Events and Recreation

Local organizations host dinners, socials, dances and seasonal activities throughout the year. For a current schedule of community events, click on the Community Calendar tab above.

School and community sporting events provide year-round fun and excitement for fans and participants alike.

Hunters and naturalists are drawn to Nicollet for its proximity to Swan Lake. Recognized for its wide diversity of waterfowl, Swan Lake is the largest shallow prairie “pothole” marsh in the continental U.S., boasting 76 miles of shoreline.

The highlight of the year is Nicollet’s Friendship Days, always the last weekend in June, sponsored by the Nicollet American Legion. The weekend’s events include a Demolition Derby (Saturday), Carnival (Friday night through Sunday), a spectacular Fireworks Show Saturday evening, topped off with a Parade on Sunday afternoon.

The area also offers excellent snowmobile trails and is just minutes away from several beautiful state parks, Minneopa State Park and Flandrau State Park.

The Nicollet County Historical Society (St. Peter) offers several historical sites to visit, including the Treaty Site History Center, the Harkin Store, Fort Ridgely and the E. St. Julien Cox House.

Morgan Creek Vineyards is a quaint little winery that is a must see if you are in the area. Schell’s Brewery in New Ulm is a favorite stop of beer lovers. They sponsor several popular events throughout the year, as well as daily tours.

Lodging can be found in Mankato, New Ulm and St. Peter.