State Parks Near Mankato, Minnesota
8 state park units lie within 50 miles of Mankato. The closest is Minneopa State Park, about 6 mi west of town. 2 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Minneopa State Park6 mi west
- Within 25 miles
- 2of 8 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 85 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 2pets allowed
State parks near Mankato, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Mankato; driving distance is usually longer.
Minneopa State Park
Things to do include horseback riding, golf, historic sites, fishing, and hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 5 miles, according to the park.
Hours, fees and rules for Minneopa State Park →Sakatah Lake State Park
Popular activities here are boating, biking, wildlife watching, fishing, and hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 5 miles, according to the park. Water access includes a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Sakatah Lake State Park →Flandrau State Park
Things to do include historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, fishing, and picnicking. Water access includes a swimming beach. Overnight options include 5 camping areas, with RV sites with electric hookups and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Flandrau State Park →Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area
Visitors come for snowmobiling, horseback riding, mountain biking, winter sports, and boating. The official site lists about 47 miles of trails. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites and equestrian camping.
Hours, fees and rules for Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area →Fort Ridgely State Park
The park supports horseback riding, historic sites, wildlife watching, fishing, and picnicking. The official site lists about 9.3 miles of trails.
Hours, fees and rules for Fort Ridgely State Park →Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Popular activities here are wildlife watching, hiking, and picnicking. Camping is available: 83 campsites across 5 camping areas, including RV sites with electric hookups and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Nerstrand Big Woods State Park →Rice Lake State Park
Things to do include snowmobiling, winter sports, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and wildlife watching. Facilities for water recreation include a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Rice Lake State Park →Myre-Big Island State Park
The park supports canoeing and kayaking, swimming, boating, wildlife watching, and ranger programs. The official site lists about 15 miles of trails. Water access includes a swimming beach.
Hours, fees and rules for Myre-Big Island State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Mankato
- Minneopa State Park 6 mi west · 71 campsites
- Sakatah Lake State Park 22 mi east · 83 campsites
- Flandrau State Park 25 mi west · Campground listed
- Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area 36 mi north · Campground listed
- Fort Ridgely State Park 42 mi northwest · Campground listed
+ 3 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Mankato
- Minneopa State Park 6 mi west · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Sakatah Lake State Park 22 mi east · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Flandrau State Park 25 mi west · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Fort Ridgely State Park 42 mi northwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Myre-Big Island State Park 50 mi southeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
Dog-friendly state parks near Mankato
- Flandrau State Park 25 mi west · Pets allowed under park rules
- Myre-Big Island State Park 50 mi southeast · Pets allowed under park rules
Swimming near Mankato
- Flandrau State Park 25 mi west · Beach, pool or swim area
- Myre-Big Island State Park 50 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area
Hiking near Mankato
- Minneopa State Park 6 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- Sakatah Lake State Park 22 mi east · Hiking trails listed
- Flandrau State Park 25 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area 36 mi north · Hiking trails listed
- Nerstrand Big Woods State Park 45 mi east · Hiking trails listed
+ 2 more in the list above
Fishing near Mankato
- Minneopa State Park 6 mi west · Fishing listed
- Sakatah Lake State Park 22 mi east · Fishing listed
- Flandrau State Park 25 mi west · Fishing listed
- Fort Ridgely State Park 42 mi northwest · Fishing listed
- Rice Lake State Park 46 mi east · Fishing listed
+ 1 more in the list above
Questions about state parks near Mankato
What is the closest state park to Mankato?
Minneopa State Park is the closest, about 6 miles west of Mankato in a straight line. Next are Sakatah Lake State Park and Flandrau State Park.
How many state parks are near Mankato?
8 state park units are within 50 miles, and 2 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Mankato have camping?
8 parks list camping, the nearest being Minneopa State Park, Sakatah Lake State Park and Flandrau State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Mankato?
Yes, at 2 parks, including Flandrau State Park and Myre-Big Island State Park. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.
Are there free state parks near Mankato?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near New Ulm, MN26 mi west
- Near Faribault, MN36 mi east
- Near Fairmont, MN44 mi southwest
- Near Waconia, MN47 mi north
- Near Lakeville, MN50 mi northeast
- Near Hutchinson, MN53 mi north
- Near Austin, MN60 mi southeast
- Near Minneapolis, MN65 mi northeast
Or see all Minnesota state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.