Staff Writer- Emily Anderson

Photo Credits: Hailey Mueller

So, you moved to Saint Peter and you are curious about what to do locally! While Gustavus has lots of cool opportunities, it can be fun to learn about some areas outside of campus. While maybe not as bustling and full as the Twin Cities metro, Mankato and Saint Peter have a lot of hidden gems!

Tandem Bagels

This Mankato restaurant features monthly specials, both with bagels and with coffee. This cozy spot hosts many Gustavus and Mankato students. While they are often busy, especially on the weekends, it is truly worth the wait! Their bagel sandwiches are so delicious and they have both breakfast and lunch options. 

Insomnia Cookies

Mankato is home to Insomnia Cookies, a college student staple. This store is open later into the night so that students can get cookies after activities or when having a late night study session. They also have options for allergies and dietary restrictions! (Also, they will be served at Gustavus Homecoming on Friday, October 9th, so be sure to get there early in order to get a cookie!)

The Co-Op

My beloved Co-Op is home to Saint Peter’s best sandwiches. This grocery store features not just groceries, but a sandwich bar, a hot bar, a burrito bar, and some grab and go options. Some personal favorites are the sandwiches or the soups. There is plenty of seating, and the location makes it a quick and easy stop from campus. 

Seven Mile Park

This park features a variety of trails, playgrounds, and views. Located just out of Saint Peter, this spot would be a great location to hang out with friends, take a hike, or reconnect with nature after a long day. The hills covered with trees and winding trails truly make for a calming escape from the hustle and bustle of college life. 

Community Center and Library

If you are looking for a place to study that isn’t just the library or classrooms at Gustavus but you aren’t looking for a huge journey, I would recommend the Saint Peter Library. As the wise Arthur Read once said, “having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a Library Card!” You can get one from here for free as people who live in Saint Peter. This library has places to work and is only a couple blocks from campus. 

Minnesota Square Park

Only a couple blocks down the hill from Old Main, one of Saint Peter’s Parks is located.  Minnesota Square Park hosts events like Rock Bend Folk Festival, which is an annual music festival. Additionally, there are basketball and tennis courts and a cute pavilion to hang out and play games with friends!

Minneopa State Park

If you are like me and from the Twin Cities metro, seeing bison is super cool. This local state park features beautiful waterfalls and a bison drive through. This park is gorgeous for hiking and seeing fall colors. There are spots for camping and while you need a state park pass to enter, it is definitely worth the fee. 

River Rock Coffee

With locations in St. Peter and Mankato, this coffee shop features seasonal drinks and menu items. I’m also biased because some of my favorite people work in the Saint Peter location. Often you will find other Gusties studying and hanging out here on weekends.

Kiwanis Lights in Sibley Park

This holiday season, Sibley Park in Mankato features a beautiful light display that you can drive or walk through. This is a great option for a fun event to do with friends or family, since it is so local.

Coffee Hag

This is a great breakfast and coffee spot, with options for dietary restrictions and vegetarian options. This cute spot features local art and music. Delicious coffee and a cool atmosphere, what more do you need! A lot of my friends are Coffee Hag fans. 

Mount Kato

If you are craving hitting the slopes, Mount Kato is a local spot for you! There are college nights on Thursdays (bring your student ID) to get discounts on rentals and lift tickets! 

I love living in this area, especially since there are so many cool businesses and places to explore off campus.