retail therapy

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP! GET YOUR RETAIL FIX WITH LOCAL AND NATIONAL OPTIONS.

We know a little retail therapy goes a long way and we are happy to say Greater Mankato serves as a retail center with hundreds of stores throughout the entire community, ranging from large national retailers such as Scheels to quaint local shops including but certainly not limited to stores like The Beast Food Boutique, Graif Clothing, Sonny Dot Boutique, Hazelkin Co, and J. Longs, just to name a few. From the Hilltop areas to charming shops in the City Center, Greater Mankato has something to offer every shopper.

Shop Local

Spend your time exploring the local shops in Greater Mankato where you can find a variety of Southern Minnesota’s delicious flavors, specialty items, and hidden gems. If you are looking for a nostalgic shopping experience, visit our vibrant City Center particularly in Old Town along Riverfront Drive, Front Street and just over the bridge in North Mankato that features a charming row of Belgrade Avenue shops and services. Mankato’s City Center offers a truly unique shopping experience. Shopping in this area includes quaint shops and boutiques that offer a distinctive blend of specialty products, local artisan wares and just what you’re looking for” gifts.

You can also shop at the outdoor local Farmers Markets, which are open from May to October up on Mankato’s Hilltop not too far from the River Hills Mall and in North Mankato at South Central College on Mondays from June to October. endors’ goods are produced from within 40 miles of Mankato. Get everything you need from farm fresh produce, locally raised meats, homemade goodies including bakery items, soaps, cards, furniture, clothing and much more.

Shop who you know

Greater Mankato has so many shopping opportunities, you won’t know where to start! The River Hills Mall, located on Mankato’s Hilltop, is the premier shopping destination in Southern Minnesota and is home to several retailers we all know and love. There is plenty to do for the whole family including an 8-screen movie theater with luxury lounger recliner seats, a children’s play area, and a turn-of-the- century carousel in the Carousel Caf Food Court. They often host craft and home shows, as well as other events. Great shopping expands beyond the mall. As our region has grown, so have the shopping corridors that are filled with many familiar and local retailers to make for a great shopping experience in Greater Mankato.

Vintage and Bargain Shopping

The Mankato area is a thriving market for vintage, antique, and thrift stores. Some artisans have already breathed new life into vintage items, while many other shops have gems waiting to be discovered and given a new home. Enjoy the hunt for a great bargain!

MANKATO IS A REGIONAL CENTER FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND NIGHTLIFE.

After a day on the trails, be invigorated by a headliner act, listen to talented artists from around the Midwest at our local wineries and breweries, and check out the events from a packed year-round calendar.

Mankato’s entertainment district, located in the heart of the City Center, is home to the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center and state-of-the-art performing arts center, which has a full calendar with exciting events, concerts, and shows from popular world-renowned recording artists. The venue also hosts the Minnesota State University, Mankato Mavericks Hockey team with an impressive arsenal of NCAA D1 National Championships and repeat visits to the NCAA Frozen Four.

Enjoy the open air in the warmer months when concerts are moved outdoors. The summer months bring concertgoers to Vetter Stone Amphitheater for epic performances under the stars. Every August, the outdoor concert venue also holds Mankato’s Tastiest Music Festival with the Annual Mankato Ribfest! This multi-day event features iconic performances by national recording artists as well as award winning ribbers from around the US. Other outdoor musical favorites featuring an eclectic mix of local artists and performers can be found at Songs on the Lawn in June, Music in the Park in July & September, and Alive After 5 in August. Classical vibes come from the Mankato Symphony Orchestra, which fills the bill with four full symphonic programs, five Music on the Hill chamber concerts, and multiple free family events annually.

All within walking distance, the City Center boasts several bars and grills to start your evening off right. There is an abundance of locally owned establishments offering a variety of dishes, drinks, and experiences. Dance the night away to a DJ or find a local live band. You can easily find a variety of live music shows around Greater Mankato.

Do you have a love for the performing arts? Take in a dynamic production from local performers and page on over to the arts + culture section on page 23 of this guide to learn about the many ways you can witness stunning theatrical performances in Greater Mankato.

Looking for even more excitement? Try an evening with friends at the Wow! Zone, where you can bowl or play arcade games, laser tag or glow in the dark mini golf. Day or night, test your problem-solving skills at Kato Escape in Mankato it’s always a cool experience! Use observational and critical-thinking skills to explore the elements of an escape room and use them to solve the puzzles that will allow you and your friends to escape—and to solve a mystery. The players have one hour to use the elements in the room to escape and win.