The county seat of Dakota County, a portion of the city of Hastings, Minnesota extends into Washington County. The city if situated near the confluence of the Mississippi River, the Vermillion River, and the St. Croix River. The main routes through the city include US Highway 61 and Minnesota Highways 55 and 316. Prescott, Wisconsin is located across the river and to the east of Hastings, while Nininger is northwest, along the Mississippi River. Other nearby communities include Coates, Cottage Grove, Empire, Hampton, Pine Bend, Rich Valley, Smith Landing, and Vermillion. St. Paul is about twenty miles northwest of Hastings. The area around Hastings was first settled by a military detachment sent from Fort Snelling in 1820. A trading post was developed there in 1833, and the region was opened for white settlement with the Treaty of Mendota in 1851. The area was initially known as Oliver’s Grove, but its name was changed to Hastings when the settlement was incorporated as a city in 1857. The community developed largely because of its water resources, which provided water power for mills, while the rivers provided a deep water harbor for steamboats. Early on, several bridges were built over the rivers, and the surrounding farm land brought immigrants to the area. As the county seat, Hastings soon offered opera houses, a library system, health care facilities, a park system, churches, and schools. The modern highway system has made Hastings an outer suburb of the Twin Cities. Hasting’s population has increased every year since 1890.
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Situated at the confluence of the Mississippi, Vermillion and St. Croix rivers, the city of Hastings is situated within a half hour of the Twin Cities. The official municipal web site features council agendas and minutes and an introduction to the city’s elected and appointed officials, councils, boards and committees, as well as a guide to area attractions and events.
http://www.hastingsmn.gov/
Located in Hastings, the county seat, the county library’s location and hours are posted, along with an annual report, policy information, charges and fees, as well as library guidelines on the use of Internet and mobile devices, data privacy, distribution of free periodicals, public conduct, and the public use of meeting rooms.
https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/libraries/
Bordered by the Minnesota and Mississipi rivers to the north, and the State of Wisconsin to the east, Dakota County is the third most populous county in Minnesota. The official county web site features maps and directions, departmental contacts and a guide to county facilities, services, attractions, and events.
https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/
Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau
The non-profit volunteer organization is made up of business owners and individuals who work to advance the commercial, financial, industrial, and civic interests of the Hastings, Minnesota region. Its mission, member benefits, and a directory of local businesses are published to the site.
http://www.hastingsmn.org/
Featuring a museum, natural and cultural history planetarium, and theater, the Hastings Museum, founded in 1927, is the largest municipal museum between Chicago and Denver. Its history, exhibits, theater, planetarium, and programs are featured, including special programs for teachers and educational facilities.
http://hastingsmuseum.org/
Published in Hastings, Minnesota, the daily newspaper covers local, regional, statewide, and national news, sports stories, obituaries, and other topics and features, although full access to its content requires a subscription. Readers may subscribe online. Advertising options and newspaper prints are also available.
http://www.hastingsstargazette.com/
The non-profit business association was formed for the purpose of protecting and preserving the Hastings, Minnesota downtown area through sustainable development. Membership information is presented, along with a business directory and a guide to area points of interest, a calendar of events, and photo gallery.
http://www.downtownhastingsmn.com/
WJ Haas Manufacturing Corporation
The small, family-operated metal fabrication company in Hastings, Minnesota has been in operation since 1915, offering personalized welding, forming and metal cutting services, custom metal fabrication, and other operations. Its location, services, and contacts are posted to the site, along with contacts and office hours.
http://wjhaas.com/