US 36 cuts across the lower third of Mankato.

The Jewell County Historical Society Museum, which consists of four sites exhibits donated gifts from residents throughout Jewell county. Besides the two buildings housing these exhibits there is the old Jewell County jail and the building and Threshing Bee grounds which is the repository of antique tractors, engines and machinery. Providing outdoor recreation for the citizens of Mankato are the Nine Hole Mankato Country Club golf course, the Mankato Swimming pool and the City Park which has a free overnight camper hook-up.