Area Parks
As a community that provides opportunities to be active and adventurous year-round, we are proud to point out that many local parks are attractions in themselves. Take a 360° virtual tour. 
Blue Earth County Parks, Campgrounds & Trails
Minneopa State Park
You could spend hours watching the waterfall, but you can also hike along the trails that encircle the falls, watch the birds and visit Seppman Mill, an abandoned windmill, or camp in one of the picturesque sites. Don’t forget the state park’s newest residents on Bison Drive. This bison herd has high quality genetics descending from the type of bison Lewis and Clark gazed upon in the 1830s. The Bison Drive Road is open Thursday-Tuesday 9 A.M. to 8:30 P.M. The Bison Drive Road is closed on Wednesdays. Take a virtual tour of Minneopa State Park. Take a virtual tour of Minneopa State Park. Go>. * Be sure to follow the DNR’s response to COVID-19 a Minneopa State Park.
Sibley Park
Nestled between the Minnesota and Blue Earth Rivers, Sibley Park (360° virtual tour) is one of the oldest parks in Greater Mankato, once featuring a horse racing track, regional zoo, museum and clay tennis courts. Now featuring an agricultural theme, the park has been recognized as having one of the coolest playgrounds in the state by NewsCastic in 2015. A petting zoo with farm animals goes along with that theme. Other park features include beautiful walking trails through the park and along the river, gorgeous flower and stone gardens, and HealthBeat outdoor exercise equipment. In the winter, the park comes festively aglow with more than 1 million lights and dancing displays during the month-long Kiwanis Holiday Lights event. Take a sled and delight in a large sledding hill for everyone to enjoy.
Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park (360° virtual tour) has been recognized as one of Minnesota’s best outdoor music venues. It plays host to a variety of events and festivals for people to enjoy. The grand Lawn, amphitheater, canoe landing, trail head building, playground and public art are just some of the amenities to be enjoyed at the park. The Minnesota River Trail runs through the park and also provides great views of the Minnesota River and the City Center.
Land of Memories Park
This park features trails that wind along the Blue Earth and Minnesota Rivers and through the woods. Campers can find access to the river as well as rustic, relaxing camping throughout 100 acres of beautiful scenery surrounding 47 camping sites for both tents and recreational vehicles. This park is also a destination for disc golfers and wide open spaces for all kinds of activities and events.
Spring Lake Park
North Mankato’s Spring Lake Park has all kinds of fun for families. For some water play, check out the newly renovated Spring Lake Park Swim Facility. There are also shelters, trails, playground equipment, sand volleyball courts and winter sledding hills.
Fallenstein Playground
The North Mankato Kiwanis Club along with community members came together to make the dream of an inclusive playground a reality. Positioned next to the North Mankato Miracle League accessible baseball field, the inclusive playground delivers fun for children of all ages and abilities. In addition to PlayBooster® and Weevos® playstructures, there are loads of freestanding play components including the ZipKrooz®, Global Motion®, Sway Fun® glider, We-Saw™ and Cozy Dome® among others. Plus, a custom playground net climber uses natural topography to give everyone a chance to reach the top.
Red Jacket Valley Park
Formerly known as the Guaranteed Sand and Gravel Pit, the Red Jacket Valley Park is a scenic area designed for hiking, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and picnicking. There is a beach area on the south side of the pond and wooded walking trails throughout the park. Across the road is access to the Red Jacket Trail and Red Jacket Trestle Bridge where you can access the Le Sueur River. The park is located 2.5 miles southwest of Mankato city limits along Old Hwy 66 (CSAH 1). The pond contains sunfish, crappies, perch, and northerns for some fun fishing.
