Hastings, Minnesota

This small town on the Mississippi River has its roots as a fur trading post. Today, it is best known for its 'trade' inside antique stores and art galleries, housed in 1800's commercial structures in its downtown historic district. The abundance of shopping in Hastings accounts for its popularity as a weekend getaway, since it is only 20 miles southeast of the Twin Cities. This small town is proud of its 63 buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Hastings biggest event is its Rivertown Days festival held for three days each July. Spring Lake Park just northwest of the city features hiking and cross-country ski trails and the Schaar's Bluff Picnic Area.  More riverside hiking trails area available at nearby Afton State Park, along with challenging mountain bike trails and backpack camping overlooking the St. Croix River. The town is the county seat of Dakota County and is named for the first elected governor of the state of Minnesota, Henry Hastings Sibley.