Situated just south of the Minnesota River, you will find the bustling City of Mankato. Filled with plentiful amenities, and accented by desirable residentials areas, you are sure to find just what you need here. Mankato boasts renowned health care facilities, high performing schools including three post-secondary educational institutions, quaint shops, and large retailers. Whether you are taking in a Mankato Moondog’s baseball game at ISG Field, enjoying an outdoor concert at Vetter Stone Amphitheater, taking in the stunning Kiwanis Holiday Lights, or sampling the fare at one of our locally owned restaurants, Mankato has it all! Our area is home to many historic buildings, and a thriving arts and entertainment community. The Walking Sculpture Tour in support of Mankato’s CityArt program is a ‘must do’ for visitors and residents alike.

Nestled on the northern shore of the Minnesota River, North Mankato offers picturesque river bluff views, ample parks and greenspaces, recreational facilities including Caswell Park – the area’s premiere softball complex, inviting restaurants, and several locally owned businesses to suit your needs. Tip back a pint of locally brewed beer, catch a pond hockey tournament or enjoy the festivities during the annual North Mankato Fun Days – there is something for everyone during every season! While smaller in size and population than Mankato, North Mankato is home to thriving industries and desirable residential areas.

Just a short drive from Mankato/North Mankato lies the beautiful city of St. Peter. The main thoroughfare is bustling with locally owned shops and restaurants, including the highly sought-after St. Peter Food Co-op. The robust undercurrent of art and music is palpable while attending the annual Rock Bend Folk Festival held in St. Peter’s Minnesota Square Park. Perched atop a hill, with a bird’s eye view of the town, is the prestigious and historic Gustavus Adolphus College. In 1998, St. Peter was ravaged by an incredibly damaging tornado. Years later, the St. Peter community is stronger than ever and features residential areas with a generous mix of beautiful historic homes and newer homes.

A short drive southwest of Mankato is the small, agriculture-driven town of Lake Crystal. Lake Crystal offers many of the amenities you may be looking for including prosperous businesses, a strong performing school district, and a public Recreation Center complete with gymnasium, swimming pool, and fitness facilities. True to its name, Lake Crystal is also the home of 3 lakes including Loon Lake, Crystal Lake, and Lily Lake for year-round fun and adventure. In the early 2000s, new home construction expanded into new residential areas enticing new residents. Lake Crystal offers just the right balance between bigger city conveniences and small-town feel.

New Ulm is a not-so-hidden gem offering ample opportunities to experience every bit of its residents’ German heritage and tradition. Local bakeries, restaurants, shops, and the award-winning Schell’s Brewery are just the beginning of the list of places soon to be your favorites. The centrally located Hermann Heights Park offers expansive green space, picnic shelters, playground facilities and a 102-foot statue of Hermann the German. Steeped in history and accented by strong, community-driven values, New Ulm also boasts several large industries as well as a liberal arts college, Martin Luther College, a destination winery, and Flandrau State Park complete with sand-bottom swimming pool, camping facilities, scenic overlooks, and hiking/cross-country skiing. New Ulm natives are not shy about their love of this charming community – you will want to see for yourself what all the fuss is about!

South-Central Minnesota is home to several of the region’s desirable lakes. Watersports, boating, or a relaxing day of fishing – we have a lake for you! Several of our area’s lakes such as, Washington, Jefferson, Francis, Duck, Madison, Ballantyne, Tetonka, and Elysian also offer convenient access to various small towns so you can stock up on supplies or refreshments. Our lakes and surrounding areas come alive during the summer but offer plenty of fun in the winter too! Ice fishing, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling are all commonplace during the winter months – we even have The Mad Bobber Ice Fishing Contest! For a change of pace off the water, the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail weaves through the south-central region offering miles of paved trails ideal for running, walking, or biking. Seasonal or year-round, on or off the water, our area lakes are ready and waiting for you!