Your big ideas can become reality at Minnesota State Mankato, where you will find comprehensive support services, a wide variety of majors to explore and opportunities to excel in and out of the classroom.
Mankato lies along a large bend of the Minnesota River at its confluence with the Blue Earth River. The city is home to Minnesota State University, the state's second-largest university by enrollment.
Just a short drive from Minneapolis — about 75 minutes — Mankato is a bustling college town with many opportunities to get outside, shop, dine, and participate in everything from a pond hockey tournament to a four-day Ribfest.
View the an annual report from the City of Mankato, which highlights the projects, progress, and achievements from 2025 - plus a view at where we're going in 2026.
Wondering what to do in Mankato, Minnesota? Here are the best and fun things to do in Mankato, MN. for a fun and memorable trip.
30 Best & Fun Things to Do in Mankato (MN) - The Tourist Checklist
Just a short drive from Minneapolis, Mankato is a thriving arts community with quality theater, music, dance, and visual arts programs. Applaud a rousing theater production, peruse a gallery full of artwork by popular local artists!
What a great chance to see the restored Betsy-Tacy houses in Mankato. Mankato was the real name for Deep Valley. Our...