Location: Hastings
Top Things to do in Hastings
Top 5 Things to do Good for Big Groups 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. Extreme Sandbox - Minnesota
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 605 reviews
Come play on an excavator or bulldozer for fun! We offer customers the unique opportunity to experience heavy equipment in safe and controlled environment. We let the kid in you play!
Reviewed By 509deeb - Lewisville, United States
What man has not driven past a one of these big machines and said, "Wouldn't that be fun to drive one of those?" Extreme Sandbox provides the environment, the heavy machinery and instruction to have a great time and tick that item off the Bucket List! Fun to do and fun to watch!
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. Alexis Bailly Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By hborrm2264 - Saint Paul, United States
We had a marvelous time with a wine tasting and some deli goodies to spend the better part of a snowy afternoon in a cozy spot. Always worth the trip, this place just gets better and better.
5. Whistling Well Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By angelayomo4 - Woodbury, United States
This farm is pleasant and simple but has everything you need. It was snowing so we didn’t want to stay long. A neighboring orchard would not let us buy pumpkins without paying the admission fee. So we found this farm. They had handy wagons for use. There was a nice variety of pumpkins and pre-picked apples so we could head home before it got too cold. (Sweet Tango apples!) There were chickens, goats, wishing well and a photo op. You could pick your own apples if you wanted. The apple pie and pumpkin cheesecake from the store were truly amazing. If you want a quick stop or don’t want all the busyness at big orchards, this was a lovely experience.
