MANKATO MINNESOTA ATTRACTIONS

River Hills Mall

Located .25 miles north of the GrandStay. River Hill Mall features Target, JCPenney, Herberger's, Sears, Scheels Sports, Barnes & Noble and over 100 specialty shops. River Hills Mall has great shopping and great food for the whole family! Dine at our 10-restaurant Food Court, sit and relax at Olive Garden, ride the carousel, visit the new Mankato Clinic Children’s Play Area or catch a show at our 8-screen theater. www.riverhillsmall.com

Alltel Center

Located 4 miles southwest of the GrandStay.  Home ice of the Mankato Mavericks. Check their exciting schedule of events, concerts and shows at www.alltelcenter.com

The Wow Zone

Located one mile east of the GrandStay.  Video Games, Pinball, Skill Cranes and more. Old or young we have all the games you love to play! Bowling, mini golf and the areas largest laser tag arena plus two restaurants, family fun for all ages and skill levels. www.wowzonefec.com

North Links Public Golf Course

Located 4 miles west of the GrandStay. Southern Minnesota's most complete public golf facility. Located in North Mankato, Minnesota, this par 72, 18 hole course has four sets of tees and features the area's #1 driving range and two hole practice course with a chipping green and bunker. www.northlinksgolf.com

Reconciliation Park

Located 4 miles west of the GrandStay. On September 19, 1997, reconciliation Park was dedicated. The park is the site of the largest mass execution in U.S. history where 38 Dakota Indians were hanged by the government. This was the result of trials during the U.S. Dakota Conflict of 1862. Tom Miller sculpted the buffalo from a 67-ton block of local Kasota limestone; it is surrounded by native flowers and prairie grasses. The buffalo symbolizes the spiritual survival of the Dakota People and honors the Dakota heritage of this area. The park is a site to reflect, meditate and remember.” A reconciliation for all people.”

Dakota Warrior

Located 4 miles west of the GrandStay. The statue “Winter Warrior” was inspired by the “Year of Reconciliation”1987 was proclaimed the “Year of Reconciliation.” by Governor Rudy Perpich. It was a statewide attempt to foster healing and education between non-Dakota and Dakota people. The statue was unveiled on December 26, 1987 near the site of the 1862 hanging of 38 Dakota Indians. The statue was carved by Tom Miller and weighs two tons and stands six feet tall.

Sinclair Lewis’ Summer Home

Located 4 miles west of the GrandStay. The J.W. Schmitt home was Sinclair Lewis’ family residence during the summer of 1919. The author wrote much of his novel Main Street in the house and was fond of taking a horse and buggy out into the bluffs to enjoy views of the Minnesota River valley. Lewis once stated about Mankato, “I am here in this Minnesota town… and I like it; like the friendliness, the neighborliness and the glorious sweeps of the country round about.” Main Street was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.