Destinations Itinerary

Visit Mankato

Make the most of this fall season with Greater Mankato fall events, attractions, and outdoor activities.

September 1, 2026

Just an hour south of the Twin Cities, Mankato, Minnesota shines when autumn settles into the valley. Before the first snow flies, the crisp air invites you to explore scenic drives and overlooks, beautiful park spaces, multi-use trails, and bustling downtowns. Mankato celebrates the season with rich cultural celebrations, premier regional athletic events, lively festivals and more.

Unrivaled Southern Minnesota foliage reveals a breathtaking palette of reds, oranges, and yellows, while historic downtown districts offer a dynamic arts scene, local flavors, and independent shops. Mankato encourages you to make the most of this fall season’s events, attractions, and outdoor activities.

Scroll through the gallery below to find ideas for the perfect itinerary in Mankato.

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1. Minneopa State Park & Bison Drive

Photo Courtesy of Visit Mankato; Take in double-waterfall views framed by autumn leaves, walk the short trail to the historic stone shelter overlook, and enjoy a scenic drive through the 330-acre bison range.

2. The Little Green Wagon Pumpkin Patch & Farm

Photo Courtesy of Visit Mankato; Enjoy a classic fall family farm experience just north of Mankato, featuring a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, specialty pumpkins and gourds, a pumpkin play area for the kiddos, and seasonal produce.

3. Mankato Traditional Pow-Wow

Photo Courtesy of Visit Mankato; Experience this mid-September cultural honoring and community celebration featuring traditional Native American arts, drumming, singing, dancing, and foods centered on reconciliation and honoring history.

4. Cycling the Red Jacket Trail & Kato Bike Fall Fest

Photo Courtesy of Visit Mankato; Pedal across the iconic trestle bridge over the Le Sueur River or join the Kato Bike Fall Fest in late September for smooth paved routes, gravel loops, and valley views carpeted in autumn colors.

5. Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery

Photo Courtesy of Visit Mankato; Relax just outside Mankato with a cozy afternoon visit, sipping a curated wine flight paired with an artisan charcuterie board while taking in the autumn views.

6. Mankato Marathon Weekend

Photo Courtesy of Visit Mankato; Participate in or spectate this premier October road race highlighting the valley’s scenery, featuring events from a KidsK and 5K to a Full Marathon alongside a Wellness Expo and lively post-race block parties.

7. Old Town Mankato Day of the Dead

Photo Courtesy of Portraits by Art; Stroll Riverfront Drive to shop local boutiques and admire public sculptures while taking in Old Town Mankato Dia de los Muertos traditions with community ofrendas, mariachi music, traditional Aztec dancers, and local Latino artwork.

visitmankatomn.com
3 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 100, Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 385-6640

1. Minneopa State Park & Bison Drive

2. The Little Green Wagon Pumpkin Patch & Farm

3. Mankato Traditional Pow-Wow

4. Cycling the Red Jacket Trail & Kato Bike Fall Fest

5. Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery

6. Mankato Marathon Weekend

7. Old Town Mankato Day of the Dead

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