Itineraries

Looking for something to see and do in City Center Mankato? We have plenty to offer! Check out the Events Calendar for an updated list of happenings to plan your stay. Start with these sample itineraries to plan your day in City Center Mankato:

GIRLS’ GETAWAY

A quick walk from your hotel room at the Hilton Garden Inn, drop into Sun Moon Yoga for a refreshing start to your day. Your afternoon can be spent taking the CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour or on a leisurely bike ride along the Red Jacket Trail. Enjoy a fabulous dinner at Number 4 American Bar and Restaurant, followed by an exciting national music concert at the Mankato Civic Center or live local music in the entertainment district.

SUMMER DATE NIGHT

Explore the historic Hubbard House with a guided tour. Next, stroll down to South Front Street where you and your sweetie will experience vibrant summer nights lounging with a cool drink on the Pub 500 patio in the entertainment district.  Afterwards, find a live music performance at one of many small venues – check out our events page for who’s playing where.

WINTER DATE NIGHT

Start at Olives for a yummy Mediterranean meal. Drive down to Sibley Park and go ice skating during the breathtaking Kiwanis Holiday Lights Festival. Finish the evening enjoying wine and live music in the cozy atmosphere of the Wine Café.

FAMILY ADVENTURE

Grab a fresh pastry at Wooden Spoon and head out to the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota for the day. Pack a picnic and burn some energy at Sibley Park and petting zoo. Walk the CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour along Belgrade Avenue in North Mankato while stopping at Dino’s Pizzeria for a slice of pizza. Ask for a piece of homemade play “dough” for the kids to sculpt! End the day with a tasty treat: swing by Mom and Pop’s Ice Cream Parlor for a cool dessert to enjoy along the banks of the Minnesota River at nearby Riverfront Park.

RIDE, RUN & RAFT

Fuel up at Tandem Bagels and jump on your bike or lace up your running shoes for a 30 mile route where you’ll take in the scenic MN River Valley, stop at the Rapidan Dam Park and then finish on the Red Jacket Trail. Need a shorter route? The Minneopa cut-off provides a great view of the Minneopa State Park and waterfall, rated one of the top five waterfalls in the state of Minnesota. Or ditch the land altogether for fun water adventures on the Blue Earth or Big Cobb Rivers with rentals available in the City Center at Bent River Outfitters.

OLD TOWN SHOPPING ADVENTURE

Start with a hot drink at The Coffee Hag. Then visit Old Town’s unique, locally-owned stores – find home goods at Salvage Sisters, trendy clothing at Gallery 512, games at The Dork Den, knitting supplies at Mary Lou’s Yarn and Ewe, and great music at Tune Town. Download the Old Town Map for easy navigating!

THURSDAY GROUP BRAIN WORK-OUT

View the art exhibits at Carnegie Art Center, Emy Frentz Gallery or the 410 Project. Then, take a trip to Old Town Escape to see if you can master the puzzles and make it out in time. End the evening at The Loose Moose Saloon for trivia and tacos.