A Day in Deep Valley
On this page are some suggestions for what Betsy-Tacy fans might do in Mankato for a day. We’d love this to be a living list, so please let us know if you have additional suggestions. And if you post photos of your visit on social media, remember this hashtag:
#VisitDeepValley
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at River Rock Coffee in Downtown Mankato – and grab some sandwiches for a picnic lunch later (don’t forget your cooler!).
While you’re downtown, visit Betsy’s Carnegie Library (now the Carnegie Art Center) – climb the same stairs Betsy climbed, see Miss Sparrow’s circular desk, and marvel over the tiny chair from the original Children’s Room! (And, hey, enjoy some art as well.)
And speaking of art: Our gorgeous new Betsy-Tacy mural is right around the corner on Main Street, just east of the intersection with Broad Street. Don’t miss it!
Take a private tour of the Houses (book this by calling us at 507-345-9777 or emailing us at tours@betsy-tacysociety.org). Be sure to take a picture on the bench!
From Betsy’s, you can also easily walk to Tib’s chocolate-colored house and Alice’s house (use our interactive map, or download and print this one).
Depending on how much walking you feel like doing, you can use our maps to walk or drive to the other Crowd houses and sites of interest. Be sure to look for Carney’s sleeping porch (visible at the back of the house).
Ready for lunch? Have your picnic at Lincoln Park (that pie-shaped wedge!) and watch the water flow in the restored Boy in Blue fountain. Or check out beautiful Sibley Park, where Tib’s ashes were scattered at the foot of a large oak tree. (You can also visit the animals at Sibley Farm.)
Another Deep Valley must is exploring the Big Hill (Sumner Hills). You can drive straight up from Betsy’s House and check it out by car – and if you’re up for a climb, there’s a (steep!) walkway behind Jefferson Elementary School (100 James Avenue), which runs up the hill from Fairfield Avenue to Val Imm Drive and offers a simply gorgeous view of Deep Valley. You’ll feel so good once you reach the top (and catch your breath!). You can get to Jefferson School from Betsy’s House by walking to the south end of Byron Street and turning left (a sidewalk leads down to Jefferson) — and now you’re in Little Syria! Continue around Jefferson to get to the walkway.
End your day by paying your respects to the denizens of Deep Valley laid to rest at Glenwood Cemetery. Use our handy guide to finding your way around.
Dinner time! Here are some yummy downtown options:
Pagliai’s Pizza (Mankato’s oldest pizzeria – delicious pizza and po’ boy sandwiches)
Nolabelle Kitchen & Bar (more upscale, fabulous desserts)
Pub 500 (tasty American pub fare, a nice patio for people-watching, large beer selection – and the Stoner Chips are addictive!)
Before you leave town, take one last drive up the Big Hill by Betsy’s House and admire the sunset (or the stars). Think about a little girl who lived here more than 100 years ago, who looked up at that exact same sky – and then wrote a book that changed our world.
We hope you enjoyed your day!