MANKATO — The 2025 Greater Mankato Business Awards and Hall of Fame honored local businesses at its annual ceremony Thursday evening. The region’s most outstanding businesses, professionals and ... Mankato Free Press: Shop downtown events highlights local businesses during holiday season MANKATO — Small Business Saturday will bring a full slate of activity to downtown districts across the state and communities in southern Minnesota are encouraging residents to shop local at the start ...

Understanding the Context

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. 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.

Key Insights

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