At a Glance: Exploring Hastings – Fun and Food
Biking along the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) is just one one of the opportunities visitors can do when biking here in Hastings, Minnesota. As Ol’ Man River leaves the Twin Cities area on its 2,341 mile journey south, mountain bike trails, paved trails, and touring road routes make exploring Hastings a fun and unforgettable experience. The first thing riders will notices is the rugged and colorful scenery of the St. Croix and Vermilion Rivers as they meet Ol’ Man River in the Hastings.
Each year, thousands of people visit the trails and attractions here since it also has many family attractions, fun places to eat, amazing natural beauty, and recreation options you would expect from a Mississippi River town. Along with a long list of places to stay and play here in this South Twin City metro area, you will find many bicycle riding options and fun things to do when not pedaling.
When not biking, the warm summer air welcomes good times with outdoor art fairs, restaurant patios, festival events, water sports activities. In the Fall you can enjoy the colorful array of the fall foliage in the city and neaby county parks, including the spectacular Schaar’s Bluff Picnic Area.
It’s in autumn when local winery and brewery establishments offer up the crisp flavors of the harvest. In between winter and spring are fat bike experiences or cross-country skiing expeditions. You can also check out the opportunities in the historic downtown district, take in the sights, venture back in time and enjoy. Spring flowers bloom in the parks and along the bike trails welcoming another season. It’s a sight that will make you want to come back again and again.
Where to Bike in the Area
Being a bike-friendly community, you will find riding the streets and roads here safe and relaxing, along with the miles of paved trails nestled in Hastings. For the mountain bikers exploring Hastings, no matter what your level of expertise is, many fun trails are offered in nearby Afton State Park.
Available Maps for the Area
HaveFunBiking Hastings Area Map
Mississippi River Trail (St Paul to Hastings)
Walk/Hiking Opportunities
Carpenter St. Croix Nature Center
Area Bike Shops and Clubs
Hastings, MN 55033
651-438-3665
200 2nd St E Hastings, MN 55033
651-437-4010
Route Bike Shop | 200 2nd St. E., Hastings, MN 55033 | 651-437-4010
On Track Bike and Ski | 1317 Vermillion St., Hastings, MN 55033 | 651-438-3665
Where to Play When Not Biking or Hiking
14421 90th St S, Hastings, MN 55033
651-436-8385
Website
18200 Kirby Ave S, Hastings, MN 55033
651-437-1413
2101 Vermillion St, Hastings, MN 55033
Website
Vermillion Falls | 2101 Vermillion St., Hastings, MN 55033 | 888-612-6122
Alexis Bailey Vineyard | 18200 Kirby Ave. S., Hastings, MN 55033 | 651-437-1413
Historic Downtown | Mainstreet, Hastings, MN 55033
Afton Apple Orchard | 14421 90th St. S., Hastings, MN 55033 | 651-436-8385
Where to Eat
919 Vermillion St, Hastings, MN 55033
651-437-2900
Website
2100 Vermillion St, Hastings, MN 55033
651-480-0048
Website
119 2nd St E, Hastings, MN 55033
651-437-5002
Website
100 Sibley St, Hastings, MN 55033
651-437-7577
Website
While exploring Hastings, you will find it has many great places to eat such as The Onion Grille, located in historic downtown, or stop by Schoolhouse Scoop for some great tasting ice cream.
The Onion Grille | Lunch Menu | Dinner Menu | 100 Sibley St., Hastings, MN 55033 | 651-437-7577
Karl’s Red Rock Cafe | Menu | 119 2nd St. E., Hastings, MN 55033 | 651-437-5002
Las Margaritas Mexican | Menu | 2100 Vermillion St., Hastings, MN 55033 | 651-480-0048
Schoolhouse Scoop | 919 Vermillion St., Hastings, MN 55033 | 651-437-2900
Where to Sleep When Visiting
Public Wi-Fi Spots in the Area
Along with most hotels, many coffee shops and restaurants have Wi-Fi available. Additionally, the public library is another good option. The library is Pleasant Hill Library located at 1490 South Frontage Rd., Hastings, MN 55033 and can be reached by the following number: 651-438-0200.