Sakatah Singing Hills Trail

Follow 39 miles of abandoned railroad grade from Mankato (the trail on Lime Valley Road, just past the intersection of Riverfront Drive and Hwy. 14) to Faribault. The blacktopped trail meanders through rich farmland and small towns and follows several lakes, including Madison and Cannon, where there are swimming beaches. There are parks and rest stops in communities every few miles. The trail, which intersects Sakatah State Park, is open for biking, hiking, in-line skating and cross country skiing.

Red Jacket Bike Trail

The Red Jacket Trail begins at Rasmussen Park in Mankato and travels about 13 miles (six of which are paved) through open countryside, beside the Minnesota River and over three railroad trestles (including its namesake, the 550-foot-long Red Jacket) to Rapidan. Several wooden bridges and a landmark tunnel under the new southern bypass add charm to the trail.

Minnesota River Trail

The Minnesota River trail is an important link that connects to the Sakatah State trail. The paved trail offers views of the Minnesota River, wild flowers and limestone cliffs. Along the way view Mankato's newest hot spot-Riverfront Park. It is  a venue for a variety of events and festivals for people to enjoy. the Grand Lawn, amphitheater, canoe landing, trail head building, playground and art are just some of the items to be found at Riverfront Park.

Mount Kato

Before the snow flies and after it melts again, Mount Kato turns its attention to mountain biking. Slightly more than seven miles of mountain-bike trails are accessible during the non-winter months; call 507.625.3363 for more information.

Seven Mile Creek Trail

Just three miles north of Mankato on Hwy. 169, you'll find seven miles of hiking trails that cover 600 acres of wooded park. Picnic shelters and grills are scattered throughout the park and along the creek.

Williams Minneopa Learning Center

With two miles of paved trails, the Williams Minneopa Learning Center (located about three miles west of Mankato on Hwy. 68) is considered one of the best handicapped-accessible nature centers in the state. The paths traverse wildlife reserves, prairie vegetation, Indian mounds and an Indian village site. Information and comfort sites are set up throughout the center.

Minneopa State Park

Minneopa is home to the biggest waterfall in southern Minnesota. Although you could spend most of a day mesmerized by the waterfall, there are plenty of other things to do like hike along the trails that encircle the falls, bird watch, visit the old mill or camp in one of the picturesque sites.

Bluff Park & Riverview Park

Their names give them away: These two parks in North Mankato are spectacular for the views they afford. The trails are just an added bonus.

Rasmussen Woods

The wooded trails surrounding the Elks Nature Center at Rasmussen Woods are ideal for hikers, birdwatchers and anyone who loves nature. The woods are located just off of Stoltzman Road. While spending time in various areas of Rasmussen woods it became more evident just how complex a 150 acre ecosystem can be. We can tell you about the beauty of the park but pail in camparison to just spending time there. The diversity and beauty of Rasmussen woods is always changing, always growing, always dying, and always new. Each insect, leaf, and tadpole plays a specific role in the life of the park.

Sibley Park

Sibley is one of the oldest parks in Greater Mankato. Beautiful walking trails, gorgeous flowers, picnic shelters and petting zoo set Sibley apart from the rest.

Spring Lake Park

North Mankato Premiere Park features a large duck pond providing onlookers the opportunity to hand feed ducks and geese. Plenty of shelters, playground equipment and a sand-bottom pool make this the perfect park for and family.

Minnemishinona Falls

It sits just scant yards off a Nicollet County road, yet until now one had to be a sleuth or a trespasser to view the natural wonder of Minnemishinona Falls. It's pretty cool peering down at the 42-foot falls that cascades into a sand pool in a deep gorge.

Tucked into the woods about 4 miles east of North Mankato on County Road 41 (also known as Judson Bottom Road), Minnemishinona Falls is most spectacular in the spring. The site, however, is beautiful all year round.

Land of Memories Park

Rustic, relaxing camping experience close to Mankato. One hundred acres of beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife featuring 47 camping sites, with a variety of open grassy areas. The disc golf course at Land of Memories Park is enjoyed by players of all skill levels. All 18 baskets are par three. There's no "greens fee" and disc golfers can manage their way onto the course with ease, at any time.

Kiwanis Park

The Kiwanis Recreation Area features trails, two dog park areas, a canoe/kayak area, an archer range, restrooms and a picnic shelter open for use throughout the year. A 24-hour Park and Ride parking lot is available on the north side of the park entry. Park hours are 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily.

Parks in Greater Mankato

Mankato Park Amenities Printable Version

Skiing

There are thirteen outdoor ice rinks in Greater Mankato. A new feature can be found at the lit rinks. With a push of a button the light systems can be activated. It's a cost saving measure, which also conserves energy.

• Alexander, 900 Main Street - (2 rinks)
• Dotson, 101 Oak Knoll Boulevard
• Erlandson, 101 N. Belmont Drive
• Stoltzman, 521 West Pleasant Street- (2 rinks)
• Thomas, 100 Thomas Park Court
• King Arthur, 1580 Sharon Drive
• North Ridge, 1720 Quail Roost Drive
• Roe Crest, 2214 Clare Drive
• Spring Lake, 641 Webster Drive
• Walter S. Farm, 1601 Countryside Drive
• Wheeler Park, 402 Page Avenue

North Links

• Par 72, 18-hole course
• Driving range and putting green
  
• Two-hole practice course with chipping green and bunker
  
• Banquet facilities for up to 200 people
• Full pro shop
• 55 golf carts
• Four sets of tees

Google Map

Terrace View

• Par 36, nine-hole regulation course
• Par 27, nine-hole executive course
• Driving range and putting green
• 20 golf carts
• Full Pro shop
• Clubhouse space for 150
• Four sets of tees

Google Map

Minneopa

• Par 33, nine hole course
• Putting green
• Pro shop
• 15 golf carts
• Driving range
• Clubhouse space for 50
• Four sets of tees

Google Map | Minneopa Golf Course

Mankato Golf Club (Private)

• Par 71, 18 hole course
• Driving range and putting green
• Banquet services for up to 200 people
• Full pro shop
• 45 golf carts
• Pool
• Four sets of tees

Google Map

Kayaking & Canoeing

Blue Earth County has more miles of river than any other County in the State. A public access to Blue Earth River fishing, canoeing, kayaking and viewing opportunities has recently opened adjacent to the CSAH 90 bridge. The site is accessed off TH 66 just south of CSAH 90. The site was recently designated  as Fort LeHillier River Landing in honor of the early French explorer active in the area. So come enjoy the rivers of Greater Mankato.

KAYAK & CANOE RENTALS:

Bent River Outfitter

507.388.BENT (2368)
info@bentriveroutfitter.com
www.bentriveroutfitter.com

MSU Canoe Rental

507.389.6215

mnsu.edu/campusrec/outdoors

A to Z Rental Center
507.388.1677
atozrentalmankato.com

Bent River Outfitter

507.388.BENT (2368)
info@bentriveroutfitter.com
www.bentriveroutfitter.com

Drive a Tank

507.461.0628 or 507.835.5607
info@driveatank.com

www.driveatank.com
CNN Story about Drive a Tank

WCCO Story about Drive a Tank

Fishing

Greater Mankato is full of fishing holes. Casual fishers can cast a line in many area parks, including Hiniker Pond (near the intersection of Hwys. 169 and 14), Lake Dorothy (near River Hills Mall), Lion’s Park (near MSU), or Land of Memories Park and Sibley Park (both in west Mankato).

Fishers with boats, transportation and that single-minded determination that seems to dominate the sport have several other options within 30 miles of Mankato proper.