The Prairie
Neighborhood in Mankato, Minnesota
Blue Earth County 56001
Calm residential streets
The Prairie consists largely of two gridded subdivisions, one in the north and one in the south, connected by Third Avenue. Both are a mix of industrial, commercial and residential buildings, adding an urban flavor to an otherwise suburban feel. Homes are spaced apart on properties typically bigger than downtown's compact squares. Red brick colonials, ranch-style homes, New Traditional houses and cottages dot the broad streets. Prices range from $100,000 to $230,000. The Jefferson Quarry, a bordering limestone quarry known for producing loud explosions in the past, ceased operations in 2017. Now, the neighborhood’s greatest noise concern comes from passing freight trains, which cross several streets and may disrupt traffic.Columbia Park and River Front Park
Within the northern subdivision is Columbia Park, a small community spot with playground equipment and picnic tables under a pavilion. To the south, Riverfront Park offers river views and a canoe launch. Kids can hit the playground, while hikers can trek along several trails, including a connection to the North Minnesota River Trail. Within the park, the Vetter Stone Amphitheater hosts live music all summer. At the center of The Prairie is Mankato Makerspace, an adult-education space serving community artists through classes and mentorships. Makerspace offers courses in metalwork, woodwork, jewelry, leather, ceramic, textiles and printmaking.The Mankato Public School District
The Mankato Public School District serves residents of The Prairie. Franklin Elementary School, which Niche gives an A and calls the best public elementary school in Blue Earth County. They can continue their education at B-rated Prairie Winds Middle School and Mankato East High School, which has a B-plus. The high school offers after-school programs such as Planetarium Production Club, VEX Robotics and Link Crew Leaders.RibFest at the Vetter Stone Amphitheater
Vetter Stone Amphitheater offers more than music to kick off the summer season. “We do RibFest there in August,” says Shannon Beal, a Realtor at Jason Beal Real Estate. “It’s a cook-off contest of sorts.” Dubbed Mankato’s tastiest music festival, RibFest features several “ribbers” competing for the titles of Best Ribs, Best Pulled-Pork, and KEYC News 12's People's Choice.Locals drive to get around
Most people get around by car, as public transportation is limited. The Mankato Transit System does have two bus stops along Lime Street just outside the neighborhood. Although there are no bike lanes, cyclists can take the scenic route into Old Town via the Minnesota River Trail, which curves along the waterfront. The Mankato Regional Airport, about 6.5 miles northeast of Riverfront Park, is home to one airline. More flight options can be found in Minneapolis-St. Paul, about 78 miles away.Shopping and dining in The Prairie and beyond
Located on North Riverfront Drive, Pappageorge Restaurant & Bar is a neighborhood mainstay featuring surf and turf along with a variety of craft cocktails such as the LaLa, a secret-recipe tropical version of a classic Long Island iced tea. For dessert, nearby Mom and Pop’s is a locally owned ice cream shop in a remodeled building from the mid-1800s. Along with 32 rotating flavors, Mom and Pop’s offers a range of other tasty treats. “We do frozen lemonades and frozen hot chocolate. Our cookies are really popular, too,” says Shawn Neitzel, co-owner of Mom and Pop’s. This spot also offers dairy-free and gluten-free gelatos and sorbets made in-house. Just south of the neighborhood, Lakota Made LLC is a natural goods store specializing in beauty products, clothing, accessories and art. For groceries, there’s a Hy-Vee on South Riverfront Drive.


Agents Specializing in this Area
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Samantha Kaul
Responds QuicklyCENTURY 21 ATWOOD
(952) 900-2504
174 Total Sales
6 in The Prairie
$150K - $245K Price Range
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Zoe Anderson
Responds QuicklyTrue Real Estate
(507) 528-7932
214 Total Sales
2 in The Prairie
$165,000 Price Range
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Amber Seaver
Responds QuicklyKeller Williams Preferred Rlty
(612) 712-6167
145 Total Sales
1 in The Prairie
$150,000 Price
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CHAD LUSCOMB
Responds QuicklyColdwell Banker River Valley
(507) 575-4687
89 Total Sales
1 in The Prairie
$170,000 Price
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Carrie Zeldenrust
Responds QuicklyREALTY EXECUTIVES ASSOCIATES
(507) 543-3861
53 Total Sales
1 in The Prairie
$284,000 Price
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Kim Lingbeck
Responds QuicklyeXp Realty
(507) 710-3746
65 Total Sales
1 in The Prairie
$300,000 Price
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this area.Parks in this Area
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | The Prairie | US |
---|---|---|
Homicide | 3 | 4 |
Sexual Assault | 3 | 4 |
Assault with Weapon | 3 | 4 |
Robbery | 4 | 4 |
Burglary | 4 | 4 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 4 |
Larceny | 4 | 4 |
Crime Score | 4 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
The Prairie Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in The Prairie, Mankato sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in The Prairie, Mankato over the last 12 months is $205,000, up 27% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Open Houses
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Saturday, Jun 1411am - 12:30pm
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Saturday, Jun 1411am - 12:30pm
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
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, an experienced agent in this area.Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Nearby Neighborhoods

A classic American neighborhood at the heart of Mankato

A walkable, suburban community on the edge of downtown Mankato

Homes on a hill a mile from Mankato’s riverfront restaurants

21st-century homes close to the Mankato Golf Club and River Hills Mall

Convenient community close to restaurants and major employers of Mankato

Downtown Mankato neighborhood with offices and restaurants close at hand