Hotels in Mankato

Discover the Heart and Soul of Mankato: Where Nature Meets Knowledge

Nestled in the heart of southern Minnesota, Mankato is a vibrant blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. Explore the scenic landscapes along the Minnesota River, where opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking await. The city's rich history comes alive at the Blue Earth County Historical Society and the renowned Mankato State University, fostering a lively arts scene. Don't miss the enchanting Sibley Park and its stunning gardens, or the lively downtown area, brimming with unique shops and eateries. Mankato offers an inviting escape for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike, making it a hidden gem worth discovering. For our best hotel rates in Mankato and to enhance your stay, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in Mankato

Some of the best places to stay in Mankato are Saint Peter and North Mankato. Mankato, Minnesota, offers delightful nearby destinations like Saint Peter and North Mankato for travellers. Saint Peter is known for its charming downtown and historic attractions, making it ideal for first-time visitors. North Mankato, with its parks and family-friendly atmosphere, is also appealing. Accommodation options in both areas range from cozy inns to comfortable hotels, ensuring a pleasant stay. Whether you seek convenience or a local experience, you'll find suitable lodging around Mankato to enhance your visit. These are some of the hotels preferred by our travelers in Mankato:

1. Saint PeterOpens in a new window: Saint Peter is a charming destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and local culture. Home to attractions like the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, Drive A Tank, and Bethany Lutheran College, it offers a mix of entertainment and education. This area is perfect for families and those interested in local events. Hotels in Saint Peter include AmericInn by Wyndham St. PeterOpens in a new window, a 2.5-star hotel ideal for business travellers with accessible business amenities, and Best Western Plus Saint PeterOpens in a new window, a pet-friendly 2.5-star hotel that offers business facilities, meeting rooms, and allows dogs and cats with certain restrictions. Another option is Viking Jr. MotelOpens in a new window, a motel-style lodging featuring free WiFi and self-parking, making it a convenient choice for visitors.
2. North MankatoOpens in a new window: North Mankato is a vibrant location, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With attractions such as Sibley Park and Benson Park, it offers plenty of opportunities for recreation and relaxation. The Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center also adds to the area's appeal for entertainment. Available hotels include Best Western Hotel & RestaurantOpens in a new window, a 2.5-star hotel suitable for various travellers, and Comfort Inn & SuitesOpens in a new window, another 2.5-star hotel focused on business travellers with multiple meeting rooms and a 24-hour business centre. For those with pets, Hilton Garden Inn Mankato DowntownOpens in a new window is a 3-star hotel that combines business amenities with pet-friendly policies, ensuring a comfortable stay for all.

Things to do in Mankato for first times

Mankato offers a vibrant blend of scenic parks and serene lakes, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and boating. With its lively arts scene featuring opera, theatre, and live music, visitors can immerse themselves in cultural experiences while enjoying the natural beauty of this charming university town. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Mankato:

• Visit Sibley Park: This expansive park offers beautiful landscapes, walking trails, and picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy the scenic views, explore the nature trails, and even visit the zoo that houses various animals, providing a delightful experience for visitors of all ages.
• Discover Betsy & Tacy's House Tours & Gift Shop: Step into the world of beloved children’s literature by visiting the homes of Betsy and Tacy, characters created by author Maud Hart Lovelace. This charming site lets you immerse yourself in the history of the stories while browsing unique gifts that celebrate the local culture.
• Relax at Benson Park: This serene park is known for its lovely walking paths and well-maintained gardens. It's an ideal place for a leisurely stroll or to unwind with a good book surrounded by nature. The park also features playgrounds and sports facilities, catering to families and active visitors.
• Explore Carnegie Art Center: Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Carnegie Art Center, which showcases a variety of exhibitions featuring local and regional artists. The center is not only a hub for visual arts but also offers workshops and events, making it a vibrant part of Mankato's cultural scene.

4 tips to find a great Mankato hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most budget-friendly times to visit Mankato are January, March, and November, when hotel prices are at their lowest. To truly appreciate the city's main attractions, such as the university, it's best to plan for at least 1-2 days. This way, you can make the most of your affordable stay and experience great value for money.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're looking for last-minute deals to Mankato, Hotels.com is a great place to start. By navigating to the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section, you could find discounted rates on hotels as your travel date approaches. To maximise your chances of snagging the best hotel deal, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com to keep you informed about flash sales and exclusive last-minute promotions. This way, you're more likely to uncover fantastic savings for your trip.
3. Be flexible with dates: Prices may fluctuate due to factors like the hotel's location, star rating, and the time of year. Therefore, if you are flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in Mankato.
4. Consider your location: When booking on Hotels.com for your holiday, take your location into account. Staying closer to major attractions or city centres may offer convenience, but it usually tends to be more expensive. For more affordable options, consider hotels in less central areas or neighbourhoods, striking a balance between cost and the ease of reaching the places you plan to visit.

Best time to go to Mankato

Mankato experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 14.9°F (-9.5°C), while July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 72.1°F (22.3°C). June is usually the wettest month. July, August, and October are the peak travel months in Mankato, attracting a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny, with light rainfall. On the other hand, January, April, and November tend to be quieter times to visit, marked by no to light rainfall and mostly sunny to mostly cloudy conditions.