Location: Hastings
Top Things to do in Hastings
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The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Hastings, Minnesota (MN)
Hastings is a city in Dakota and Washington counties, in the U.S. state of Minnesota, near the confluence of the Mississippi, Vermillion, and St. Croix Rivers. Its population was 22,172 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Dakota County, which contains most of it as well as a small part extending into Washington County. It is named for the first elected governor of the state of Minnesota, Henry Hastings Sibley.
Restaurants in Hastings
1. Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Flinhart
This is an amazing place - every time you go (whether you're an adult or child), there's something new going on. First off - the park offers lots of events - snow showing in the winter, bird watching and bird banding. Check out the website/newsletter to find out when the next event is taking place. There are many trails and paths that walk along the river. Fortunately, there are benches along the path - when you see something beautiful, you can sit, pause, and enjoy the view.
2. Spring Lake Park Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By TravelingSoccerLoon - Saint Paul, United States
Great views of the Mississippi River and nice biking especially north near Schaar's Bluff and beyond. Nice fall colors. Alternatively you can head south of the Park Reserve and find the trail that takes you down to Lock and Dam Number 2.
3. Afton State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Located near St. Paul, this 1,700 acre-park offers camping, hiking, biking, swimming and cross-country skiing.
Reviewed By JEBtravel2018 - Coon Rapids, United States
Finally got to hike Afton. The park is on the river. There is a nice flat trail you can walk that is about 1.5 miles one way. There are a lot of other trails with lots of diversity. You can climb up hills. Go through prairie grass and walk through pine trees. This is a strenuous hike so be prepared. There are picnic tables too. We went in November and there were a lot of people so I’m assuming this park is really busy in the summer. The views on top of the hill are beautiful.
4. Vermillion Falls
5. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park is a 579-acre Regional Park on the wild and scenic St. Croix River. The rolling upland prairies, wooded ravines, and bluffs are a hallmark of this park, which fronts on 3,800 feet of shoreline along the St. Croix River, a nationally-recognized wild and scenic river route. Vehicle permits are required in this park. Park Facilities and Activities: ◦Basketball Court ◦Boat Launch (only suited for boats 19 feet or shorter) ◦Campfire Programs ◦Hiking Trails ◦Modern Camping ◦Picnic Pavilions ◦Play Area ◦Programs & Events ◦Tennis Courts ◦XC Ski Trails
Reviewed By dottyc2013 - Savannah, United States
We took our teardrop trailer here and enjoyed the manicured/well maintained campsite (cleanest pit toilets I've ever seen, and there was a lovely modern bath/shower facility as well). There are plenty of electric campsites, which eliminated the bane of generator drone, as well as non-electric sites for tent campers. Lovely playground equipment and a volleyball court was a hit with the young people. Great hiking trails along the bluffs down to the St. Croix River. The property was once a private park for the employees and retirees from the Ceridian/Control Data Corporation. Now in the hands of Washington County, it is a lovely respite from the stress of big city life.
6. Levee Park
7. Point Douglas County Park
8. Afton Alps
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 85 reviews
Large recreation area is loaded with outdoor fun including downhill ski runs, and an 18-hole golf course.
Reviewed By Unknown_65potato
This is my favorite ski area in Minnesota, the hill is great. Since I’m an instructor (for skijammers not Afton) find that some of the hills are great for beginner skier
10. This Old Horse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
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