Attractions in Mankato, Minnesota

Mankato may be overshadowed by the more recognizable cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, but a college city chosen as the location for a National Football League team's training camp, Mankato has several notable attractions. The city has festivals and events for every season, but these are some of the mainstays that have attracted tourists for years.

Happy Chef Statue

Happy Chef was once a chain of family-style restaurants with 56 in seven states, serving breakfast food all day and a lunch and dinner menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. The first restaurant, in Mankato, has a 36 foot tall statute of a chef with his one arm raised, gripping a spoon, who served as the brands logo. The restaurant only remains in three states, but the Happy Chef statute in Mankato is the only original Happy Chef statute remaining. The Statute has become a roadside attraction, especially for those who may remember Happy Chef establishments.

Happy Chef North
Highway 169 North
Mankato, MN 56001
507-388-2953
www.happychef.com

Verizon Wireless Center

The Verizon Wireless Center hosts various events for all tastes and also houses banquet and reception halls available for rent. Home to the Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks, the center also hosts stand up comedians, musical acts, conventions, wedding receptions, WWE, musicals, and children's programs. The Verizon Wireless Center has a 8,200 seat arena for concerts and a 5,280 seat ice rink.

Verizon Wireless Center
1 Civic Center Plaza
Mankato, MN 56001
507- 389-3000
www.verizonwirelesscentermn.com

Minnesota Vikings Training Camp

The professional football team, the Minnesota Vikings, train at the Minnesota State University, Mankato, where fans can come by and watch the football players practice during the off season months between July and August. Players often sign autographs, merchandise is sold, there is a game zone for children, a day for season ticket holders, and special events. During the 2009 training season, Miller sponsored the Miller Lite End Zone Bar open during training hours.

Verizon Wireless Vikings Training Camp
170 Stadium Rd
Mankato, MN 56001
952- 828-6500
www.vikings.com

Sources:

Minnesota State University Mankato: Original Happy Chef restaurant had roots on old lower campus
Verizon Wireless Center: Promoter Information
Minnesota Vikings: Vikings Events