Sibley Farm

As a park reviewer of over 100 parks, I found Sibley Park an exceptional park unlike many other city parks. Very unique! This is a park the City of Mankato should be very proud. The main playground has a red barn theme that fits well with all the farm animals surrounding it. It’s a high quality Landscape Structures commercial playground. Perfect for children ages 6-12. The farm animals can be viewed and even petted. That’s right!- it’s a mini pet zoo. Perfect for children of all ages. A theme farm building can be rented for parties and events. I was really impressed by the gardens and flowers found throughout the park. All the park features and gardens are well maintained. Children of all ages and adults will find this park very inviting.

What a great place to see Christmas Lights. Over 2,000,000 lights around the park. You can either walk the path or drive your vehicle around. There's a concession stand to get hot chocolate and mini doughnuts.

This place would be great for young children, but I enjoyed it as an adult, too. There's plenty of things for little ones to climb and play on. There's several wash stations and treat dispensers throughout the park, and one porta potty. The treat dispensers take quarters. I visited in early April, and only a few animals were out (2 calves, alpacas and a handful of pygmy goats). The other enclosures appeared empty, I assume those animals are kept elsewhere during the cold months.

Sibley Farm is truly a gem right in the heart of Mankato. Nestled within Sibley Park, this delightful destination offers something for everyone—kids and adults alike! The best part? It’s completely free to visit, making it an accessible and budget-friendly option for families, couples, or a solo trip. The farm itself is home to a variety of adorable animals, including goats, sheep, chickens, and more. During the winter months, the park becomes even more magical with the Kiwanis Holiday Lights display, a charity event that lights up the season with festive cheer. The addition of reindeer to the farm during this time makes it an extra special stop during the holidays. Sibley Park’s surrounding area also offers scenic walking trails, picnic areas, and space to simply relax and take in the fresh Minnesota air. If you’re traveling in a Mini-T Campervan or planning a camping trip, there are nearby campgrounds to make your visit even more convenient. Whether you’re stopping by for the animals, the seasonal holiday display, or just a peaceful afternoon, Sibley Farm is a must-visit spot in Mankato. It’s the perfect combination of charm, fun, and community spirit!

Free park. It's normally pretty busy, even on weekdays if the sun is shining. They bring the animals out once the weather starts warming up. You can bring quarters to get some pellets to feed them. There is a barn that you can rent out for gatherings as well as gazebos and a little covered patio area. It's a beautiful park. There is a walking path and a little exercise area. Sadly, a lot of the exercise stuff has been broken, and a lot of times, I am picking up trash even though there are cans for trash. They do have a restroom and water fountain across the fish pond bridge.