{"id":11146,"date":"2021-04-21T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-21T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/?p=11146"},"modified":"2023-07-29T21:25:27","modified_gmt":"2023-07-30T02:25:27","slug":"things-to-do-in-hastings-minnesota-along-the-great-river-road","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/things-to-do-in-hastings-minnesota-along-the-great-river-road\/","title":{"rendered":"18 Fun Things to do in Hastings Minnesota Along the Great River Road"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There are some towns that you know the moment you set eyes on it that you are with your people. Hastings Minnesota, along the great river road, is one of those towns for me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Biking, Hiking, History, and Shopping are just some of the great things to do in Hastings Minnesota. You could spend weeks exploring all the fun things to do in town. It’s just a few minutes south of St. Paul take the trip!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The appeal to Hastings MN started with my first visit to Afton State Park. I wanted to stop into town and check out the scenic Vermillion Falls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Driving across the town’s stunning Hastings High Bridge, and into a historic downtown melted my heart. I could picture myself strolling down the streets, browsing stores, and canoeing down the river. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then I quickly snapped back into reality as my kids started asking their normal, “Can we go home now?” questions. They were over DayTripping. I knew I’d have to come back more and explore the town fully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to do in Hastings Minnesota<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hastings Minnesota is one of the first towns to be formed along the river. Sitting at the conversion of the St. Croix and Mississippi River, the nearby Vermillion River Falls powered the town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its nearby highways link Hastings Minnesota to the rest of the Twin Cities and still flourishes today, still keeping its small-town feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Afton State Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hastings MN is home to one of the Twin Cities’ favorites State Parks, Afton State Park<\/a>. It’s got beautiful natural trails, stunning overlooks, a small beach, fishing, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The park does allow camping, but it’s walk-in sites only. If you have the time, you should check it out! There is also a password hiding on the Hiking Club Trail<\/a> for those participating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s a fun program to encourage you to see more of the great state parks Minnesota has to offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjacent to Afton State Park is Afton Alps. A great place to do downhill skiing in winter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"St<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Vermillion Falls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The original source of power for the town. The river was named for the red clay banks. Before the river makes its way to the Mississippi, it drops 35 feet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The power energy it produced created power for four flour mills starting in 1850. The first mill produced the first saleable graham flour in the state<\/a>. The mills are no longer in operation, but you can still see a few ruins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get to the waterfall by going to Vermillion Falls Park. Then follow the sound of falling water along the paved trail to the viewing platform<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See Related:<\/strong> 11 Stunning Waterfalls Near Minneapolis<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Vermillion<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Old Mill Ruins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hike down to Old Mills Ruins. There is an amazing structure with jungle gym-like properties that were once the Ramsey Mill, built-in 1856. At its peak, the mill was producing 125 barrels per day. On December 22, 1894, the building was a victim of arson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today it sits alongside the Vermillion River at Old Mill Park. The parking lot holds about 10 or so cars, so plan accordingly. From there, take the path left to the ruins. It’s a short walk down the trail, you can’t miss it. From there start the exploitation, getting into the ruins from the left and then to the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See Related: Things to do at or near Mill Ruins Park in Minneapolis<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bike Riverwalk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Connecting Veterans Memorial Levee Park and Lake Rebecca Park. This is one of the best places to stroll along the river and catch a view of the stunning river bridge. Levee Park also has an amphitheater with summer concerts are held. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are plenty of picnic tables along the river to enjoy a summer day. The paved trail is perfect for walkers and bikers alike. This is part of a 10-mile trail loop, taking you through the best parts of Hastings MN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hastings<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Port of Hastings Outfitters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Port of Hastings Outfitters<\/a> is there to help you experience Hastings differently. With rentals of both E-Bikes and Watersports, you’ll have plenty of ways to take advantage of this great city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The city bike paths are a great way to take advantage of the opportunities in Hastings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spring Lake Park Reserve<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Spring Lake Park Reserve<\/a> is part of the Dakota County Parks<\/a>. If you do one thing in Hastings, make sure you drive to the top of Schaar\u2019s Bluff. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is one of the most picturesque views of the Mississippi River<\/a>, Spring Lake, and the city of Hastings MN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aside from checking out the overlook, the park has a great trail system that connects to the city, as well as hiking trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few miles down the road is a second entrance to the park, holding the Archery Area. Designed with towers and targets to practice your skills. There is even a secluded overlook off the north archery loop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of the park has restored prairie landscape and overlooks the deep ravine of river valley. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus there as a great playground for the kids. Plus it’s one of the free things to do in town! It’s a hidden gem in Hastings.<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Schaar's<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Archery<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Carpenter Nature Center<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Carpenter Nature Center<\/a> is a great way to explore and learn about the animals of the area. The Nature Center has a few animal ambassadors, as well as events throughout the year like Animal Meet and Greets, Wilderness Women, and Evening Explorations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also multiple different paved trail loops, all about a mile in length. The nature center has an auxiliary branch on the Wisconsin side of the river. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no charge for admission, to ensure everyone has access to it. Their classes follow this same model but they have a suggested donation when registering.<\/p>\n\n\n