Location: Mankato
Top Things to do in Mankato
9 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Mankato That You Shouldn't Miss
Mankato (/mænˈkeɪtoʊ/ man-KAY-toh) is a city in Blue Earth, Nicollet, and Le Sueur counties in the state of Minnesota. It is Minnesota's 22nd biggest city. The population was 41,044 according to 2015 US census estimates, making it the fifth largest city in Minnesota outside the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. The county seat of Blue Earth County, it is located along a large bend of the Minnesota River at its confluence with the Blue Earth River. Mankato is across the Minnesota River from North Mankato. Mankato and North Mankato have a combined population of over 53,000, according to the 2010 census. It completely encompasses the town of Skyline. North of Mankato Regional Airport, a tiny non-contiguous part of the city lies within Le Sueur County. Most of the city is in Blue Earth County.
Restaurants in Mankato
1. Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
Located in historic downtown Mankato, the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is on a mission to ignite the natural curiosity of every child through the power of play in a dynamic, awe-inspiring environment. From the Betsy Tacy-inspired Play Porch to the mind-inspiring attractions of the two-level makers space, and with a towering Mankato Clinic Tree of Forts Climber so tall that it burst through the roof, there’s plenty to do and see for children of all ages — all within a safe, inviting, and comfortable space. The Children's Museum of Minnesota exists thanks to the support of dozens of businesses, hundreds of families, many wonderful volunteers, and the entire Greater Mankato community. Tens of thousands of visitors have already enjoyed the Museum at its previous locations since 2009. With the continued help and enthusiasm of all who have supported us, we can't wait to put smiles on many more faces -- for generations to come.
Reviewed By 518jennav
Our 2.5-year-old absolutely loved the time we spent here: we were here for 4 hours, but she would have easily stayed longer if naptime hadn't set in. ;) Particular favorites were the Betsy/Tacy-themed Play Porch (lots of toy babies to rock/push around + books to read), spacious play kitchen, wind tunnel, and outdoor Farmyard (she loved seeing the chickens/pigs/goats & watering the flowers). We were nervous that the cost of admission ($24 for the 3 of us) wouldn't be worth it, especially with so many other free things to do in the area, but our time here was worth every penny. Definitely a must-see if you bring kids to the Mankato area!
2. Betsy & Tacy's House Tours & Gift Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
3. Old Town Escape
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 86 reviews
Don't know what escape rooms are? Well it's like this: You get a group of friends or family or co-workers together, you go in the room, you look around the room, you find clues to solve puzzles, and you have sixty minutes to figure them out and "escape the room." Get it? It might be one of those things where you have to be here. We have 2 rooms- The Witch's Kitchen and The Post Office
4. Kato Escape
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 108 reviews
An escape room is a real-life puzzle game. It is like National Treasure and Clue mixed together in the most engaging way imaginable. Great team building activity for ages 7 to 107. We offer four different themed experiences to choose from, so do not wait!
Reviewed By nataliesJ6853JQ
I loved every bit of it. The person gave great clues and resaid them every time we didn’t understand what they had said. Would recommend
5. Carnegie Art Center
6. WOW Zone Family Entertainment Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Mjd27 - Kissimmee, United States
We enjoyed a delicious lunch meal, with BBQ chicken pizza (super delicious), burger, Kids meals, and even an ice cream cone. Foods were tasty and prices were your average sports bar prices. Following meal we let the kids play, standard game systems... buy a card for x-dollars - swipe at the game systems - earn tickets - get little toys. Fun stuff, standard games available like all arcades. There are games that we would scan the cards and it would take the points off... and no game so watch for that. They also have mini golf, laser tag and bowling but we didn’t do this so I cannot comment. I will go back again though :)
7. The R. D. Hubbard House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
The Historic R. D. Hubbard House is one of the finest examples of the classic Victorian architecture in Minnesota. The Hubbard House survives in its original form, having been occupied by only the Hubbard family and the Blue Earth County Historical Society. Explore the 16-room mansion of local flour mill giant R.D. Hubbard and his family, completed in 1905. Guided one-hour tours; admission charged. The Hubbard House is open seasonally May-September. Visit our website for more details.
8. Blue Earth County Historical Society
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
The Blue Earth County History Center includes a Gift Shop, Marian Anderson Art Gallery, Research Center and Museum. The Museum features hands-on history fun in the Discovery Lab, diorama of 1880s Mankato, treasures from local author Maud Hart Lovelace and interactive Pioneer Cabin and Barn. Admission charged. The History Center is open year-round; closed major holidays. Visit our website for more details.
9. River Hills Mall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By cynsha - Mankato, United States
River Hills Mall is the darling of Mankato. It is a large retail mall with anchor stores and all the sought after name shops. It has an 8-screen movie theatre with lounge seating showing the current movies, a children center where young kids can play and climb, and my favorite spot is the huge food court with a carousel in the center of it. The mall is well taken care of and during the holidays is very beautiful with lights adorning the huge food court windows. Fun spot to spend a day, any day of the week!
