Mankato

Hilltop lives up to its name. Although only about a mile walk to the shops and restaurants of Riverfront Drive, “It’s a pretty steep hill, so you would never want to walk up that unless you had to,” says Angie VanEman, a lifelong resident of Mankato and the co-owner of American Way Realty, adding that winter's frigid weather often means driving is the only option. Like all of Mankato, Hilltop often gets about 40 inches of snowfall annually, giving the mature trees along Main Street a frosted look for months. With Bethany Lutheran College and the Mayo Clinic Health System just north of Main Street, the neighborhood keeps major job hubs within a few blocks from home — another convenient factor when winter is at its peak. Homes in Hilltop often include quarter-acre lots, so the neighborhood maintains an almost suburban feel despite being in the heart of Mankato. The residential part of Hilltop is concentrated south of the Bethany Lutheran College and Mayo Clinic Health System campuses. Most homes exceed 2,000 square feet and sit on quarter-acre lots with diligently landscaped properties. Some homes date back to the 1880s, while others are from the mid-20th century. For the most part, prices range from $230,000 to $370,000, but there are a few exceptions. Architecture is dominantly ranch-style, with a few colonial and Cape Cod homes sprinkled in. Bethany has student residence halls throughout its campus, but the homes surrounding the college are primarily owner-occupied. Students can attend schools in the Mankato Area district that receive a B-plus from Niche, including Washington Elementary, Prairie Winds Middle and Mankato East High. Mankato East High has a 93% graduation rate and offers after-school programs like Planetarium Production Club, Link Crew Leaders and Vex Robotics. Overall, the district ranks as the best in Blue Earth County on Niche. For postsecondary options, Bethany Lutheran College serves about 670 students each year, more than 20% of whom study business. Minnesota State University’s Mankato campus is also only 2 miles away. Alexander Park borders Main Street, bringing a basketball court, playground and tennis court right to Hilltop. “Mankato is right by the river, which is pretty, and we’re super close to a bunch of lakes. We have a lot of trails that are nice, too. I like the Red Jacket Trail,” VanEman says. The Red Jacket Trail is one of several options with waterside views near Mount Kato, a popular skiing spot about 9 miles from Hilltop. Areas like Eagle Lake Park are about 10 miles away, but other options like Spring Lake Park are about 3 miles away. Because Mankato’s cold season stretches across at least half the year, it’s common to see ice rinks at local parks, including Alexander Park, Thomas Park and Dotson Park, all of which are east of the Minnesota River. Hilltop is a mile from Mankato’s top restaurants along Riverfront Drive, but most people prefer to drive down Main Street to reach upscale brunch spots like Nolabelle Kitchen + Bar, American restaurants with a sports bar vibe like Ummie’s, or local chains like Giliberto’s Mexican Taco Shop. For grocery needs, the Aldi 2 miles away on Madison Avenue remains the closest option, but there is also a Target with a grocery department in River Hills Mall. The mall is a 3-mile ride down Madison Avenue and includes national retailers like Barnes & Noble and JCPenney. Mankato’s population hovers around 45,000, but that doesn’t stop events from coming to the area. Hilltop keeps most of the top attractions within 2 miles. “There is Vetter Stone, where they do Ribfest, but then if you need an indoor concert, there’s the Civic Center,” says Amber Bruender of True Real Estate, a Realtor with several sales in the area. Vetter Stone Amphitheater, which is against the Mississippi River, is about 2 miles away, as is the Mankato Civic Center Grand Hall on Riverfront Drive. For plays and musicals, Mankato Playhouse is only a mile away, just off Entertainment Alley. Sidewalks run throughout Mankato, but they are mainly used for walking around the community and to nearby employers like the Mayo Clinic Health System rather than for exploring the city's amenities. The Mankato Transit System’s 13 bus serves Bethany Lutheran College and runs during standard work hours Monday through Friday, so students primarily utilize it. Kato Go Play is a unique public transit option offered throughout Mankato that allows residents to get picked up at their front door and taken to popular destinations like Blue Earth County Library or Wow! Zone — Mankato’s well-loved entertainment center. Main Street provides the most direct route to the shops and restaurants by the river. Mulberry Street connects to Route 169, connecting Hilltop to the city center of Minneapolis in 80 miles. Mankato has faced flooding issues in the past but added floodwalls and other measures in the 1980s to lessen the Minnesota River's impact. Because most of the homes in Hilltop are on or atop an incline, homeowners' concerns about flooding are minimal.

Front yards shaded by maple trees, a true sense of community and highly rated schools define Blue Earth Park. The neighborhood is part of West Mankato and borders the Blue Earth River, providing homes along the many cul-de-sacs with views of southern Minnesota’s natural beauty. “It’s a very stable neighborhood. You don’t see much turnover. Oftentimes, homes are exchanged in West Mankato without going on the MLS because the neighbor knows a neighbor,” says Shannon Beal of JBeal Real Estate, a Realtor with over a decade of experience in Mankato. “Red Jacket Trail runs through, and they have darling events. There’s even a kiddie parade for Fourth of July where the parents throw candy.” Unlike East Mankato, which is home to shopping malls and national retailers, West Mankato is made up only of homes, parks and schools — and Blue Earth Park is no exception. Because of this, the neighborhood maintains a suburban feel despite its location less than 2 miles from the heart of Mankato. Cape Cods, cottages and ranch-style homes make up most of the architecture in Blue Earth Park. Because homes were built in the early to mid-20th century, the neighborhood has an established feel that leaves little room for new construction. “Lots are a quarter of an acre or maybe a pinch smaller. You’re not going to find very big lots because everything was developed around the same time,” Beal says. Properties to the west border the forested edges of the Blue Earth River, and properties to the east sit alongside the Mankato West High campus and athletic fields. Homes in Blue Earth Park don’t hit the market very often, but when they do, two-bedroom homes cost between $150,000 and $205,000, while three- and four-bedroom houses range from $225,000 to $420,000. Students can attend Mankato Area Public Schools, starting with Roosevelt Elementary, a school right in the neighborhood that receives a B-plus grade from Niche. From here, students can head to Dakota Meadows Middle, which also gets a B-plus, before heading to Mankato West High, which gets an A and is located in the neighborhood. According to Niche, the high school is the highest-rated public option in the county, and its after-school athletics include alpine skiing and gymnastics. There are private schools in Blue Earth Park, including Risen Savior Lutheran, a school serving kindergarten through eighth grade. West Mankato Park sits along the neighborhood’s southernmost edge. The shaded playground and carefully maintained basketball court invite neighbors to walk over on Saturday mornings or after school. The neighborhood’s namesake park, Blue Earth Park, provides the community with access to the Red Jacket Trail, a path that heads south to the ski slopes of Mount Kato, 2 miles away. For indoor activities, Mankato’s only YMCA location borders Riverfront Drive, right along the northern edge of Blue Earth Park. The area hosts fitness classes, recreational sports and water aerobics for all ages. Because Blue Earth Park is a residential community, residents don’t pass by a grocery store until they hit the Cub Foods on Riverfront Drive, about a mile away. For dining out, there are chains like Toppers Pizza and Dairy Queen near the grocery store, but the top restaurants in the area are 2 miles away at the heart of the city. Number 4 serves entrees like tomahawk steaks and shrimp carbonara at the corner of Second Street and Walnut, and Loose Moose Saloon features unique takes on classic American foods, like the peanut butter and jelly burger. The Kiwanis Lights at Sibley Park are only half a mile from Blue Earth Park, allowing locals to head to one of the area’s top winter attractions. During the summer, events are closer to home. The Fourth of July Kid’s Parade kicks off at West Mankato Park. Parents and neighbors toss candy to the children participating in the parade. Bordered by Highway 169 to the north, Blue Earth Park links to North Mankato in about 2 miles. Bike lanes run along sections of Blue Earth Street, and while they don’t extend down the entire stretch of road, the Red Jacket Trail provides a bike-friendly path to downtown Mankato, less than 2 miles away. On average, Mankato sees more than 30 inches of snow annually. With the precipitation comes winter lows around 6 degrees, so homeowners must be prepared to bundle up and shovel during the cold season.

The winding streets and cul-de-sacs of Country Club Estates give the neighborhood a quiet, suburban feel. About 4 miles from downtown Mankato and 15 miles from St. Peter, the community centers itself between the urban hubs of southern Minnesota — but it also keeps convenience at the forefront. Sidewalks lead to a corner store at its entrance near Highway 22 and to Mankato’s most extensive shopping hub just across Highway 14, but these aren’t the only destinations people walk to with friends and neighbors. As its name suggests, Country Club Estates also borders a golf club, so residents can tee up any day of the week without leaving the neighborhood. Part of the Mankato school district, the community benefits from highly rated public schools, all of which are within a 4-mile drive of home. While homes in other parts of Mankato can date back to the 19th century, most houses in Country Club Estates are from the early 2000s through the 2020s. Architecture varies, but ranch-style, cottage and bi-level homes are the most common. Only a few cars drive along the bending streets or emerge from the many cul-de-sacs as the community sees little through traffic. Lot sizes have a uniform feel, and lawns are diligently maintained — each yard reminiscent of the nearby golf course. Single-family homes with three or four bedrooms typically cost between $300,000 and $400,000, but there are a few exceptions. Homes with larger lot sizes or more than 3,000 square feet can cost between $415,000 and $700,000. Townhouses near the golf course range from $450,000 to $560,000, most of which are around 3,000 square feet. Mankato Public Schools serve Country Club Estates. Students can start at Franklin Elementary, which receives an A and ranks as the best public elementary school in Blue Earth County on Niche. From here, they can attend two B-plus-graded schools, Prairie Winds Middle and Mankato East High. The high school includes dozens of after-school programs and athletics, and the boys' basketball and hockey teams made it to the state semifinals in 2024. For postsecondary options, Minnesota State University’s Mankato campus is about 5 miles away and is known for its aviation program. Mankato Golf Club borders the neighborhood’s residential streets to the west. Open since 1919, the private facility includes an 18-hole course lined by native trees, an outdoor pool and a clubhouse with a restaurant. In the heart of the community is Country Club Estates Park, a public space with a basketball court, playground and paved walking trail. Children flock to the park after school and on the weekends since they can easily walk between the grassy fields and their front doors. River Hills Mall and other shopping centers surround Country Club Estates to the south and the east. “If you’re fixing up your house, you’re right next to a Home Depot and Menards. It’s also conveniently close to River Hills Mall,” says Bridget Yokiel of Realty Executives Associates, an agent actively working in the neighborhood and throughout the Mankato area. River Hills Mall, just across Highway 14, has national retailers like American Eagle and JCPenney, in addition to a Target with a full grocery department. There is also a Hy-Vee Grocery Store across the street from the mall. Members of the Mankato Golf Club enjoy casual and formal meals at the clubhouse, but there are several chain restaurants nearby as well. Boulder Tap House and Buffalo Wild Wings are right off Victory Drive, and Caribou Coffee is along Highway 22, close to Fleet Farm. About 3 miles away, Vetter Stone Amphitheater hosts regular concerts, including one of Mankato’s most-attended events. “There’s Ribfest, and that’s where all award-winning ribbers all over the US come with their ribs and compete. There is live music with headliners, like Flo Rida or Rodney Atkins, and local artists, like Emma Josephine,” Yokiel says. “Throughout the year there are also great concerts from Hairball, a Minneapolis-based arena rock tribute band. During North Mankato Fundays this year, you could also check out IV Play, a cover band that was started in Southern Minnesota — those are all the local bands that are fun to go see.” Augusta Drive connects to Riverfront Drive, about 4 miles away, for trips to downtown Mankato. Highway 169 is the main route to St. Peter, and it requires about a 15-mile drive, while Highway 22 is the best route for trips to Minneapolis, which is 80 miles northeast of Country Club Estates. Fortunately, there are several major employers throughout Mankato, so most residents have no more than a 5-mile commute to work. “Taylor Corp. is very big, and there are multiple colleges in town. We’ve got Mayo Clinic Health System and all the retail — so there is a mix of industries,” Yokiel says.

The streets in Dotson Park are lined by sugar maple and hickory trees, giving the neighborhood a lush, green feel in the warmer months and a frosted look as the cold sets in. Bordered by a nature preserve and only a mile from Sibley Park, the community stays connected to the natural beauty of Mankato — but it’s also only a little over a mile away from the heart of the city. Because of Dotson Park’s relaxed pace, it’s common to see people riding their bikes through the neighborhood and strolling down the sidewalk. Homes near Pleasant Street overlook the highest-rated high school in the county, but the community itself is solely residential. Because it is still part of the Mankato city limits, most homes are from the early to mid-20th century and reflect the start of the city’s steady growth that kicked off in the 1920s. The tree painted on the concrete at the intersection of Baker and Moreland avenues symbolizes Dotson Park’s connection to nature. Tree canopies shade front yards, and the Rasmussen Woods nature preserve borders backyards in the eastern part of the community. While a few colonial-style homes are mixed in, most houses have ranch-style architecture and date back to anywhere from the 1920s to the 1960s. Three-bedroom homes cost between $150,000 and $250,000, and four-bedroom homes cost between $250,000 and $360,000. Houses over 2,000 square feet can range from $370,000 to $560,000. Mankato Area Public Schools serve the neighborhood. Students can start at schools receiving a B-plus from Niche, Roosevelt Elementary and Dakota Meadows Middle, and transition to Mankato West High, which gets an A grade and ranks as the best public high school in Blue Earth County. The high school has an 89% graduation rate and offers unique athletic options like alpine skiing and gymnastics. For a nearby postsecondary, Minnesota State University’s Mankato campus is 2 miles away. The college has a student population of about 14,000 and is known for its aviation program. As its name suggests, the neighborhood is home to Dotson Park. The park features a playground with a swing set, but it also has an ice rink — a valuable amenity in Mankato because “we definitely have a white winter and, most times, a white Christmas,” says Angie VanEman of American Way Realty, an agent specializing in the area. The neighborhood has access to the 5-mile trail through Rasmussen Woods, a forested nature preserve bordering the Dotson Park community to the east. Along the neighborhood's western edge, closest to the Blue Earth River, is West Mankato Park, which comprises a playground and basketball court. Because Dotson Park is made up entirely of homes and park space, the nearest stores and restaurants are off Riverfront Drive and Front Street, about a mile away. Cub Foods carries fresh produce and essentials just north of the Mankato West High campus. There are fast food chains like Burger King near the grocery store, but the most frequented restaurants are downtown. Nolabelle remains a top choice for brunch, while two doors down, Ummie’s serves up casual American fare for lunch and dinner. With a white winter comes a love for lights, so Kiwanis Lights remains a staple activity during the holiday season. “They do it down at Sibley Park, which used to be a house racetrack, and they decorate that whole park with lights that you can drive through or walk through,” says Bridget Yokiel of Realty Executives Associates, an agent specializing in Mankato. Sibley Park is only a mile northwest of Dotson Park, making it easy for neighbors to attend the city’s annual event. During the summer, West Mankato holds a Fourth of July parade for children that starts its route at Dotson Park. Ramps to Route 169 are about a mile north, connecting Dotson Park to the Taylor Corporation campus and North Mankato. Other major employers, like the Mayo Clinic Health System and the Minnesota State University Mankato, are less than three miles away. Pleasant Street connects to Toltzman Road for trips south and to Main Street for trips east. Because the nearest bus stop is at the Lincoln Community Center, just under a mile away, Dotson Park is friendlier for biking, walking and driving.

Growth defines the northern half of Eastwood Park, while industry and commerce defines the southern. Continually developing subdivisions branch off Highway 22, and one of the most extensive hiking trails in the Mankato area cuts through the neighborhood’s northeastern corner — adding a wooded backdrop to many homes. “The majority of the area is newer development because there’s open land, and the city is growing,” says Jessica Tietema of RE/MAX, an agent with recent sales in the neighborhood. Where Eastwood Park was primarily open fields at the start of the 21st century, it has since become one of the rapidly growing suburban communities along Mankato’s edges. With the city’s largest retail center and the waterfront within a 3-mile drive, the neighborhood balances natural Minnesota beauty with suburban convenience. Because industrial buildings comprise over 50% of the neighborhood, most Eastwood Park homes surround Trail Creek Park and fan out to the north and west. Narrow, winding streets are lined by carefully maintained sidewalks, hickory trees and grassy lots. Most homes have split-level, ranch-style or contemporary architecture, and the oldest homes in the neighborhood date back to the early 2000s. Vacant, buildable lots regularly hit the market, so subdivisions like Noah Estates and Miller Creek still see new construction. Some properties border small ponds or forests, giving the community a quieter feel than more developed neighborhoods to the west like Country Club Estates; however, city services like water and garbage pick-up still extend to each home. Two- and three-bedroom homes cost between $220,000 and $330,000, and four- and five-bedroom homes cost between $350,000 and $590,000. All the Mankato district schools serving Eastwood Park receive a B-plus grade from Niche. Students can start at Washington Elementary, transition to Prairie Winds MIddle and continue at Mankato East High. The high school has a 93% graduation rate and offers enriching after-school activities like the Planetarium Production Club and Vex Robotics. For postsecondary options, Minnesota State University’s Mankato campus is only about 5 miles away. Access to the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, a 39-mile rails-to-trails conversion, remains one of the biggest draws for the subdivisions of Eastwood Park. The trail primarily attracts cyclists heading west to Mankato’s Riverfront Drive or east to White Sands Park in Faribault. For a playground and open green space, Trail Creek Park is along the neighborhood’s eastern border, north of Augusta Drive. Although the community doesn’t border the golf club, some residents are still members of the Mankato Golf Club, which is about 3 miles away. The private club features an 18-hole course, a heated pool and a clubhouse with an included restaurant. Eastwood Park feels secluded from Mankato’s busiest hubs, but the River Hills Mall is only 2 miles south. “It’s close to all the shopping areas. There’s Olive Garden, Applebee’s and your typical chain restaurants over there,” says Jim Pfau of Hiniker Realty, an agent actively working in the neighborhood. A Hy-Vee Grocery Store is also near the mall across Highway 22. The local restaurants of downtown Mankato can be reached within 5 miles, but it’s likely to see more dining options popping up closer to home. “Mankato is growing hugely. There are a lot of apartment buildings and commercial buildings being built,” Pfau says. Chick-fil-A is one of the many proposed additions close to the mall, and several apartments and retail sites are coming to Highway 14. The Mankato Farmers Market takes place three days a week in a parking lot near River Hills Mall, so produce from local farmers is only about 2 miles away for 11 months out of the year. There are warehouse and distribution center jobs south of Augusta Drive, but the other major employers of Mankato are within a 6-mile radius of Eastwood Park. The Mayo Clinic Health Systems campus is 4 miles down Highway 22, and Taylor Corporation is 6 miles away, right across the Mississippi. Augusta Drive connects to Riverfront Drive, so the amenities of downtown Mankato are only about 5 miles away. Mankato's regional airport is served by Sun Country. Wider selections of airlines and destinations are available at Minneapolis-St. Paul International, about 75 miles away.