The Tourtellotte Pool in Mankato is FREE to enjoy all summer!
I previously posted about a water park in Minneapolis that’s FREE all summer – the North Commons Water Park. Then a reader asked about what other cheap swimming pools there are and many great ideas were shared, including another free pool – this one in Mankato! (Thank you, Jessica, for sharing this info!)
Tourtellotte Pool is an outdoor, lifeguard-staffed pool. There’s a heated wading pool and a diving board.
There are also concessions and park facilities including playground equipment, grills and more. It is the perfect destination for family fun, and is totally free!
Hours are:
General swim: 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
Lap swim: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily
Family nights: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The maximum capacity is 400 people.
They are closed some days this summer so check their website before you go!
There are no swimming lessons but you can rent the whole pool with a lifeguard present for your event.
Learn about it on their website here. And visit the state website with more info about the park.
Mankato is about 1 hour south of the Twin Cities, and there’s a lot for families to do here.
Here are a few other must-see’s in Mankato:
Minneopa State Park –
Drive around here and encounter live bison! And there are beautiful waterfalls you can hike to. They actually drop into a deep gorge. (And did you know that Minneopa means “water falling twice” ???)
You have to pay admission to the state park but can get free admission on these days in 2022.
Children’s Museum of Southern Mankato –
So much for kids to see and do here – and a new exhibit now called “Dig it!”
Sibley Park –
This park is popular with families as it has a petting zoo, a farm, many play areas, gardens and more.
The Wow Zone –
Bowling, laser tag, video games, pizza and more!
What else do you like to do in Mankato?