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Hotel Alexander Proudly Sponsors “The Archer” by Minnesota Sculptor Linda Marsh on Mankato’s CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour

Sun, 24 May 2026 14:58:09 GMT

"THE ARCHER" ARTIST: LINDA MARSH

In downtown Mankato, art has become part of the community’s identity — transforming streets, sidewalks, and gathering spaces into an open-air gallery through the nationally recognized CityArt program. This year, Hotel Alexander is proud to sponsor The Archer, a striking bronze sculpture by Minnesota artist Linda Marsh as part of the 2026 CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour.

Presented through CityArt Mankato, a program of the Twin Rivers Council for the Arts, the annual sculpture tour brings large-scale public art installations to City Center Mankato and North Mankato, celebrating creativity, culture, and community connection.

For the owners of Hotel Alexander, sponsoring The Archer was more than supporting public art — it became a deeply personal story rooted in small-town Minnesota connections, shared history, and admiration for another woman pursuing a bold second chapter.

The sculpture itself is both graceful and commanding. Standing 80 inches tall, The Archer depicts a life-sized female archer holding a bow complete with arrow and string. The bronze sculpture explores themes of strength, resilience, sacrifice, and self-determination — all central themes throughout Linda Marsh’s body of work.

What makes the sponsorship especially meaningful is the unexpected connection between the artist and Hotel Alexander’s co-owners, Dr. Julene Nolan and Michelle Schooff.

Linda Marsh’s husband Pat grew up in Sargeant, Minnesota. Dr. Julene Nolan grew up nearby in Adams, while Michelle Schooff was raised in Rose Creek. All three communities shared the same Southland school district and generations of overlapping relationships. Today, Dr. Julene remains close friends with Linda’s sister-in-law Charlotte, while Michelle has maintained a long-standing friendship with Linda’s sister-in-law Cathi.

For Julene and Michelle, the connection felt like Minnesota at its best — proof that small communities and lifelong relationships continue to shape meaningful opportunities years later.

Linda Marsh’s story also deeply resonated with the Hotel Alexander partners. After graduating from college in 1987, Marsh chose a military career, eventually retiring in 2021 as a Major General after 34 years in the United States Air Force. As she neared retirement, she turned fully toward art, dedicating herself to bronze sculpture that reflects the resilience and determination she witnessed throughout military service.

“The Archer represents the strength it takes to move forward with purpose, even when the path is uncertain,” said Linda Marsh.

“Throughout my military career, I witnessed incredible resilience, sacrifice, and determination in the people around me. Through sculpture, I hope to honor those qualities while also showing that strength and grace can exist together. It means a great deal to have support from women with shared small-town Minnesota roots who understand the value of perseverance, community, and reinvention.”

Today, Marsh serves as a Fine Art Painter & Sculptor and Lead Designer at PALM Designs, LLC in

Minneapolis, creating bespoke furnishings and fine art. She and her husband Patrick personally complete every step of the lost wax bronze casting process, allowing her to maintain complete artistic integrity throughout the work. “There is something incredibly inspiring about watching another woman pursue a new passion with courage, discipline, and authenticity,” said Dr. Julene Nolan, partner at Hotel Alexander. “Linda’s work reflects resilience and strength in such a graceful way, and we are incredibly proud to support both her journey and the CityArt program that brings art into the heart of our community.”

The sponsorship also reflects Hotel Alexander’s broader commitment to supporting arts,culture, and downtown revitalization in Mankato. As a women-owned boutique hotel founded by Minnesota State University alumni, the hotel was created to celebrate creativity, connection, and local pride.

“Coming from small farming communities, you understand how important it is to support people who work hard to build something meaningful,” said Michelle Schooff, partner at Hotel Alexander.

“Linda’s story and The Archer embody perseverance, beauty, and strength. We’re honored to support her work and to be part of a program like CityArt that makes Mankato such a vibrant destination.”

Visitors exploring downtown Mankato during the 2026 CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour will have the opportunity to experience The Archer alongside dozens of sculptures installed throughout the city. The program continues to elevate Greater Mankato’s reputation as a destination where art, hospitality, and community intersect.

About The Archer

Artist: Linda Marsh

Medium: Cast Bronze and Stainless-Steel Wire

Dimensions: 80” x 48” x 15”

Footprint: 12” x 30”

Series Theme: Self-determination, sacrifice, and resilience

C&N Pool Tournament 2026 Mankato | Boutique Stay at Hotel Alexander

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:00:04 GMT

There’s just something special about a tournament weekend in downtown Mankato. The city gets a little louder, restaurants fill up a little faster, and everywhere you go, there’s that unmistakable sense that something exciting is happening. This week, it all revolves around the pool. The C&N Entertainment Year-End Singles & Team Pool Tournament (April 16–19, 2026) is taking over the Mayo Health Event Center, bringing players, teams, and fans together for a full weekend of competition. With singles, team, and women’s 8-ball divisions, it’s shaping up to be a packed and energetic few days. Here at Hotel Alexander, we’re fully booked, and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way. We love the buzz that comes with weekends like this. Tournament weekends have their own rhythm. Guests head out early, come back late, swap stories in the lobby, and make last-minute dinner plans downtown. There’s a shared energy that fills the whole city, and it’s a great reminder of how fun Mankato can be when people come together around something they love.

What to know about the tournament

This year’s event includes a range of divisions, from upper-level singles play to multiple team brackets and a women’s 8-ball division. With everything happening at the Mayo Health Event Center, it makes for an easy, walkable weekend for visitors staying downtown. It’s also part of a larger regional tournament calendar, drawing players from across Minnesota and beyond, so you’ll see plenty of new faces around town.

A few fun facts about pool

Pool has a deeper American story than a lot of people realize. It’s actually the most popular form of billiards in the U.S. and Canada, and for many players, eight-ball is the go-to version of the game.
The sport’s roots here go back to the 1800s. Michael Phelan, an Irish immigrant, helped popularize billiards in the U.S. and is often referred to as the father of American billiards.
The name “pool” has an interesting origin; it comes from betting “pools” tied to horse racing, which were often collected in the same rooms where people played billiards.
Early billiard balls made from celluloid were actually known to occasionally combust. Not exactly something you have to worry about today, but still a fun bit of trivia.

Why weekends like this matter

Events like this do more than fill out brackets; they bring the whole city to life. Visitors explore local restaurants, grab drinks downtown, stop into coffee shops, and spend a few extra days enjoying Mankato instead of just passing through. It’s a chance to show off what the city does best: being welcoming, lively, and easy to enjoy.

From our side, it’s just as exciting. Seeing the hotel full, hearing conversations in the lobby, and feeling that shared energy, it’s what makes weekends like this so memorable.

If you’re here for the tournament, take a little time to enjoy the city too. Grab a coffee in Old Town. Head out for dinner with your team. Take a walk downtown. Celebrate a win or shake off a tough loss over a late-night drink. Because weekends like this aren’t just about the matches. They’re about the moments in between, the stories you take home, and the people you share them with. To everyone in town for the tournament, welcome to Mankato.

We’re so glad to have you here and to be part of the energy this weekend brings. Good luck to all the players, safe travels to everyone visiting, and congratulations to those who make this tournament one to remember.

We really do love weekends like this.

What to Do in Mankato After a Minnesota State University, Mankato Campus Tour

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:17:01 GMT

If you are visiting Minnesota State University, Mankato for a campus tour, my best advice is this: do not leave town the minute the tour ends.

Stay a little longer.

Get coffee. Walk downtown. Have a really good meal. Go out to Minneopa State Park. Let Mankato show you a little more of itself.

I say that as someone who knows this town from many angles. Both Michelle and I are graduates of Minnesota State University, Mankato , and I also know what it is like to be a parent of MSU students. Two of our three children attended MSU, so I have experienced Mankato not just as a student and resident, but as a mother trying to understand what daily life here would feel like for my kids.

That is why I think a college visit should include more than the campus itself.

Of course families want to see the residence halls, academic buildings, and student spaces. But parents are usually asking deeper questions too. Will my student feel at home here? Will they find a welcoming community on campus but also in town? Will I enjoy coming back to visit?

This is where Mankato really shines.

Start with coffee in Old Town Mankato

After your Minnesota State University, Mankato tour, head to Coffee Hag in Old Town.

Old Town is one of the best places to start getting a feel for Mankato beyond campus. It has history, personality, and that local character families are often looking for. It feels lived-in in the best possible way.

For many visiting families, this is when the day starts to shift. You are no longer just evaluating a university. You are beginning to imagine a life here.

That matters.

College is not only about classes and majors. It is also about where students settle in, where parents return for visits, and whether a place begins to feel familiar, homey.

Have lunch or dinner somewhere local

One of the best things to do in Mankato after a campus tour is sit down for a real meal and let the day breathe a little.

There are many restaurant choices and you should return to try them all. But for that initial post-tour family meal, I recommend Number 4. It offers an authentic yet elevated Mankato experience, not just a stop on the way out of town. That first post-tour meal is often when the most honest conversations happen with your family. Your kid begins to relax. We stop processing logistics. This is when you hear the real reactions.

Sometimes it is the first moment a student says, “I could really see myself here.”

And sometimes it is the first moment a parent believes it too.

Visit Minneopa State Park

If you want to understand one of the reasons people love living in Mankato, make time for Minneopa State Park .

Minneopa shows a side of Mankato that a campus tour simply cannot. The waterfalls, trails, valley views, and open space remind families that this is more than a college stop. It is a beautiful place to live, visit, and come back to again and again.

For me, Minneopa helps people connect with Mankato emotionally through nature.

You can compare programs online. You can read about housing and tuition. But being outside in a place like Minneopa helps you feel the setting in a different way. And when families are making a big decision, that feeling matters.

Spend time in downtown Mankato

After campus, I always suggest spending a little time in downtown Mankato .

Walk around. Browse a few shops. Slow down enough to notice the personality of the city. If you want an easy activity, the CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour adds another layer of interest and makes downtown feel even more memorable. This tour elevates art in a way that helps you understand that this community values creativity, inclusion, beauty, and deep thinking.

When you are choosing a college for your kid, you are not just asking whether the university is a fit. You are also wondering what the weekends will feel like. Where will we stay when we come to visit? Where will we go for breakfast? Will this still feel welcoming in November, February, or on an ordinary weekend visit?

Walking around downtown helps you answer these questions and more.

Make the college visit easier if younger siblings come too

Sometimes younger siblings come along for the college visit, and that can change the energy of the day.

The attractions and amenities in Mankato make it easy to make a visit interesting to everyone in your family. Sibley Park , the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota , and a relaxed downtown walk all make it easier to turn a campus visit into something the whole family can enjoy.

Even though the day is typically focused on one of your kids, it is nice when everyone leaves feeling included.

Why staying overnight changes the whole visit

If your schedule allows it, I always recommend staying overnight.

A one-day college visit can feel rushed. You tour campus, ask your questions, grab lunch, and suddenly it is time to leave. But when you stay downtown, the whole experience becomes more relaxed and more personal. You have time to see campus, enjoy dinner, walk the city a little, and wake up the next day with a much better feel for Mankato.

That extra time makes a difference.

Especially for parents.

Because once you have had children in college, you realize you are not just making one visit. If your student chooses MSU, you will likely come back for move-in, family weekend, performances, games, birthday dinners, quick overnight stays, and all the little visits in between.

The first trip is only the beginning.

Why Hotel Alexander is a great fit for MSU families

For parents visiting Minnesota State University, Mankato , I think Hotel Alexander is a wonderful match.

It feels warm, interesting, and personal. It gives you a downtown Mankato experience that feels much more memorable than a standard chain hotel. That is part of what makes it such a good fit for college visits. When you are trying to get a real feel for a place, where you stay matters.

Hotel Alexander feels connected to the city around it.

It has character. It feels comfortable without being bland. It is stylish without trying too hard. It is the kind of place that fits naturally into a weekend that is meant to feel personal, thoughtful, and distinctly Mankato.

For families visiting MSU, that feels right.

Because college is personal. The choice is personal. The experience of returning over the years becomes personal too.

From one MSU parent to another

Because two of our three children attended Minnesota State University, Mankato, I know how much parents are taking in during a campus visit.

You are listening to the tour guide, of course. But you are also quietly imagining what life will look like from afar. You are wondering whether your student will find community here. You are wondering whether this city will feel welcoming when you come back to visit them. You are wondering whether this place can start to feel familiar.

In my experience, Mankato does that very well.

It is friendly. It is easy to navigate. There is enough to do. There are beautiful places nearby. Downtown has charm. And when you spend a little more time here, you begin to understand why so many students and families end up feeling at home.

So after your campus tour, do not rush out.

Get coffee in Old Town. Have dinner downtown. Take the drive to Minneopa. Stay overnight at Hotel Alexander.

Let Mankato introduce itself properly.

Celebrating the women shaping every stay at Hotel Alexander.

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:30:00 GMT

At Hotel Alexander and Arch + Cable, our story has always been rooted in people, our guests, our community, and the team members who bring our spaces to life every day. This March, in honor of Women’s History Month, we are proud to shine a light on something that makes our hotels especially meaningful to us: we are women-owned and largely women-operated. From leadership and management to operations, hospitality, and guest experience, women play a vital role in shaping the culture, creativity, and care that define our properties. Throughout the month, we will be highlighting the incredible women who help make our hotels what they are today. Each story reflects a different journey, perspective, and contribution, but they all share a common thread: a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and community.

Where Leadership, Creativity, and Hospitality Meet

Boutique hotels are often defined by their design, their atmosphere, or their location. But at Hotel Alexander and Arch + Cable, the story begins with something deeper: vision. These properties were brought to life through the leadership and partnership of Michelle Schooff and Dr. Julene Nolan, two women whose careers span very different fields yet share a common thread: an unwavering commitment to community, innovation, and people. Together, they helped create hospitality spaces that reflect the character of downtown Mankato while offering guests an experience that feels thoughtful, welcoming, and unique.

Different Journeys, Shared Purpose

Michelle Schooff built her career in global business and marketing strategy, leading initiatives at an international scale while maintaining deep roots in the Mankato community. Dr. Julene Nolan’s professional work focuses on psychology and education, supporting students, families, and schools through her expertise in child development and mental health. While their professional paths differ, both women share a similar philosophy: meaningful spaces and strong communities are built through intention, collaboration, and care for the people they serve. Through Hospitality Ventures, their partnership helped bring two boutique hotel concepts to downtown Mankato: Arch + Cable and Hotel Alexander. Rather than creating traditional lodging, the goal was to design spaces that felt distinctive and reflective of the city itself. Each property blends thoughtful design, modern comfort, and a sense of place that celebrates the history and character of the community. Today, the hotels welcome travelers, families, athletes, business guests, and visitors from around the country who come to experience Mankato.

Women Shaping the Future of Hospitality

The leadership of Schooff and Nolan sets the tone for the culture and values behind the properties. Their work demonstrates how entrepreneurship, community investment, and thoughtful leadership can come together to create businesses that contribute to both economic growth and community pride. The women leading and working within these hotels continue to build on that foundation every day, ensuring that guests are welcomed with the same spirit of care and attention that inspired the hotels in the first place. The stories of the women behind Hotel Alexander and Arch + Cable remind us that leadership takes many forms: Sometimes it looks like building companies, sometimes it looks like investing in communities. And sometimes it looks like creating spaces where people feel welcomed, valued, and inspired. Through their leadership and vision, Michelle Schooff and Dr. Julene Nolan have helped create places that bring people together, and that story continues with every guest who walks through the doors.

Investing in the Community She Calls Home

Michelle is our co-founder and partner of Hospitality Ventures, LLC, a woman-owned hospitality company created with the goal of strengthening downtown Mankato’s visitor experience. Through this venture, she helped bring two boutique hotels to life: Arch + Cable Hotel and Hotel Alexander. The vision behind these projects was larger than simply creating places to stay. Michelle and her partners recognized a growing opportunity: as Mankato expanded its ability to host conferences, sporting events, and tourism, the community needed unique spaces that reflected its character and energy. These hotels now serve as more than accommodations; they have become gathering spaces that support local events, downtown vibrancy, and regional economic growth.

Leadership Beyond Business

Michelle’s influence in the region extends well beyond entrepreneurship. She has consistently dedicated her time and expertise to organizations that strengthen the community and create opportunities for others. She has served on boards and supported initiatives including: The Minnesota State University Foundation, Line Change Collective, The Greater Mankato YMCA, and The Mankato Area Foundation. Her commitment to philanthropy also includes establishing scholarship funds through the Mankato Area Foundation, with her husband, David, helping students pursue education and career opportunities they might not otherwise have. Michelle has also been deeply involved in major regional initiatives such as Hockey Day Minnesota in Mankato, where she served as co-chair of an effort that brought statewide attention, community pride, and philanthropic support to the area. Influence in a community does not always come from holding the loudest microphone. Often, it comes from the people who consistently invest their time, resources, and leadership into making a place better for everyone. Michelle Schooff is widely regarded as one of those people. She has played a role in bringing new business ventures to the region, supporting nonprofit organizations, and creating spaces that help Mankato grow as a destination city. Her leadership bridges multiple worlds: global corporate strategy, local entrepreneurship, and community service, demonstrating how professional success and civic responsibility can go hand in hand. During Women’s History Month, Michelle’s story is a reminder that leadership often looks like building something that benefits others: opportunities for students, gathering places for visitors, and economic vitality for the community. Her work reflects a powerful idea: success is not just measured by what you build professionally, but by how deeply you invest in the people and places around you. And in Mankato, Michelle Schooff’s impact continues to be felt every day.

A Classic Mankato Holiday Tradition Near Hotel Alexander: Kiwanis Holiday Lights

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:00:00 GMT

The holiday season in Mankato is filled with charm, tradition, and glowing winter nights, and nothing captures that spirit quite like the Kiwanis Holiday Lights at Sibley Park. Running from November 28 to December 31, 2025, this beloved annual event transforms Sibley Park into a festive display of twinkling lights, animated scenes, and holiday music that locals and visitors eagerly anticipate every year. Presented by the Mankato Area Foundation and CHS, the Kiwanis Holiday Lights are free and open to the public and completely volunteer-produced, making them a meaningful way to celebrate the season while supporting the community. Guests are encouraged to bring cash or non-perishable food donations, which will help support local children’s programs throughout the region. Visitors can experience the lights by walking through the displays, enjoying a cozy drive-through experience, or arriving with a pre-approved bus group. Warm concessions, including cocoa, cider, and mini donuts, are available inside the park, making it easy to linger and enjoy the festive atmosphere. For hours, visiting tips, and display details, guests can learn more on the official Kiwanis Holiday Lights website: https://www.kiwanisholidaylights.com/sponsors

After an evening at the lights, return to the comfort of Hotel Alexander, located in the heart of Downtown Mankato. Our historic boutique hotel offers a relaxing retreat just minutes from Sibley Park, local dining, and other seasonal events, perfect for guests visiting family or coming into town for the holidays. Coming into town this winter or visiting Mankato for the holidays? Pair a festive night at the Kiwanis Holiday Lights with a cozy downtown stay.

A Night of Timeless Rock: STYX & Fans Take Over Arch + Cable and Hotel Alexander

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:00:00 GMT

Downtown Mankato lit up last week as legendary rock band STYX rolled into town. Both Arch + Cable and Hotel Alexander were buzzing with the energy of excited fans. From the moment guests checked in, it was clear this wasn’t just another concert night. It was nostalgia, first-time magic, and pure musical joy all wrapped into one unforgettable stay.

STYX at Arch + Cable: A Band and Their Crew Who Feel Like Family

We had the honor of hosting members of STYX at Arch + Cable , and their presence brought a special spark to the building. Polite, gracious, and full of good humor, they carried themselves with the same professionalism and warmth that has made them icons for decades. Our team loved welcoming them, and it was a privilege to be their home base during their Mankato performance.

Fans at Hotel Alexander: First-Timers, Lifelong Fans, and Everyone in Between

Across the street from the Mayo Event Center Venue at Hotel Alexander , the excitement was just as palpable. Many guests came specifically for the show. Some guests were seeing STYX live for the very first time, others returning to relive memories made years (or even decades!) ago. What surprised us most was the universality of the feedback. Whether they were longtime devotees or newcomers to the world of “Come Sail Away” and “Renegade,” everyone said the same thing: STYX still sounds absolutely incredible. Not “good for their age.” Not “nostalgic.” Just great, plain and simple. Their harmonies were tight, their energy contagious, and their musicianship every bit as impressive as fans remembered.

A Night to Remember, for the Band and for Mankato

Guests shared stories over coffee in the halls, reminiscing about the first time they heard their favorite STYX song, and celebrating how surreal it felt to hear it live again, this time with downtown Mankato as the backdrop. Meanwhile, first-timers couldn’t stop talking about how the band exceeded every expectation, delivering a show full of heart, precision, and electric stage presence.

We Love Being Part of Your Concert Experience

At Hotel Alexander and Arch + Cable , moments like this remind us why we love what we do. When guests walk into town ready to make memories and leave glowing about both their stay and their experience, it’s the best feeling in the world. To STYX, thank you for choosing Arch + Cable while visiting Mankato! To every fan who stayed with us, whether it was your first show or your fifth, we thank you for letting our hotels be part of such an unforgettable night.

Here’s to more music, more memories, and many more incredible nights in downtown Mankato, until the next encore.

Game Night in Mankato: MSU Mavericks vs. RPI

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 18:42:00 GMT

Hockey season is in full swing, and there’s nothing like game night in Mankato. The Minnesota State University Mavericks are set to take on Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center , and the excitement is already in the air. Whether you’re coming to cheer on a favorite player, meet up with friends, or just take in some great college hockey, Hotel Alexander is ready to welcome you for the weekend.

Event Details

Matchup: MSU Mavericks vs. RPI
Location: Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
Game 1: Friday, October 24 at 7:07 PM
Game 2: Saturday, October 25 at 6:07 PM
Tickets and Information: Buy Tickets Here

There’s something special about watching Maverick hockey in person, the energy, the crowd, and the unmistakable pride of a hometown team.

Stay Local. Stay Comfortable.

At Hotel Alexander , we believe a good stay should feel effortless. Our boutique hotel pairs simple comforts with local character, creating a relaxed and welcoming space right in the heart of Mankato. We’re just minutes from the arena, so you can park once, walk to the game, and enjoy the whole evening without worry.

What makes us different:

Easy access to the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
Clean, comfortable rooms with modern amenities
Friendly staff who know Mankato inside and out
Local touches that make every stay personal

Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or just for the night, we’ll make sure your stay is as memorable as the game.

Special Savings for Maverick Fans

We love our Mavericks, and we love their fans. Use promo code MAV10 when booking your stay and enjoy 10% off your room rate during Maverick home games. It’s our way of saying thanks for keeping it local and supporting the team.

Booking Code: MAV10
Valid for stays during Maverick home game weekends. Some blackout dates may apply.

Book Your Stay: https://hotels.cloudbeds.com/reservation/TPlfRx#promo=MAV10

A Day in Mankato with Hotel Alexander

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 15:19:00 GMT

At Hotel Alexander, we love being right in the heart of Mankato, a city filled with flavor, charm, and things to discover. If you’re looking for the perfect way to spend a day here, we’ve crafted a local food journey for you, complete with activities to enjoy between meals.

After breakfast, head outdoors to soak up Mankato’s natural beauty. If you’re up for a quick drive, Minneopa State Park offers breathtaking waterfalls and even the chance to spot a roaming bison herd. Prefer to stay closer to town? The Minnesota River Trail offers a scenic path for walking or biking, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air and peaceful views.

Spend the afternoon discovering Downtown Mankato. Wander through Old Town’s colorful murals, browse unique shops, or pop into local art galleries. History buffs can also stop by the Blue Earth County Historical Society to learn more about the stories that shaped the area. There’s no shortage of ways to spend a leisurely afternoon.

Back at Hotel Alexander , settle in for a restful night. Our boutique-style rooms are designed to give you comfort and charm, the perfect ending after a day filled with flavor and discovery. With soft bedding and a welcoming atmosphere, you’ll be ready to rest well and wake up refreshed for tomorrow’s adventures. From the first bite at breakfast to your final slice of pizza at dinner, Mankato’s food and experiences create memories worth savoring. Hotel Alexander is here to be your cozy home base for it all.