If you're going to Mankato...

As much as I can't stand football, I am a big fan of people coming into my community and spending buku bucks on local establishments.  Thus, I have come to terms with the absurdity of Vikings training camp.  I have no idea why anyone would want to watch a bunch of roided-out behemoths run into each other at high speeds (for practice) on a hot day, but if that sort of thing is the bag that wets your whistle (or some other confused/mangled colloquialism) then let me tell you a thing or two about Mankato, the area and a few things to do on the way down to the jewel of south central Minnesota. 

The trip

Highway 169

• Jim's Apple Farm (Minnesota's Largest Candy Store), just south of Jordan.  Do you like candy?  Do you like root beer and apple pie?  Do you like candy smokes? Then Jim's is the place for you.  It looks kind of kitschy (it is) and full of useless crap (there's definitely some of that), but it also has great pies and some fantastic candy finds.  If you are going to spend a few hours out in the sun on MSU's campus, you could certainly do worse than stopping at Jim's to pick up a few pieces of good candy and a few bottles of really, really good root beer. 
  
• Minnesota Valley State Park, access points from Jordan to Shakopee.  This is one of my favorite places to hike and run.  I'm really hoping that one day I can hike from Jordan to my parent's house in Bloomington.  Until then, if you want to get out and stretch your legs or get in a good trail run on the way down to Purple Hell, this is the place to get your rocks off.  
• Emma Krumbee's Orchard, Belle Plaine.  This is a cool little orchard where the kiddies can pick their own apples and berries while also being able to run around and get some energy out.  Belle Plaine is also 1/2 way between Mankato and the cities and is a good place to stop for a breather. I also mention it because Belle Plaine is a notorious 169 speed trap and you should definitely not go over 55 while in town.  I rarely pass through town without seeing someone pulled over for going 60-65 (or higher). 
• Lau's Czech Bakery, New Prague.  This one is a bit off the beaten path but is well worth the trip.  Unfortunately, the best place to eat in New Prague (Schumacher's) closed due to the health concerns of the owner's wife, but Lau's is an acceptable alternative.  It is an old-fashioned diner (think stools, formica counters and regulars) with a wonderful bakery that features mind-blowing pastries and fantastic buns.  While you're in New Prague, stop at Skluzacek's Quality Meats to pick up some jaternice.  You can also stop at Cedar Summit Farm for some locally-owned grass-fed beef.  The SnP family has a neighborhood-famous burger night once a month and we always get our buns from Lau's and the beef from Cedar Summit Farm.  
• Hog Wild Saloon, Henderson.  Henderson is an interesting little town just off of 169, south of Le Sueur.  When not flooded, it is one of the more scenic little towns in all of Minnesota.  It is also the unofficial redneck capital of southern Minnesota (closely challenged by Kasota).  I do not promise good service or even good food.  I do promise a Henderson experience. 
• Treaty Site History Center, St. Peter.  Learn about the 1851 treaty while hiking through a restored prairie on the Minnesota River.  
• St. Peter Coop, St. Peter.  We've (I'm a member/owner) moved into a new building on the west side of Minnesota Avenue (169) and if you are looking for a good healthy meal on your trip (crazy, I know), then the coop is the place for you.  It has a veggie and olive bar, a sandwich bar, a potato bar, a burrito bar, coffee, pastries, soups, you name it.  It also carries local produce, like goods from Adam and Lupita at Living Land Farm, the hard-working young local farmers we buy our CSA share from. If you do not know about CSA shares, click here. I cannot say enough good things about them and they will completely revolutionize the way you eat and live.  Each week we get a box full of veggies and we plan our meals accordingly.  Each week the box gets bigger and is filled with a wider variety of goods.  We also have a local dairy/poultry share that provides us with 24 eggs/week as well as a (gigantic) block of cheese and a chicken.  If you are looking to improve your health and well-being, eating seasonal local food is one of the best (and easiest) things you can do.  
• Seven Mile Creek Park, just south of St. Peter. I love running in this park.  Nothing beats running through a creek bed alongside a horse trail.  Just 5 minutes south of St. Peter, you can completely lose yourself in nature with some pretty damn awesome trail running.