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August schell's Brewing Co.1860 schell's road, new ulm507.354.5528schellbrewery.com A-3Schell's Brewing Co. is the second oldest family-owned brewing company in the country and the oldest industry in New Ulm. The brewery continues to be managed by August Schell's descendants. The visitor center includes a gift shop and Museum of Brewing. Daily tours are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Betsy-Tacy332 Center street, Mankato507.345.9777betsy-tacysociety.org E-6The Betsy-Tacy Society is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Maud Hart Lovelace (1892-1980), beloved author of the famed children's series of Betsy-Tacy books. Tacy’s House serves as society headquarters, gift shop and interpretive center. Both Betsy’s and Tacy’s houses are National Literary Landmarks. Tacy’s House is open on Saturdays from1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Blue earth County Historical society Heritage Center415 e. Cherry street, Mankato507.345.5566bechshistory.com F-5The Heritage Center serves as the home for the BECHS’s museum, research center and store. It is open year-round, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. & Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Chankaska Creek ranch & Winery1179 e. Pearl street, kasotachankaskawines.comThe Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery is located on a former historic farm site on a bluff of the Minnesota River. The new winery and retail store,

opening in May 2012, is on the top of a hill overlooking the farm site and the meandering Chankaska Creek. The 15-acre winery will include a 10-acre vineyard, trail system, sculpture park, amphitheater and indoor/outdoor event spaces.

CityArt Walking sculpture Tourcityartmankato.comThe CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour is a walking tour in the City Center of Mankato and North Mankato. It features 20 sculptures with a variety of styles, types, materials and sizes.

City Center Market209 riverfront drive, Mankato507.382.7727citycentermarketmankato.orgEnjoy low cost unique shopping, entertainment and local eats at the City Center Market.

Good Counsel170 Good Counsel drive, Mankato507.389.4200ssndmankato.org H-3The beautiful home for the School Sisters of Notre Dame was built on a bluff overlooking the Minnesota River Valley in 1912. Daily mass is open to the public.

Hubbard House606 s. Broad street, Mankato507.345.5566bechshistory.comopen May-september F-5The Hubbard House is one of the finest examples of Victorian style homes in Mankato. The house was built in several stages, beginning in 1871. After serving as the home of R.D. Hubbard and his family for 67 years, the house is now a museum for the Blue Earth County Historical Society.

ATTrACTIonsFrom museums and historical sites to sporting events and vineyards, Greater Mankato boasts a number of attractions sure to appeal to visitors year round.

Betsy-Tacy Bench

Good Counsel Chapel

Indian Island Winery18018 631 Avenue, Janesville507.234.6222indianislandwinery.com The Indian Island Winery was built on a site once used by Native Americans as a summer hunting camp. Although it is now used for the family-run winery, artifacts are often found on the grounds.

Jack McGowan’s Farm2001 Hawkeye lane, Mankato507.388.3361 A-9hickorytech.net/~mcgowanVisit Jack McGowan’s Farm to enjoy many different activities between May and October. McGowan’s Farm holds History Fest every year on the second weekend of October.

Mankato Area Farmers MarketMadison east Center,1400 Madison Avenue, Mankato507.420.8711 H-4mankatofarmersmarket.comThe Market operates every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning from May until late October.

Mankato Moondogs601 reed street, Mankato507.625.7047 H-4mankatomoondogs.comThe MoonDogs are a collegiate summer team playing in the Northwoods League. They play at Franklin Rogers Park from June until mid-August (see schedule, page 10). Special events and fan-friendly promotions are part of the fun. Tickets can be purchased at the game or at 507.625.7047.

Mankato Brewery1119 Center streetnorth Mankato507.386.2337 E-4mankatobrewery.com Experience some local flavor at the Mankato Brewery. Tour the brewery, which was established in 2010 and enjoy a taste of this German inspired brew.

Morgan Creek vineyards23707 478th Avenue, new ulm507.947.3547 A-6morgancreekvineyards.comThe winery overlooks a magnificent oak tree surrounded by groves and vineyards. Morgan Creek Vineyard’s underground winery provides the perfect temperature for wine production and creates an inviting atmosphere for visitors. The winery offers seasonal performing arts and culinary events, live music, appetizers and, of course, wine tastings.

rapidan damstate Highway 66, rapidan507.546.9997 B-9Built in 1911 by Consumer Power Company as a hydroelectric power generator, the Rapidan Dam now provides public water access to the Blue Earth River, as well as views of rock bluffs, wooded hills, rapids and waterfalls. Be sure to stop by the Dam Store and have a slice of Dam Pie while you’re there.

verizon vikings Training CampMinnesota state university, Mankato Blakeslee Field, Mankatovikings.com F-7Vikings fans flock to Greater Mankato each summer to watch the team practice and scrimmage. Practices are held at Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Blakeslee Field. Fans can get player autographs and take part in fun events. Camp begins at the end of July and runs through early August.

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Bluff Park & Riverview Park D-3/F-4Their names give them away: These two parks in North Mankato are spectacular for the views they afford. The trails are just an added bonus.

Caswell Park C-3 North Mankato’s Caswell Park is one of the premier softball complexes in the state. It hosts community, state, regional and national tournaments.

kiwanis Park E-1The Kiwanis Recreation Area features trails, two dog park areas, a canoe/kayak area, an archery range, restrooms and a picnic shelter. A 24-hour Park-and-Ride lot is available on the north side of the entry. Open from 6:30 a.m. -10:30 p.m. daily.

Land of Memories Park C-5Find rustic, relaxing camping close to Mankato. One hundred acres of beautiful scenery surround 47 camping sites for both tents and recreational vehicles.

Minnemishinona Falls A-5Tucked into the woods about four miles west of North Mankato on County Road 41 (also known as Judson Bottom Road), Minnemishinona Falls is most spectacular in the spring.

Minneopa State Park 507.389.5464 A-6You could spend hours watching the waterfall, but you can also hike along the trails that encircle the falls, watch the birds, visit Seppman Mill—an

abandoned windmill—or camp in one of the picturesque sites.

Minnesota River Trail507.387.8649 D-1Follow the Minnesota River on bike, foot or in-line skates from Riverfront Park, through City Center Mankato to Sibley Park in West Mankato.

Minnesota River Valley Scenic Bywaymnrivervalley.comExplore the Minnesota River Valley on four wheels! This scenic byway takes you on a journey down the roads and highways that follow the Minnesota River.

Take in stunning views of the river and bluffs, see wildlife and stop in and explore the river towns and cities. Check out mnrivervalley.com for more information about this scenic byway.

The rolling hills of the lush Minnesota River Valley sport many wonderful trails for walking, biking, in-line skating and more. Many of the local parks have pathways of their own as well. For a full listing of local parks and their amenities, please check out visitgreatermankato.com under ‘Where to Play’.

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Mount kato D-8507.625.3363mountkato.com Mount Kato has 19 groomed trails for skiing and snowboarding, plus a tubing hill too! During the non-winter months, Mount Kato turns its attention to mountain biking. Slightly more than seven miles of mountain bike trails are accessible during the summer and fall.

Rasmussen Woods E-7The 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.

Red Jacket Bike Trail D-8The Red Jacket Trail begins at the YMCA in Mankato and travels about 13 miles through open countryside, beside the Minnesota River, over railroad trestles and several wooden bridges and under a landmark tunnel at the new southern bypass all the way to Rapidan.

Riverfront Park F-4Riverfront Park is Greater Mankato’s newest park. It is a venue for a variety of events and festivals for people to enjoy. The Grand Lawn, amphitheater, ca-noe landing, trail head building, playground and public art are just some of the amenities to be enjoyed at the park. The Minnesota River Trail runs through the park and also provides great views of the Minnesota River and the City Center.

Sakatah Singing Hills Trail J-1, H-1888.MINNDNRdnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/sakatah/index.html Follow 39 miles of abandoned railroad grade from Mankato (the trail begins 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.

Seven Mile Creek Trails D-1Just 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.

Sibley Park C-5Sibley Park is one of the oldest parks in Greater Mankato. Nestled between the Minnesota and Blue Earth Rivers, this park features beautiful walking trails, gorgeous flowers and stone gardens, picnic shelters, a petting zoo, softball fields and in the winter, a large sledding hill for everyone to enjoy.

Spring Lake Park D-3North Mankato’s Spring Lake Park features a large duck pond, plenty of shelters, trails, playground equipment, sand volleyball courts and a sand-bottom pool, making this a great park for the family.

Williams Minneopa Learning Center A-6With two miles of paved trails, the Williams Minneopa Learning Center 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.

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ArTCarnegie Art Center120 s. Broad street, Mankato507.625.2730thecarnegiemankato.com F-5The Carnegie Art Center opens new shows every month. The gallery and gift shop are open Thursdays 1 p.m.-7 p.m., Fridays 1 p.m.-4 p.m., and Saturdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Exhibitions are always free to the public.

CityArt Walking sculpture Tourcityartmankato.comThe CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour is a walking tour in the City Center of Mankato and North Mankato. The walking tour features 20 sculptures with a variety of styles, types, materials and sizes.

410 Project523 s. Front street, Mankato 507.382.9921the410project.com F-5The 410 Project is an art gallery and studio that was founded by three former Minnesota State Mankato students in 2003. The name derived from its original location at 410 South Front Street. Each exhibit lasts for three weeks.

Marian Anderson Art Gallery1560 Adams street, Mankato 507.345.5566Open the first Saturday of the month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and the third Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

stones Throw Gallery420 n. Minnesota, st. Peter507.934.5655 D-1, J-1stonesthrowgallery.org The Gallery houses original works from more than 80 incredibly talented regional artists as well as the studio of goldsmith Patty Conlin. The Gallery is open 11 a.m.-5p.m. Monday through Saturday and by appointment.

Twin rivers Council for the Arts, emy Frentz Arts Guild 523 s. second street, Mankato507.387.1008twinriversarts.org F-5The Twin Rivers Council for the Arts is a one-stop shop for area arts and culture, including dance and drama, visual arts, literature, cultural heritage and music. Located in the Emy Frentz Arts Guild, TRCA is at the heart of a growing City Center arts and culture district. The Arts Guild building houses several artist studios, as well as a gallery that hosts art exhibits, workshops and small performances.

Word WalkFind inspiration at your feet! Take a stroll down Riverfront Drive (between Plum & Rock streets) and find poetry stamped in the sidewalk.

ArTs & CulTureIt doesn’t matter if you enjoy being part of the audience or prefer the spotlight—there’s something for everybody in Greater Mankato. Our community is home to a long-standing community theatre, show-stopping performances at local universities and a wealth of drama and dance opportunities for children. Take a moment to explore one of Greater Mankato’s galleries or museums, visit an artist’s studio or check out work by local artists and artisans. One thing is certain—creativity is always around the corner.

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DANCEDance Conservatory of Southern Minnesota1400 E. Madison Avenue, Mankato507.625.2005dcsmdance.com H-5The Dance Conservatory provides a structured, positive environment to learn the art of dance.

Dance Express2105 N. Broad Court, Mankato507.625.3865danceexpress.org G-2Dance classes of all sorts for all ages available, with regular recitals as well.

Mankato Ballet155 Chestnut Street, Mankato507.625.7716mankatoballet.com G-3The Mankato Ballet is dedicated to advancing the art of dance through education, demonstration and public performances. Several performances are staged each year.

MUSICMankato Children’s Chorusmankatochildrenschorus.orgThe Mankato Children’s Chorus is open to all youth, first through 12th grade. The Chorus holds several concerts each year.

Mankato Symphony Orchestra507.625.8880mankatosymphony.com F-5The Mankato Symphony Orchestra presents five subscription concerts each year, as well as three youth concerts.

Minnesota Valley Chorale507.625.8278minnesotavalleychorale.orgThe Chorale performs the great works of the Renaissance and Baroque eras as well as folk songs, madrigals and spirituals.

Minnesota Valley Sweet Adelines507.388.6148The Sweet Adelines provide family-friendly entertainment.

Riverblenders507.246.5216The Mankato Riverblenders Barbershop Chorus provides musical family entertainment for all ages and music with the best in barbershop harmony.

THEATREThe Merely Players Community TheatreLincoln Community Center110 Fulton Street, Mankato 507.388.5483merelyplayers.com E-6The nonprofit organization brings art to the community through its theatrical productions.

Minnesota State University, Mankato Theatre and Dance507.389.2118Box Office 507.389.6661msutheatre.com F-7The University’s Department of Theatre and Dance presents several performances each year. Theatrical productions include several works in both the Mainstage and Studio seasons each school year, as well as four Highland Summer Theatre productions. The performances are staged in either the Andreas Theatre or the Ted Paul Theatre on the Minnesota State University, Mankato campus.

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All seasons Arena 1251 Monks Avenue, Mankato 507.387.6552 asamankato.com G-6Two sheets of ice are maintained year round for open skating as well as league hockey and team ice skating. Rentals and lessons are available on site; the facility may also be rented for birthday parties and gatherings.

Chesley skate Park 161 Jaycee Park, Mankato 507.387.8222 G-6mankatoymca.org/skateparkRamps and jumps both indoors and out make the Chesley Skate Park, run by the YMCA, a favorite with extreme sporters. In-line skates, skateboards and bikes are welcome at the park. Call for cost and equipment rental.

drive-A-Tank550 W. Cherry, kasota 507.835.5607 driveatank.comEnjoy a hands on historical military vehicle experience that includes a tour, history, training and, of course, the opportunity to drive a real tank.

Grand Champion sports Complexstate Hwy. 22, Mankato507.386.0001 J-3Get in the game with two 18-hole mini-golf courses, a driving range and six batting cages.

Mankato Family yMCA1401 s. riverfront drive, Mankato 507.387.8255 E-5mankatoymca.orgFamilies can enjoy the zero-depth entry pool and jet sprays at Splash Cove waterpark. The YMCA also features a 5,000-square-foot workout center filled with the latest cardio and strength-training equipment. Non-member fees are $20 per family, $15 per adult. Call for more information about cost, schedules and restrictions.

Tommygun’s Paint Wars 48306 235th street, new ulm 507.947.3711 A-3tommygunspaintwars.com Large and small groups are welcome to enjoy the seven fields in a variety of packages tailored to fit each group’s desires. Tournaments are also scheduled. Call ahead for reservations and information about special events.

Tourtellotte Pool202 east Jackson street, Mankato 507.387.7946 G-3mankato-mn.gov/tourtellotte-poolA beautiful outdoor, lifeguard-staffed swimming facility featuring Olympic-sized pool with seperate diving well & wading pool. Call for cost & schedule.

WoW! Zone2030 Adams street, Mankato507.625.2695 J-4wowzonefec.comWOW! Zone offers fun for all ages with bowling, laser tag, mini-golf, restaurants on-site and party rooms available.

ACTIvITy CenTers

1856 Madison Ave.Mankato

507-344-1554

1680 Commerce Dr.North Mankato507-345-1680

Open 10:30 am - 10 pm • culvers.com

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ENTERTAINMENTThere’s always something happening in Greater Mankato. Mankato boasts a bustling Entertainment District in the heart of the City Center. After a great meal, find a local band playing in a smaller venue or attend a larger event hosted at the Verizon Wireless Center, including concerts, Minnesota State University, Mankato NCAA hockey games and family entertainment. From the City Center to the Hilltop, from bars and pubs to theatres and bowling alleys, you’ll find plenty of places to have a good time in Greater Mankato.

NightlifeLaughs and good times are to be had in Greater Mankato when the sun goes down. With an abundance of bars, grills and stages, there is no short supply of excitement. Live music, dancing, lots of big, flat-screen TVs and great food are among the many amenities the area has to offer. Greater Mankato boasts everything from outdoor summer music festivals to nationally recognized entertainers performing at the Verizon Wireless Center and Riverfront Park. You can always catch live local bands on the weekends at several smaller venues as well. Whether your musical taste is classical, hard rock, choral or folk, there is a concert waiting for you in Greater Mankato. For a list of who’s playing while you are in town, visit greatermankatoevents.com. A full list of bars and grills is available on the “Where to Dine” pages of visitgreatermankato.com.

MoviesCatch a movie at either of Mankato’s two movie theatres. To see what’s playing now, visit greatermankatoevents.com.

Pet ActivitiesDid you bring a furry friend with you? Make sure your pets have a great time while visiting Greater Mankato. Dogs can run wild at the Kiwanis Dog Park, located just north of the junction of Highway 169 and Highway 14. Pamper your pets at The Paw, where they can swim in the pool, be treated with grooming services and socialize with other pets. The Paw is located at 1741 Premier Drive and can be contacted at 507.625.7070.

Cinemark Movies 8, River Hills Mall, Mankato507.625.1929, cinemark.com J-4

Cine 6 Theatre, 220 Stadium Road, Mankato507.625.1763, carmike.com G-7