Sakatah Singing Hills Trail

Follow 39 miles of abandoned railroad grade from Mankato (the trail on Lime Valley Road, just past the intersection of Riverfront Drive and Hwy. 14) to Faribault. The blacktopped trail meanders through rich farmland and small towns and follows several lakes, including Madison and Cannon, where there are swimming beaches. There are parks and rest stops in communities every few miles. The trail, which intersects Sakatah State Park, is open for biking, hiking, in-line skating and cross country skiing.

Red Jacket Bike Trail

The Red Jacket Trail begins at Rasmussen Park in Mankato and travels about 13 miles (six of which are paved) through open countryside, beside the Minnesota River and over three railroad trestles (including its namesake, the 550-foot-long Red Jacket) to Rapidan. Several wooden bridges and a landmark tunnel under the new southern bypass add charm to the trail.

Minnesota River Trail

Follow the Minnesota River on bike, foot or in-line skates from Veteran’s Memorial Bridge at Lind Street in North Mankato, through downtown Mankato to Sibley Park in west Mankato.

Mount Kato

Before the snow flies and after it melts again, Mount Kato turns its attention to mountain biking. Slightly more than seven miles of mountain-bike trails are accessible during the non-winter months; call 507.625.3363 for more information.

Seven Mile Creek Trail

Just three miles north of Mankato on Hwy. 169, you’ll find seven miles of hiking trails that cover 600 acres of wooded park. Picnic shelters and grills are scattered throughout the park and along the creek.

Williams Minneopa Learning Center

With two miles of paved trails, the Williams Minneopa Learning Center (located about three miles west of Mankato on Hwy. 68) is considered one of the best handicapped-accessible nature centers in the state. The paths traverse wildlife reserves, prairie vegetation, Indian mounds and an Indian village site. Information and comfort sites are set up throughout the center.

Minneopa State Park

Minneopa is home to the biggest waterfall in southern Minnesota. Although you could spend most of a day mesmerized by the waterfall, there are plenty of other things to do like hike along the trails that encircle the falls, bird watch, visit the old mill or camp in one of the picturesque sites.

Bluff Park & Riverview Park

Their names give them away: These two parks in North Mankato are spectacular for the views they afford. The trails are just an added bonus.

Bicycle Motorcross (BMX)

Test your skills in a specially designed, ramped bike park adjacent to Rasmussen Woods on Stoltzman Road. Sand volleyball is also available on the premises.

Rasmussen Woods

The wooded trails surrounding the Elks Nature Center at Rasmussen Woods are ideal for hikers, birdwatchers and anyone who loves nature. The woods are located just off of Stoltzman Road.

Sibley Park

Sibley is one of the oldest parks in Greater Mankato. Beautiful walking trails, gorgeous flowers, picnic shelters and petting zoo set Sibley apart from the rest.

Spring Lake Park

North Mankato Premiere Park features a large duck pond providing onlookers the opportunity to hand feed ducks and geese. Plenty of shelters, playground equipment and a sand-bottom pool make this the perfect park for and family.

Minnemishinona Falls

Tucked into the woods about 4 miles east of North Mankato on County Road 41 (also known as Judson Bottom Road), Minnemishinona Falls is most spectacular in the spring. The site, however, is beautiful all year round.

Land of Memories Park

Rustic, relaxing camping experience close to Mankato. One hundred acres of beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife featuring 47 camping sites, with a variety of open grassy are

Kiwanis Park

The Kiwanis Recreation Area features trails, two dog park areas, a canoe/kayak area, an archer range, restrooms and a picnic shelter open for use throughout the year. A 24-hour Park and Ride parking lot is available on the north side of the park entry. Park hours are 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily.