Family Fun
Visit Mankato
Grab the kids and head to Mankato for some winter fun! Plan your own special itinerary or avoid the stress and check out our package deals at the bottom of the page. We offer plenty of indoor and outdoor activities that the whole family will love at a price that can’t be beat!
Things to Do
Down-Hill Skiing
Down-hill skiers and snowboarders find Mount Kato to be a hub for fast action and short lines. With 19 groomed trails and four terrain parks for skiing and snowboarding, as well as a tubing park, you’ll never run out of things to do. Getting cold? Head inside the cozy ski lodge for some relaxation and dining. Go>
Cross Country Skiing
Mankato is surrounded by an extensive trail system featuring groomed pathways which bring cross country skiers through Indian Lake Park, Williams Nature Center, Bray Park, Wildwood Conservation Area and Daly Park. Each location presents an exciting journey for a beginner or experienced cross country skier. Call 507-304-4025 or visit Blue Earth County’s website. Go>
Sledding
Grab a sled or tube and head to the legendary Sibley Park (360° virtual tour) 
or Spring Lake Park hill for downhill sledding. Don’t have a tube? No problem. Head to Mount Kato, which provides large tubes for a smoother ride with just as much thrill.
Hockey
Each winter fans swarm indoors to cheer on their Minnesota State University, Mankato (360° virtual tour) Men’s and Women’s Division I Hockey at the Verizon Center (360° virtual tour) . During period intermissions partake in the games and cheers with the crowd. Go>
Ice Skating
Stay outside and skate in one of Mankato’s 11 parks with outdoor skating rinks. Too cold? All Season’s Arena offers an indoor skating rink with affordable skate rentals. Skate for fun or challenge the kids to a game of hockey.
Snow Biking
Snow bikes or “fat bikes” are best experienced along packed trails. Head to Seven Mile Creek Park, Kiwanis Recreation Area, Ft. LeHillier Trail or Indian Lake Conservation Area to try it yourself. Want to ride with a group? Nicollet Bike Shop offers group rides on Tuesdays.
Snowmobiling
There are 160 miles of trails for snowmobilers in Blue Earth County. Snowmobilers should visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website to find detailed maps of available snowmobile routes. Go>
Snowshoeing
Looking for a unique experience in our parks and on our trails this winter? Give snowshoeing a try! This activity allows you to experience winter in all its wonder. Go it alone or book a tour with the local experts, Bent River Outfitter. Rent snowshoes from Bent River Outfitter or Minnesota State University, Mankato Campus Recreation (360° virtual tour) .
Places to Visit
Wow! Zone
This huge family entertainment center has something for the whole family, with 24 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, a two-level laser tag arena, black light mini golf, a full arcade, snack bar, and sports bar and restaurant. Go>
Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota
The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota offers much more than just everyday play. They host or organize birthday parties, summer camps, group visits, and a variety of fresh and exciting activities to keep you excited and engaged. Go>
Indoor Rock Climbing Center
Come to Mankato to climb the largest indoor rock wall in Southern Minnesota! Go>
Mankato Family YMCA
Building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities, the Mankato Family YMCA offers a multitude of programs, classes, and activities in their 75,000 sq. ft. facility. Go>
Kiwanis Holiday Lights
It’s the holiday season, and Mankato has plenty of holiday cheer to go around. Our dazzling Kiwanis Holiday Lights display in Sibley park is sure to impress! This year’s attractions include a display of over 1.5 million LED lights, animated lights, skating rink and warming house, horse-drawn wagon rides, Santa Claus, live reindeer, ice sculptures and more! Go>
Winter Events in Mankato
Dining
- For a list of dining options in Mankato, click here.
Lodging
- For a list of hotels in Mankato, click here.
Still Not Ready to Leave?
A Kid-Friendly Guide to Mankato. Go>
