing the hilltop drop back into the river valley down the beautiful, wooded Glenwood Ave Trail. Stop for some refreshments downtown before catching the Minnesota River Valley Trail back to Riverfront Park.

North Mankato Gran Fondo: 13 miles

Take a tour of North Mankato circumnavigating the entire city. This loop will take you from the top of the bluff in Upper North to the valley floor in Lower North using a mix of trails and bicycle friendly roads. On this route you’ll ride along the Minnesota River and next to the bluffs along the Judson Bottom Road. Stop for a rest at the Minnemishinona Waterfall and cool off with a swim at Hiniker Pond.

Mankato Gran Fondo: 25 miles

Sample some of the best trails in town with this route that takes you around Mankato. Start at Riverfront Park and ride along the river on the Minnesota River Valley Trail, gently climb out of the river valley on the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, tour the expanding East side of Mankato on new trails and low traffic roads, drop back into the River Valley with an optional stop at a local winery. After a glass of wine, find your way to the South Route Trail taking you along the south edge of Mankato. Connect to the Red Jacket Trail passing by Mount Kato and arrive back into town through the charming West Mankato neighborhood. You’ll finish up this loop riding along the Minnesota River Trail back to where it all began at Riverfront Park.

Scan code for trails map and even more information on trails and loops in Greater Mankato