Find your next adventure – let’s explore Mankato. As the Minnesota River bends to the North and the Sakata Singing State Bike Trail approaches from the East, the scenic river valley in and around the area offers miles of biking, hiking, and paddling adventures. With its stunning natural surroundings, exploring Mankato can be a fun and memorable experience with the following:
· Blue Earth River – Offers kayaking, which includes small stretches of rapids and calm waters
· Greater Mankato Trails – Enjoy 50 miles of paved trails, ideal for cyclists of all levels
· Minneopa State Trail – See the double waterfall and bison herd
· Mount Kato – Offers mountain bikers scenic views on a downhill trail system
· Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail – A paved Rail-to-Trail connects Mankato to Faribault.
For the trail rider or hiker, find over 50 miles of family-friendly paved trails. Road touring enthusiasts will find a network of suggested routes that offer scenic country roads with minimal traffic. For the paddler, enjoy the scenery along the water trails on the Blue Earth River and the Minnesota River.
Info and Maps for the Area
Road and Trail Opportunities
HaveFunBiking Mankato Area Map
Mankato City Bike Map
Mankato Bike Loops
Mankato Bike Trails
Crystal Lake Loop
North Mankato Loop
St. Clair/Eagle Lake Loop
St. Clair, Smiths Mill, Madison Lake Loop
North Gravel Ride
Multi-Use Trails
The trails here offer a spectacular view of areas that may not always be explored, especially if you stick to the roads. Trail routes follow streams and cross upland and wetland areas, where one can see a variety of wildlife.
Red Jacket Trail
Minneopa State Park
Sakatah Singing State Trail Map
Indian Lake Conservation Area
Mountain Biking Trails
Due to its location in the river valley and proximity to the mountains, mountain biking is growing in the Mankato area. There are four sustainable, environmentally friendly trails here:
Walk/Hiking Opportunities
The hiking trails here offer spectacular views of flora and fauna that may not always be visible if you stick to the paths along the roads.
- City Parks
- Minneopa State Park
- See more opportunities here.
Paddling Fun Exploring
Both the Blue Earth River and the Minnesota River offer several water trail options for paddlers.
Area Bike Shops and Clubs
1850 Adams St. #404 River Hills Mall Mankato, MN 56001
Outdoor sports
(507) 386-7767
607 N. Riverfront Drive Mankato, MN 56001
Used bikes, clothing, accessories
(507) 388-9390
624 N Victory Dr, Mankato, MN 56001
Bike shop
(507) 345-4754
1429 N. Riverfront Drive Mankato, MN 56001
Used bikes
(507) 351-1466
Key City Bike | 1429 N. Riverfront Dr., Mankato | 507-304-1936
Nicollet Bike Shop | 607 N. Riverfront Dr., Mankato | 507-388-9390 River Valley Runners | 605 N Riverfront Dr., Mankato, |507-386-4609
Scheels | 1850 Adams St. #404 (River Hills Mall), Mankato| 507-386-7767
Mankato Area Mountain Bikers
See more group rides, runs, and events here.
Where to Play When Not Outdoors
If you need a break from that outdoor adventure while in the Mankato Area, check out all there is to see and do.
Children’s Museum of So. MN | 224 Lamm St., Mankato | 507-386-0279 River Hills Mall | 1850 Adams Street, Mankato, | 507-388-1100
WOW! Zone | 2030 Adams Street, Mankato, | 507-625-269
Discover more about the local events and attractions here.
Where to Eat
Enjoy an array of cuisines when stopping for a quick bite during a busy day. A casual lunch or a fine dining experience, go where the locals go!
From the Blue Bricks Bar and Eatery to Charley’s Cheese Steaks, the city offers several interesting and charming cafes, ice cream shops, and breweries ideally suited to an outdoor adventurer’s taste.
Check here for a complete list of more places to grab a bite!
Where to Sleep
In Greater Mankato, add to your adventure with a comfortable night’s sleep. Here, you will find hotels that offer on-site restaurants, game rooms, and swimming pools. And for those who need only the stars and sounds of the night, see a list of campsite and lodging properties here.
Public Wi-Fi Spots in the Area
Along with most hotels, many coffee shops and restaurants have Wi-Fi availability. Mankato has three public libraries that are also good options.
Blue Earth County Library is located at 100 E. Main St, Mankato, MN 56001 | 507-304-4001
North Mankato Taylor Library is located at 1001 Belgrade Ave. North, Mankato, MN 56001 | 507-345-5120
Traverse Des Sioux Library located at 1400 Madison Ave., Mankato, MN 56001 | 507-625-6169
For More Information
See the Mankato Visitors Tourism Bureau for more detailed information.