Select photos courtesy of the Greater Mankato CVB and The Free Press.
Mankato Lodging near Minnesota Vikings 2009 Training Camp
Whatever your reason for lodging in Mankato, you've picked a beautiful city to visit. Nestled on the Minnesota River, downtown Mankato boasts an abundance of history and shopping. Our Mankato lodging near the River Hills Mall is sure to please any shopper, and nature lovers will appreciate our hotel's proximity to the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail. The region's beautiful landscapes, solid sense of history, commitment to the arts and plentiful outdoor activities will ensure an exciting Mankato vacation for any traveler.
We are conveniently located near THE PAW- Mankato's Pet Resort. While you are lodging in Mankato, your pet will have a great time in this innovative pet boarding and daycare facility.
Carnegie Art Center, 4.7 miles Hosts monthly gallery exhibitions featuring regional artists, sponsors art education programs, and runs the Broad Street Gallery Gift Shop. Phone: (507) 625-2730
Mankato Symphony Orchestra, 5 miles Five symphony presentations featuring national and international guest artists. Phone: (507) 625-8880
Merely Players Theatre, 5.4 miles Musicals, classics and comedies performed from October through May. Phone: (507) 388-5483
Grand Champions Sports Complex, next door Sports complex complete with two mini golf courses, a driving range, and batting cages. Great for family fun! Phones: (507) 386-0001
Minnesota Vikings Training Camp, 5 miles Held at Minnesota State University in Mankato
Minneopa Golf Club, 10 miles Southern Minnesota's sportiest golf course opens to the public daily (except Wednesday - ladies day and stag night). Before and after the round, visit the lounge or snack bar. Phone: (507) 625-5777
Terrace View Golf Course, 1 mile Offers a short, challenging course among challenging greens and lush fairways. Phone: (507) 387-2192.
Victory Bowl Visit this ultra modern bowling center to experience Frameworx automatic scoring with 3-D color graphics, computer-controlled bumpers for the kids and Thunder Alley Sound & Light shows on Fridays and Saturdays. Phone: (507) 387-7991
Morgan Creek Vineyards, 30 miles Morgan Creek Vineyards, Southern Minnesota's newest tourist attraction, invites wine lovers to enjoy seasonal events for the entire family. Phone: (507) 947-3547
About Mankato
Mankato, Minnesota, situated on the Minnesota River in the southern part of the state, was originally called Mahkato, which meant greenish-blue earth to the Dakota Indians that first inhabited the area. Eventually, steamboat travel led settlers to Mankato, and it became the Blue Earth County Seat in 1853. Today, the city is recognized for its big-city amenities, conveniently located amid the unspoiled great outdoors. Wildlife, water sports and outdoor recreation are mainstays here, but shopping, dining, cultural events and attractions are plentiful for those who prefer indoor pursuits. Be transported to another era in the historic Old Town district, a riverside retreat where progressive shops and restaurants mingle with authentic 17th century buildings. From pioneer museums to modern vineyards, from opera and art to skiing and hockey, Mankato residents work hard to make sure their city lives up to its designation as one of the 15 most livable small cities in America.
Did you know?
The U.S. government purchased Mankato from the Dakota Indians in 1851. The government later skipped several payments, leading to the Dakota Conflict of 1862, after which 38 Dakota Indians were sentenced to death - the largest mass execution in U.S. history.