Tourism: Greater Mankato Area

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From art fairs to pow-wows, the Greater Mankato area offers a remarkable range of events that draw people both from down the street and far away. These are the sorts of rich cultural experiences you’d expect from a major metropolitan area, but with the charm you can only get from a close-knit community.

Visit during the weekend of September 18-20 for the Mahkato Pow-Wow, bringing together Native Americans from a number of tribes since 1972. The gathering site is Mankato’s Land of Memories Park, where the Dakota people held many ceremonies. The Pow-Wow is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.MahkatoPow-Wow.com.

Wear a fun costume (optional) and show your competitive grape-stomping skills at the Cambria Crush: The Annual Great Grape Stomp October 3 from 1-6 p.m. Held at Morgan Creek Vineyard, prizes (of wine) will be awarded to the best stompers and costumes. To register, visit www.morgancreekvineyards.com.

That same weekend, purchase one-of-a-kind fine art, tour studios, view demonstrations, listen to poetry and savor tasty treats (all with the spectacular fall colors in the background) at the RiverCrossings “Art Fair in Motion” October 3 and 4. For more information visit www.rivercrossingsart.org.

Enjoy a wonderful weekend of Civil War re-enactments, fire eaters, and belly dancers at History Fest October 10. This free event is sure to entertain and educate the entire family about life in the past. For more information, visit www.historyfest.com.

To find out what’s happening in Mankato year-round, visit www.visitgreatermankato.com, call 800-657-4733 or send an email to visitors@greatermankato.com.