HomeMinnesotaMankato › Dotson Park

Dotson Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 25 Google reviews · Running trail in Mankato, Minnesota · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Dotson Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Open 24h

What runners say about Dotson Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (25 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

A nice park to go for a walk and think or just enjoy a leisurely stroll.

★★★★☆ — Jason , Jun 2018

We love this park! It has great play equipment, nice trees, a grassy area for kids to run around. Highly recommend.

★★★★☆ — Mandy , Oct 2017

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 25 reviews →

Plan your run at Dotson Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • Websitemankatomn.gov
  • Phone(507) 387-8620

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Dotson Park

101 Oak Knoll Blvd, Mankato, MN 56001

Get directions

Running trails near Mankato

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

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All running trails in Mankato, MN →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.