Minnesotans Love Mankato, So Should You

Mankato may be best known in the region for its college town roots, but this city along the Minnesota River is a hotbed of attractions eager to please adventure lovers of all ages.

Located southwest of the metropolitan twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Mankato is the home of Minnesota State University, Mankato, and the county seat of Blue Earth County, where local arts and entertainment only bolster the bounty of outdoor recreation activities offered by the natural beauty of southern Minnesota.

To get a true taste of the geographic splendor of the area, a visit to Mankato should always begin with a trek to Minneopa Falls at Minneopa State Park. Recognized as one of the most scenic waterfalls in southern Minnesota, the falls are fed by Minneopa Creek, whose waters plunge more than 40 feet over a natural gorge to flow into the Minnesota River.

Another highly regarded outdoor attraction in the area is the Red Jacket Trail, which follows a former railway line along the Blue Earth River, offering bikers, hikers and rollerbladers scenic vistas of local hotspots including the Mount Kato Ski area.

Named after a former Seneca Indian chief who called the area home in the late 18th Century, the Red Jacket Trail runs 13 miles from Mankato to Rapidan, and also offers an adjacent four-acre park with picnic areas and a canoe launch for easy access to the Le Sueur River.

Mount Kato itself is also a big draw year-round for thrill-seekers looking for more than what the flat terrain of local trails can offer. With more than 240 feet of elevation, this large 55-acre hill is located a mile south of Mankato in the beautiful Minnesota River Valley. Offering challenging mountain-biking paths in the warmer months, and eight chair lifts serving 19 ski trails in the winter months, Mount Kato is a destination of choice for all skill levels.

For those who prefer to spend their leisure time relaxing with a tasty beverage, the greater-Mankato area is also home to the August Schell Brewing Company in nearby New Ulm. With local roots dating back to its founding in 1860, this brewer of fine beers is the second oldest family-owned brewing company in the U.S.

Still managed by fifth-generation descendants of August Schell, the brewery boasts a visitor center and Museum of Brewing, and offers a fee-based tour of the facility that includes beer tasting in the Rathskeller Tap Room. Visitors are also encouraged to explore the extensive Schell’s Gardens at the brewery.

Those who happen to find themselves visiting the brewery in February should take part in the annual Bock Fest Beer Festival in celebration of Fasching -- a German version of Mardi Gras. During the city-wide event, antler-clad revelers polish off giant glasses of caramel-colored bock beer before searching for wooden goat-head cutouts on the brewery grounds and in adjoining Flandrau State Park, for modest prizes and festival glory.

The Mankato area is also home to the heralded Morgan Creek Vineyards in New Ulm. Recognized as Minnesota's only underground winery specializing in growing and producing German, French and American style wines, the vineyard offers tours, tastings and events year-round in celebration of the art of fine winemaking.

As for area visitors for whom sports is more passion than past-time, a wealth of attraction options await them in Mankato. The local MSU Mavericks compete in a number of men's and women's NCAA Division I and Division II sports, including baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer and football.

In addition, the NFL's Minnesota Vikings also call Mankato home each year as the team hosts its summer training camp on the campus of MSU. Fans can visit the Vikings Village to watch the players and coaches prepare for the upcoming season and attend daily practices, autograph sessions and youth football clinics.

The Mankato MoonDogs, a member of the Northwoods League -- an NCAA summer baseball league -- also finds its home in the area. Playing at Franklin Rogers Park in Mankato from June through August, the MoonDogs have a strong local following and offer affordable ticket pricing and fun events/giveaways to keep all family members entertained between innings.

Mankato may be a big regional city with a small town feel, but what makes it even more unique is what it has to offer between its waters and its woodlands. Mankatoans enjoy a quality of life that draws in visitors for a taste of what could be through its attractions.

While there are other areas with as much diversity of entertainment options as the Minnesota River Valley, few others have been recognized nationally as one of the most livable.

However, you don't have to live in Mankato to enjoy what it has to offer: it's only 82 miles from the Twin Cities. Mankato routinely draws in fellow day-trippers with its great annual events such as the Great River Bicycle Festival, the National Brew Fest and the Hickory Street RibFest.