Discovery Sites
How to get there: 310 Rock Street, Mankato, MN
Off of US 169/MN 60 just west of Blue Earth River Bridge where the Blue Earth River flows into the Minnesota River.
What you will find: A city park with a picnic shelter, playground, river access, and the Vetter Stone Amphitheater
Services at this site: Yes
From the founding of Mankato in 1852 to today, this area on the bank of the Minnesota River has served as the birthplace of industrial and commercial development in Mankato. By the turn of the last century, Mankato saw increased industrial expansion that included large manufacturing plants like foundries, flour mills, knitting mills, quarries, a bottling plant, breweries, tractor and farm equipment plants, a meat processing plant and the famous carp packing plant.
Steamboat and railroad transportation allowed the convergence of manufacturing, technology and distribution, not only for Mankato but for the world. This area also served as the hub for power (electricity, gas and oil distribution) for the community; as well as a retail marketplace for the greater Mankato area. Today we celebrate the captains of industry who founded, developed and built this community.
Riverfront Park features picnic shelter, playground, river access, and the Vetter Stone Amphitheater
Things to Do: Discovery Site, Outdoor Activities
