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.

Sibley Park
Nestled between the Minnesota and Blue Earth Rivers, Sibley Park 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 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 duck pond or unique sand-bottom swimming pool. There are also shelters, trails, playground equipment, sand volleyball courts and winter sledding hills.

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. New to the park, this bison herd has high quality genetics descending from the type of bison Lewis and Clark gazed upon in the 1830s. Take a virtual tour of Minneopa State Park. Go>