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Our unique history is preserved in many registered historic sites, where informed citizens bring them to life. Our natural setting, our colleges, and the significant talent of our residents combine to support a thriving fine arts community. There’s music to suit any preference, theatre on community and collegiate stages, and galleries full of work by local and widely-known artists.
Also, lying amidst Minnesota’s famed waters and woodlands, Greater Mankato offers an easy escape to hiking/biking trails, golf courses, and all the things the family can do “at the lake.” The weather is great, spring, summer and fall. But come back in the winter, when the weather is perfect for photography, skiing, or even more fishing, if you like.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT |
HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS |
LEISURE ACTIVITIES |
SPORTS |
SURROUNDING AREA ATTRACTIONS
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT |
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120 S. Broad Street, Mankato | 507.625.2730 | Google Map
The Carnegie Art Center is the largest visual art center in south central Minnesota, and was added in 1981 to the National Register of Historic Places. The art center hosts monthly gallery exhibitions featuring the work of regional artists, sponsors art education programs and runs the Broad Street Gallery Gift Shop located in the art center.
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 1-4 p.m. and Thursday 1-7 p.m.
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P.O. Box 645, Mankato | 507.625.8880 | www.mankatosymphony.com | Google Map
The Mankato Symphony Orchestra has been performing for Mankato since 1950. The orchestra plays five subscription concerts each year plus three youth concerts. In 1999 the orchestra began presenting an annual event, “Rockin’ in the Quarry,” each June.
Concerts run October-June
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507.625.8278 | www.minnesotavalleychorale.org
The Chorale's repertoire is founded on a commitment to the great works of the Renaissance and baroque era’s. Complementing that repertoire are folk songs, madrigals and spirituals. |
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329 N. Broad Street, Mankato | 507.625.7716 | www.mankatoballet.com
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The Mankato Ballet is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the art of dance through education, demonstration and public performance – including an annual holiday production of “The Nutcracker.” |
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110 Fulton Street, Mankato | 507.388.5483 | www.merelyplayers.com | Google Map
Merely Players, Mankato’s own theatre company, formed in 1981. The group performs several musicals, classics, and comedies at the Lincoln Community Center auditorium from October through May. |
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Box Office: 507.389.6661 | www.mnsu.edu/theatre | Google Map
The University’s theatre department presents several works on both its Mainstage and Studio each school year. The performances are staged in the 200-seat Andreas Theatre or the 530-seat Ted Paul Theatre. The University will produce plays in a variety of dramatic, musical and comical formats. |
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Box Office 507.389.6661 | www.msutheatre.com | Google Map
Highland Summer Theatre produces four shows from the end of May until the end of July. All summer productions are held at the Performing Arts Center on the MSU campus. |
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Ticket Office 507.933.7590 | www.gac.edu | Google Map
Scheduling and managing over 200 events a year including exhibits, recitals, concerts, dance and theatre performances.
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700 Luther Drive, Mankato |507.344.7365 | www.blc.edu/events/calendar | Google Map
Bethany is home to a number of fine arts activities throughout the year featuring theater choir, concert band, jazz ensemble, and hand bell performances. Bethany's art gallery is the site of student art shows in December and May. The college also sponsors guest artists throughout the year.
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313 E. Main Street, St. Clair | 507.245.3177 | www.thebelltower.org | Google Map
The Bell Tower is a facility committed to bringing cultural and artistic opportunities to the community. A former house of worship, the building now hosts theatrical, artistic and musical productions and shows throughout the year. |
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One Civic Center Plaza, Mankato | Box Office: 507.389.3001 | www.alltelcenter.com | Google Map
Home of the MSU Hockey teams, this all purpose entertainment venue and meeting/convention site is host to special events including concerts, family shows, Broadway musicals, sporting events and ice shows. Tickets are available at the Alltel Center Ticket Office or any TicketMaster outlet. Ticket Office: Monday through Friday - 10 am to 6 pm
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200 Chestnut Street, Mankato | 507.625.7553 | Google Map
Mankato's full variety entertainment center featuring concerts, dinner theater, dancing and more! |
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LEISURE ATTRACTIONS |
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Greater Mankato's trail system offers a spectacular scenic view of areas that may not always be explored. Trail users will follow streams and cross upland, and wetland areas, where one may see wildlife including blue birds, woodpeckers, bald eagles, ducks, geese and many others. The trails provide scenic and historical views along with access and visibility to industries and unique Greater Mankato landmarks such as the river, foundry and quarries.
With more than 50 miles of paved trails in the Greater Mankato area, there are plentiful opportunities to enjoy nature's beauty in the community.
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Madison East Center | 507.420.8711 | Google Map
During spring and summer take a trip to the farmers market. Every Saturday morning and Tuesday evening you’ll find dozens of vendors proudly displaying their crops. Everything from strawberries and asparagus to home baked breads and handmade soups can be purchased.
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SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT |
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Mount Kato
20461 Hwy. 66, Mankato | 507.625.3363| 1.800.668.5286
Mount Kato | Google Map
Located one mile south of Mankato in the scenic Minnesota River Valley.
Mount Kato offers the skier and boarder a fantastic winter experience with:
- 19 Trails: 4 beginner, 8 intermediate & 7 advanced.
- 8 Chair Lifts: 5 quad, 3 double & 2 handle tows.
- Two-level chalet offering food service and " The Lift" bar.
- Snow tubing, 100% snowmaking & full service rental shop.
- Tech Shop certified technicians offer precision ski & snowboard tuning and state of the art stone grinding.
- Certified ski & snowboard school featuring a variety of lessons for all ages and abilities.
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1247 Range Street, off Hwy. 169, North Mankato| 507.387.3439 | Google Map
Your complete family entertainment center. Twenty-four Brunswick "Glow Anvilane" synthetic lanes with automatic scoring are used. Dutler’s features evenings of color pin or cosmic bowling with "Ball Walls" on all 24 lanes for children of all ages. Pool tables, video games, and satellite TV's are also available. |
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202 S. Victory Drive| 507.387.7991 | www.victorybowl.com | Google Map
Visit this ultra modern bowling center to experience the latest bowling has to offer. Frameworx automatic scoring with 3-D color graphics, computer controlled bumpers for the kids and our Thunder Alley Sound & Light show on Fridays and Saturdays. Enjoy our Smoke Free facilities on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons until 6 pm. After bowling, visit Mickey's Sports Bar, our adjacent full service bar and grill featuring great food and beverages. |
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19304 State Hwy 22, Mankato | 507.625.7655 | Google Map
One of the most unique courses, Terrace view has a 9-hole, par 36 regulation course, and a 9-hole, par 27 executive course. A putting green, driving range, pro shop, and clubhouse are all part of Terrace View. |
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Stoltzman Road, Mankato | Google Map
Take the dirt bike out and race around the most challenging course in the area. Amateur riders welcome to try a tricky track filled with jumps and ramps. Bleachers and picnic areas are also available. |
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Highway 14 W. & County Road 66, North Mankato | 507.947.3355 | www.northlinksgolf.com
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North Links is the newest of Mankato’s golf courses featuring a regulation 18-hole, par 72 golf course with driving range and putting green. North Links features four different t-distances for varying skill levels. A pro shop, golf carts and lounge are also available. |
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Highway 169 S., ½ mile outside of Mankato | 507. 625.5777 | Google Map
Southern Minnesota's sportiest golf course features a challenging 9-hole, par 33 up-hill course. A pro shop, golf carts and equipment rentals are available, as well as, a snack bar and lounge.
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507.625.7047 |
mankatomoondogs.com
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The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club is a member of the wood-bat Northwoods League. For family-fun entertainment catch the MoonDogs games at Franklin Rogers Park from June to the middle of August. |
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Highway 66 S., one mile south of Mankato | 507.625.3363 | www.mountkato.com
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Downhill Skiing and Tubing
19 Trails - 4 beginner, 8 intermediate and 7 advanced. Trails groomed daily.
8 chair lifts - 5 quad and 3 double, 3 handle tows
Two-level chalet offering food service and the Bullwheel Saloon for your enjoyment. Full-service rental and ski shop offering a complete line of ski equipment, fashions and accessories is available
Certified ski school featuring a variety of lessons for all ages and abilities.
Mountain Biking:
Over 7 miles of trails for novice to expert rider. Trails are 80 percent wooded single track. |
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Highway 22 (Near Country Inn & Suites) | 507.386.0001 | Google Map
This sports complex is complete with two, 18-hole mini golf courses, a driving range, and batting cages. Open early spring-fall |
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SURROUNDING AREA ATTRACTIONS |
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(Rural New Ulm) | www.morgancreekvineyards.com
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Morgan Creek Vineyards’ eco-friendly underground winery provides perfect cellar temperature for wine production, and creates an inviting atmosphere for tasting room and gift shop visitors. The winery overlooks a magnificent oak tree surrounded by groves and vineyards. Specializing in German, French, and American style wines, the winery offers seasonal performing arts and culinary events, weekly live music, and wine appetizers baked in their European wood fired oven. |
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(New Ulm) | www.Schellsbrewery.com
Founded in 1860, the August Schell Brewing Company is the second oldest family-owned brewing company in the United States, and the oldest industry in New Ulm. At this site, August Schell rolled out his first barrel of beer a century and a half ago, and the brewery continues to be managed by his fifth-generation descendants. Schell’s new visitor center includes an expanded gift shop and Museum of Brewing. Tours conclude in the Rathskeller Tap Room. Visitors may also stroll though the extensive Schell’s Gardens. |
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Vernon Center
If the Great Pumpkin is going to rise out of any pumpkin patch in Southern Minnesota, it will be at Pumpkinland, a family friendly farm market south of Mankato in Vernon Center. Kids will enjoy the petting zoo and games as much as they will a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch. Pre-picked pumpkins are also available, as are squash, gourds and other seasonal products. Pumpkinland is open weekends throughout the fall; for more information, call 507.549.3313 |
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