Sports and Recreation

Did you know that fishing is considered an agricultural activity and is actually stored in our inherited genetic material? You can learn more about this historic connection in this informative article by Dr. Mike Rosmann, Thankfully, the Mankato area has a little bit of everything when it comes to fishing.

The Mankato area has a little bit of everything when it comes to fishing. From shore, boat, kayak or canoe, you can cast your line into the areas many rivers, lakes and ponds. Here you’ll find some of the best fishing available in the upper Midwest.

Whether it’s for deer, turkey, pheasant and or waterfowl, Mankato is a great area for hunting. Within 20 miles of Mankato, there are more than 9,100 acres of public hunting ground. Just 15 minutes from Mankato is legendary Swan Lake. At more than 10,000 acres, it is considered North America’s largest prairie pothole. Its 70 miles of shoreline, along with many shallow bogs, points and islands, offer some of the best waterfowl hunting in the state. Learn more.

The Mankato Marathon, presented by Mayo Clinic Health System, features dynamic courses and determined runners. The courses are the perfect blend of Mankato’s scenic countryside, trails and historical urban landscape, highlighting the beautiful Minnesota River Valley. We love that this event happens during the harvest season so runners are taking in the sites of the harvest at work as they run through the countryside. With Mankato being in the hub of the GreenSeam, there is no escaping courses that highlight our fields of bounty.

Plan Your Mankato Getaway

Where to Stay

In greater Mankato, you’ll find more than just a comfortable night’s sleep. We have hotels with on-site restaurants; game rooms and swimming pools and more!

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Where to Dine

Where to Eat

Mankato has a strong local food scene where restaurants in the City Center and nearby neighborhoods serve everything from New York style pizza to creative burger creations and local craft beer.

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Where to Play

In Mankato, we know that recreation is a big part of any vacation. Whether you want to stay indoors or conquer the great outdoors, Mankato is your getaway destination in southern Minnesota!

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Visitor Guides

Read through the Travel Guides and Explore all there is to do in Greater Mankato including maps of the CityArt Sculpture Tour and Southern Minnesota biking trails and hiking paths along the countryside.