Hastings: Discover Trails, Waterfalls, and History

For a stay in Hastings, you can choose from trails, nature watching, and historical attractions. Specific points of interest include a hiking and biking trail along the Mississippi River, a waterfall park, a present-day museum in a Gothic Revival home, and a vineyard first planted in 1973. The activities that suit you depend on whether you enjoy spending time outdoors, birdwatching, or learning about architecture and local history.

Trails, the Mississippi, and nature watching

Hastings has more than 30 miles of trails. One named route is the Ten-Mile Loop, a hiking and biking trail along the Mississippi River. This lets you choose based on your preferred activity: the loop is specifically designated for hiking and biking and runs along the river.

The Hastings Parks & Recreation Department manages 33 sites where visitors can explore trails and natural areas and enjoy especially good birdwatching. If birdwatching is your priority, these sites offer a different focus than choosing a specific hiking and biking route.

Waterfall park and history at Vermillion Falls

Vermillion Falls Park is a stop on the Ten-Mile Loop. There, visitors can see the 35-foot-tall Vermillion Falls. The park also offers opportunities to picnic and explore, as well as views of the waterfall and a limestone gorge. This spot therefore offers both opportunities for outdoor activities and a striking landscape.

Vermillion Falls also has historical significance: in the 19th century, the waterfall was used to power a gristmill. A visit to the park can therefore be combined with a look at the waterfall’s former use; the gorge and waterfall also provide a scenic point of interest.

Museum and historic architecture

The LeDuc Historic Estate now serves as a museum and offers tours of a Gothic Revival home. Visitor information is seasonal, so check the schedule before your visit. The tour offers an introduction to a particular architectural style, while additional information about architecture in Hastings provides a broader perspective.

The Historic Hastings Walking Tour map includes a building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Hastings has a total of 62 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The map highlights a specific architectural feature, while the total offers a broader view of the city’s historic buildings.

Winemaking and brewery culture

Alexis Bailly Vineyard was first planted in 1973, making it Minnesota’s first commercial vineyard. The planting year offers a specific connection to the state’s winemaking history. Spiral Brewery is a brewpub and taproom in Hastings. These offer a choice of different local themes: the history of a commercial vineyard or a business that combines a brewery and taproom.

Discover more destinations: Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Lakeville, Inver Grove Heights, Rosemount.

See the broader travel overview: Dakota.