When traveling to or in Mankato, most people know about the Betsy-Tacy homes and stories in Mankato. Some will even walk the ArtWalk, but a lot of the great sights of Mankato get lost to the casual visitor.
This is in no way meant to a comprehensive list, but rather something by which to get started on your adventure! Mankato has a lot of offer. So, Enjoy!
1. Glenwood Cemetery
The Glenwood Cemetery is situated up on a hill on one of the most beautiful streets on Mankato, this cemetery is home to some semi-famous people, including the children’s book author, Maud Hart Lovelace. As well as a few others. It’s also a really great place to get away for some peace and quiet. The gravestones and Oak trees are a sight to behold, any time of year, though probably more so in the fall or after a fresh snowfall.
The Carnegie Art Center is a fantastic visual arts gallery located in an equally impressive and beautiful building built in 1902. Go for an exhibit and enjoy yourself exploring, or venture into the gift shop, which has goodies from local artists! (the top image is also of the center)
3. Bike Trails
Mankato has several amazing bike paths. My favorites include the Sakatah and Red-Jacket Trails. You can ride or walk along the river valley in town, or take them further, out to Minneopa Falls or the Rapidan Dam. There are so many options that you might not want to choose one and just do them all!
4. Sibley Park
While you’re out walking or on your bike, more than likely you will follow the river to the Sibley Park grounds. Sibley Park is where to be in the winter if you want some cheap sledding fun down a steep hill! It’s the place where the Blue Earth and Minnesota Rivers meet, which means a lot of scenery and even some wildlife. If you’re looking for some tamed down animals, there is also a “petting zoo” at the Sibley Farm. (Not to mention it’s a terrific place for photography!)
5. Reconciliation Park
Mankato has some dark spots on its history; home of the mass execution and hanging of 38 Native Americans for their parts in the uprising during the Dakota War of 1862. In 1997 the city of Mankato installed a bison sculpture in remembrance of this terrible event. The nearby Dakota Warrior sculpture is also in commemoration.